A Gathering Of Hunters: Vampires | Chapter 1-Complete-

[sky.]

Character: Eden
Player/Group: open
@Kassia - Kaden || Fiona
@InsaynePayne - Vanessa
Location: || The Bridge Apartments ||
Time: -

---

Luxx's tall ears heard the clicking of that lady's heels long before the friendly knock echoed through the apartment. His tail, or better yet - lack of, waged viciously. If it had been anyone else, the Doberman would have simply continued with his after-mission playtime routine. Instead, he waited impatiently at the door, struggling to keep his legs still - prancing back and forth like a pup. Greeting Fiona with a nudge of his cold nose when she finally entered.

- - - - -​

Danger? Wasn't that what each of them put themselves through every single damn time. Eden held back her bite, keeping the thought of his opinion silent. We were fine. I would never put Luxx in harm's way. Seeing the situation under a different light, his light was proving harder than she anticipated. Sure, they bickered here and there, but this was different. Letting her frustration out with another vigorous punch she shook her head, "it wasn't selfish, Kade - " her voice trailed off as she repositioned for an equally sturdy strike. "It was careless and stupid," her fist met his hand with a slightly audible thud. "What would happen if something actually did happen to you, huh? No. The Guild would be less without you. Pepper, Luxx, me," her prominent globes glided up to his, stopping to catch her breath. I'd never forgive myself if I left you and you were injured or fucking worse. Killed. The reality was he was safe, why hold this against him? Offering him a spirited smirk Eden looked over his body, sucking in the air through her teeth - "think you might be right, old man. Might have to fight myself someone who is more of a challenge." She rubbed her chin, scratching the top of her blonde hair.

"Help a gal out?"

She playfully tapped a gloved hand against his chest. "Better get out there before Luxx tries to fallow her home, again" Eden rolled her eyes - giggling at the thought of his last attempt. Belly crawling behind her when she went to leave. "Thanks," she smiled at Kaden and tossed the used mitts aside on one of the benches. I'll have to get back to you later, not that Kaden had interrupted anything special, no nighttime workout she depended on before turning in for the night. Using the room more or less as she pleased, mostly times like this when a million things bottled and were shoved on a already rickety shelf. Aside from Kaden, Ara was the only who she spared with ... look lessons from which actually sank and stayed in the stubborn woman's mind.

"You worry too much, you know that?" Eden laughed, holding out her hands to prove that they were fine and functional. Giving her fingers a dramatic wiggle. Walking side by side she exited the training room. A now curious expression upon her face as well. That is interesting, I wonder who called. "I didn't either," she added - grabbing a white towel off of a rack to take with her. A future bath was calling her name, a long one at that. For now, she settled for ridding herself of whatever sweat she could before interacting with their guest. "Who do you think did," her eyes slid back up Kaden, this time a gleam of concern lingered as she waited for his response.

Eden prepared for the hug that she knew was coming. Not that she disliked Fiona in any way, but the contact had always been too much. That went for anyone, really. Not being an individual who was good at expressing themselves physically. "Hey," she smiled, hugging the stunning and always dressed to kill, Fiona. "Lucky for you this guy couldn't keep up," Eden nodded towards Kaden. "Hardly broke a sweat." Her hands rested on her hips, leaning her weight to one side. "Oh, Luxx. Leave her alone," Eden's attention drifted to her canine who continued to travel wherever Fiona went. "Go play with Pepper," arching a slender brow she urged him away, ignoring the strong look of disappointment he gave her. Finding a cool spot on the flooring to curl on. Nice try buddy, not falling for it.

The smell of varies food filled the space, she's always so good to us. Eden waited for the woman to acknowledge what she had brought before heading for the kitchen. Buffet style. Her stomach growled and wasn't the type to be picky. Grabbing a stack of dishes, she placed them near the bags of intoxicating aromas. "You really are an angel, Fiona" Eden smiled, "thank you." She inhaled deeply, not realizing she hadn't had a bite herself all day. Hopping up onto the countertop Eden started on the mound of food. Sticking it with a fork before it could topple over where it became free game for Pep and Luxx. She sat quietly, thanking the woman once more for the ice she ushered in her direction. She's as bad as Kaden. Ignoring the bag of ice, she carried on with her meal. Listening to what the woman had to say about her sudden arrival.

"Makes sense after what Kaden and I saw tonight," Eden paused, "I've never seen so many all at once like that. Gave us a nasty chase at the end."

New drug on the market? That made the mouthful of food hard to swallow. It was no secret that she played on the wrong side of the tracks once, much like most of them. The want to question what kind of drug played at the tip of her tongue. To her relief the attention moved to Vanessa who had been recommended to eat along with them. Eden rested the half empty plate next to her, giving the woman a grin, "I'll take a cup. Or three," Eden jested, letting her body slide sluggishly down. After a quick clean-up she pulled down some mixed matched mugs for whoever wanted needed caffeine, pouring herself a cup of the dark steamy liquid. She was right, it seemed to be worsening each night.

"Tell us more about this "new drug". Seems like a solid place to start-" Eden gazed around the room, finding each face over the rim of her coffee.

 

[Fish is yum]

Character: Maxine "Max" Conners
Player/Group: Shipyard Crew; Naomi Richardsen (@Kassia ), Aratone Palladino (@BennyQ ), Ollie "Operator" Kromwell (@Xerxes I )
Location: Shipyard
Time: Night
Vernacular source: Streetslang

Maxine grumbled in annoyance at Aratone's stubbornness. "Oh what? The gonk not even in a tac-vest is gonna…" More sounds of struggle, more pistol shots, her own gun this time, the one she had given to Naomi. Many shots at once, sounding like panic fire to Max. There wasn't time to argue, but this was not over. "Fine!" She snarled, reaching under her shirt and pulling off the Velcro of her vest, the movement making her grunt in pain as it twinged her ribs. It was designed to not have to go over the head in case it failed and someone needed to get to the wound quickly though, so she didn't have to take off her ruined shit to remove it. She grabbed the man with probably more force than necessary, putting the tac-vest on him over his clothing. "No fucking dying gonk." She hissed, eyes worried, voice angry. The vest was tight, and a bit heavy, but it was more protection for the 'ganic, and adjustable enough to fit his frame. She'd have to just rely on her dermal armor, which meant she'd have to be more careful about fighting, but whatever. They would have words later.

Making sure she had done everything she could to protect her friend, she went to go save the rookie. Relying on her empowered body, pushing herself she sprinted towards the sound, metal teeth grinding as she fought through the pain of her battered and beleaguered body. Her black and red eyes spotted a sledgehammer, which she snagged, not even slowing as she easily lifted the tool as if it was made of plastic instead of steel and hickory. Or maybe it was oak? It was wood and that was the important part. She too could be stealthy, though in a very different way than Ara. It was the stealth of the bum-rush, the speeding car you didn't see crossing the street, or the boot to the back of your head. She chuckled at the irony of using a sledgehammer, but she couldn't give the vamps a chance to drag any fights out now, not with half of her usual armor protecting Ara.

She turned a corner and spotted a pair of vamps chuckling to each other as the shots tapered off, and Naomi fighting the target, Vincent, all on her own. With a silent snarl Maxine broke into a full sprint, legs pumping, synthetic muscles driving her forward at a breakneck pace. The pair of underlings were stalking forward, like vultures waiting for the jackal to take its fill of a carcass before going in themselves. The one noticed her, but only after it was too late. She swung the sledgehammer as hard as she could, the tool actually whistling through the air as the head collided with the one lieutenant's chest with a sickening crunch and sharper crack of the wooden handle splintering, smashing him into another shipping container. The head of the hammer burst out the monsters back and lodged itself with a tremendous clang into the corrugated mild steel of the container, pinning the beast there gurgling and struggling for just a moment before the jagged point of the now broken handle found his heart. Unfortunately as she did she felt the strap of the '3030 go limp, hearing the gun clatter loudly several yards away. The other Lieutenant had sliced through the strap and tossed the weapon away.

At the same time she saw Vincent yelling, waving his arm wildly, and Naomi clinging to it, biting him. Feeding on him! She realized suddenly. She shoved those thoughts aside, there was no time for that.

The moment of surprise now thoroughly over, Max leaped back as the other lieutenant rushed her, closing the distance again and snarling, claws spread as it rushed forward. She tossed the last bottle of smite at the thing, and impossibly it caught the delicate bottle and tossed it aside, where it smashed harmlessly against the pavement next to the '3030. Shit, well at least it didn't throw it in my face… She thought to herself, drawing her knife as the lieutenant drew his own. Shit… this isn't good. She continued to back up, trying to also move to the left, hoping to circle back around the rifle. That's when she noticed that the vamp was… letting her do that? Why? Her black and red eyes started studying the creature, drawing once again on a combination of experience and intuition.

"I smell your blood human…" The lieutenant chuckled advancing slowly, keeping his glowing evil eyes on Maxine. Maxine studied him, letting him talk, the pain in her ribs and gut making it hard for her usual banter. He had an expensive suit… and the way he walked was… characteristic. That upright posture, like he had a stick up his ass, looking down his nose even when he was crouched forward a little. This was an ex-corpo… her eyes narrowed, finding another easy reason to hate the leach. "Not a lot of blood, but you are hurt… what, to scared to talk? Or maybe…" He tilted his head, listening, then smiled. "Ah, I see…" He rushed in and Maxine ducked and pivoted, fighting through the pain of her ribs as she tried and failed to sweep his leg. Head still tilted, like a dog listening to something, the lieutenant said "Broken ribs are so painful… I wonder if that was why you did it to Jeffry like that? Payback, eh?"

Maxine smiled, then laughed, wincing as it hurt, slowly keeping her knife low and switching hands, maintaining eye contact. "That gonk was named Jeffry? What a fucking chump-ass name." The leach lashed out, snarling loudly, wrath twisting his face into something bestial. This Jeffry character must have been close to this one… a lover? No… A brother. Yes, maybe not twins but… certainly siblings, something around the jaw. So that was projection about the payback then? But there was more she noticed as she dodged back from a lunge, watching how he fought. There were so many people who only had software for knife fighting, who had sparred with 'masters' who just happily took their creds, or (and she was suspicious this was the case with this vamp) they relied on innate advantages and skill alone. What that meant was he was a bit like Naomi in a way, though not exactly. He was used to pray that was slower, weaker, more helpless than him. You check some of those boxes with broken ribs.

She tested her theory, lunging forward herself, not quite full speed, quickly lifting both arms and her head and getting her torso out of the way as Jeffry's brother swiped at her to keep her back. She watched his eyes, locked on her belly, he had wanted to spill her guts… but they were wide, too wide. She felt it then, a thin cut that had turned her t-shirt into a crop top and left a burning line of pain across her toned abs. Razor thin, but enough to bleed slowly. It had gotten through her dermal armor. This sucker was strong… It was like being a kid again, when knives were an actual worry. "You better be good for that leach, this was a nova tee."

"I'll buy a new one to bury you in bitch!" The vampire screamed and Max rolled to the left getting up and backing way still slowly outside of her quicker dodges, though still not quite at full speed, holding back, wanting to get her preferred weapon back. This cost her though, and soon she had several small thin cuts. Nothing more than superficial, but they were painful and distracting. The vampire had a few of his own, skin sizzling as her blessed blade sliced across a forearm, a thigh, and even the vamp's collarbone.

"I'm going to test a theory. Vamp's can't survive sunlight. The shipyard's got the warehouses rigged with UV lights to decontaminate incoming containers, I'm not sure if the UV wavelengths are what cause trouble with vamps, but it's worth a shot."

That… changed Max's plan, the end goal anyway. Nova Op! Gone full Gibson! She sent through the neural link Ara, you got your trap! She paid for her distraction as the vamp's knife sliced across her right eyebrow, the blood flowing freely. It didn't sting, her eyes were digital, but it messed with the stimulus input enough to be disorienting, forcing her to close her right eye. "Fucker!" She swore, staggering back a step. The cut itself burned icily, the sensations jumping between searing heat and crystallizing cold in that way some cuts did when they were done with a sharp enough blade. She had to deal with this, and deal with it quickly. She hated being a living hourglass.

The Lieutenant licked his knife slowly, clearly posturing, and she could tell from her lack of reaction he was annoyed. Definitely a fresh lieutenant, he hid the frustration well, but he still was trying to rely on tactics that worked mostly on civies, not vet hunters like her. Her vision flickered, digital bars and lines effected by… something. Maxine glanced up to the container, seeing that Naomi was on top of Vincent, clearly feeding. She took another step back, and she heard the scrape of her '3030 on the pavement. It was only then that the lieutenant realized she had been working her way back to the gun. "Bitch!" He snarled, leaping forward, knife lifted in an ice-pick grip. Truly, an idiot with a knife. A loud shot from Alyssa's gun caught the vamp as he gave her a solid shot at his chest, but the angle was off. Fortunately, that gave Max all the opening she needed.

Quick as a flash, no longer holding back her speed or reaction time, Max bent down and hefted the '3030 and rattled off several bursts, her ribs screaming in agony as she fired into the chest of the vamp, though she missed his heart because the targeting software of the gun glitched out with her one eye closed because of the blood, which was further complicated by her moving in close and only holding the gun with one hand. She sidestepped the downward plunge of the leach's knife chopping down with a proper grip with her own. The lieutenant screamed as its arm hit the ground, it's knife clattering out of still wiggling fingers. Max hated that about some vamps, they twitched like dead insects. It was gross. She reeled again as the lieutenant lashed out with it's fist, knocking her '3030 upwards so that it smacked her square in her face, giving her several cuts including one right across the bridge of her nose. She didn't lose any teeth only because she had replaced them with metal ones, bolted in and designed to take a beating from other borged up mercs.

With her own shriek of a battle cry she lifted one leg, twisting her core and driving all of her power behind it into the side of the vamps knee, not breaking it but hooking it in such a way that it forced the leg to bend before bringing up her metal plated knee right into the lieutenants chin, with a solid crack, sending him sprawling. Her body ached, she was bleeding, her ribs felt worse, but once again pain was something you just had to deal with. She'd die if she gave in, and she still had to find Nicole. "You fuckers just keep on trying… Maybe I should let one of you gonks go so you know to just fucking swallow a bullet when I show up." She said it flatly, they both knew she wouldn't do that. Moving forward again she clocked the monster across the face with the '3030, not letting up, knocking it down again before forcing her other eye open to turn on the rifles targeting systems, sending one last burst through the chest and heart.

Panting, she forced herself to keep going, running back to where she had seen Naomi, jumping and pulling herself up onto the shipping crate. Blood dripped from her chin, coating her right cybernetic eye so that it was fully red, other cuts and wounds also running down slowly. She hefted the '3030, not quite aiming it at Naomi, and not quite at Vincent, but in between the pair of them. She stayed back, waiting. "You good Choombatta? Not short-circed?" The kindness was gone from her eyes, replaced with only a firm determination to do what needed to be done. It was the weary look of a cornered and injured animal, liable to lash out viciously in defense. It was only after she noticed that Naomi was completely uncontious that she aimed fully at Vincent, cautiously moving forward. She thought of just shooting now, but she might hit Naomi, so she needed to get closer.

I need a fucking vacation… that or a drink. She thought to herself tiredly.

 

[Kassia]

Character: Kaden/ Naomi
Player/Group: Aratone [ @BennyQ ] Maxine [ @Fish is yum ], Eden [ @sky. ] Vanessa [ @InsaynePayne ]
Location: Shipyard/ Apartment-> The Widows Peak
Time: Monday, Night-time

---

Kaden finished his food, turned to wash off his plate, and set it in the dishwasher. He glanced over at the coffee pot while Vanessa loaded the machine and pressed the "ON" button. He paused; If he drank coffee now, he would be up all night, but he figured if they made it to The Widow's Peak, the alcohol might counter the effects of the caffeine. In the common area, Luxx and Pepper wrestled, threw, and shook toys from the basket under the large television.

"The new drug is a strain of Valkyr called K-80. It merges with the vampire DNA after the blood is consumed and turns them into these feral zombie-like beings hell-bent on blood. They don't care who it's from as long as its blood. This is posing an issue for the vampires as well." Fiona moved off of her stool and started to lose the clamshells and additional food containers as she realized the others might not be arriving any time soon; she was disappointed as she hadn't seen the other three in quite some time. Still, she knew they would be happy if they saw food in the fridge. After stacking the food containers, Fiona moved them into the refrigerator and then, in elegant script on the refrigerator notepad, wrote:

𝐹𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝒹𝑔𝑒 <𝟥
-𝐹𝒾

Kaden diverted his attention from pepper and Luxx playing in the common area and then looked down at the island's countertop. " We should head to The Widow's peak, turn in the teeth. We can wait for the others there."

"Good plan," Fiona said with a smile and nod. " I will wait for the others if they need additional medical attention. Ice your hands, honey," she said, looking to Eden with a smile and a gentle squeeze of her shoulder. " Be safe. Go armed. Who knows what is lurking out there still."

---

P A R T 2

​

After Naomi was sent back into the cold, hard, and unforgiving ground of the shipyard, she could only catch her breath for a moment before being thrown into another trial by Erra.

As her eyes opened, Naomi realized she was back in her old apartment; the sun shone down on her while she lay in bed, sheets kicked and twisted, and her body turned slightly to the side. She searched the room with her eyes only and then settled on the bedroom balcony window where sheer curtains blew inwards towards her. Gradually she sat up, her body ached something fierce, and she knew it was from the haphazard way she had been sleeping.

Erra sat in a stylish chair in the corner, looking out towards the bright daylight. Maybe all this had been a dream, the hunters, the guild, the vampires... Perhaps she was waking from a nightmare, and this was finally over. Naomi tossed off the sheets and let her feet test the ground. Navigating through the apartment, she felt it had been still, unmoved, and unlike her home before.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Erra asked softly. "The way the sun warms your skin. It's been centuries since I've stood in the light."

"Why are you here?" Naomi questioned, perplexed as she had thought all this had been a dream.

"To give you your second trial."

"I thought there was only one."

"There are as many as needed until you discover all of your abilities."

"I already have speed, strength, and the ability to create fire. What more can there be?"

Erra smiled and slid her eye to Naomi but did not move her chin from her hand. " You have one more, Fledgling."

Naomi crossed her arms, glimpsed forward at the balcony attached to the living room, and then walked towards it. As she approached it, she could see a tightrope stretching from the living room balcony into the unknown distance. Naomi knew she had to climb the ledge and walk the rope without another word, but the idea caused her far too much anxiety. Erra didn't push, and she watched Naomi contemplate the idea in her head.

Finally, she crawled onto the balcony, approached the tightrope, and let her hands stretch outwards to hold her balance. The tight rope wobbled and swayed in the high winds, but Naomi took small delicate steps forward. She did this for quite some time before she met the end of the tight rope and then saw her apartment disappear in the distance and the building the rope was attached to. It was unfamiliar, the inside black and lightless.

"Wait..." The fledgling paused and crouched, her hands gripping the rope tighter. " No... no, I don't want to be this!" She yelled and skimmed the area around her, realizing the tightrope was a metaphor for turning into her true vampire form. The rope bounced with her movement, and she started to sob. There were only a few feet left to go, and it seemed like the most brutal distance to travel. There was no stopping now. She had come all this way. Unhurriedly she crawled on the rope until she reached the end and crumpled down onto the balcony of the unfamiliar apartment.

"You've done well," Erra expressed with a smile as she moved out from behind one of the unfamiliar apartment's sliding doors.

"I don't want to be this!" Naomi's fists clenched, and her body remained ridged, but it seemed like an aura of white light encompassed her. Slowly, her eyes turned from focused hazel orbs into white gloss, and the same white atmosphere encircled Erra before whisps stretched out towards Naomi, and Erra gradually dropped to her knees. At this moment, Naomi appeared to be draining her life in the most unconventional pathways. Erra slid to the ground and reached out to Naomi, who stepped away and around the spiritual body of Erra.

Just as she was about to leave the woman on the balcony in her weakened state, she turned last minute. Erra lifted her head and reached out again, curling her fingers into a fist and draining every ounce of energy from Naomi's body. Again, Naomi fell to the ground like a brick.

"Well done, fledgling." Erras voice was distant, and the area around Naomi began to blur as she was thrust back into reality.

 

[BennyQ]

Character: Aratone Palladino.
Player/Group: Shipyard Crew; Naomi Richardsen (@Kassia), Maxine Conners (@Fish is yum). Oliver Kromwell (@Xerxes I)
Location: Shipyard.
Time: Monday, Night-time.

---

Aratone just bit his lower lip to hide his rueful smile as Maxine thrust her tac-vest onto him, ushering her off when it was mostly on, as he could handle the straps and hooks himself. There was a…colleague, that needed to be rescued. Ollie’s voice crackled over the comms, confirming that the target was indeed preying on Naomi of all people. And Maxine would need all the speed and haste she could muster. In regards to the “why” of Naomi being targeted, that would be a riddle for another time. As for Aratone, he would deal with these vampires left behind as counter-bait to their own attempted ambush, otherwise it would be a fighting retreat all the way back to their apartments most likely. Time to thin out the herds a little.

Ollie explained a scheme, involving the decontamination lights and their possible effect on vampires. ”Give me a moment, I’ll try to bait as many of them as I can into a warehouse before you hit those lights.” He radioed back, shifting out of cover as Maxine made her way towards Naomi, Aratone firing several wild shots to draw attention to himself, before ducking behind the bullet-riddled, scorched concrete barriers positioned here and there. He tried to make it look like he was running for higher ground, hoping to entice the vampire’s natural predator instincts to give chase to a prey that showed it’s back to them. He kicked the door down to one structure and moved in, weaving between machinery both silent and operating. At any moment, the lights would be flicked on to a severe degree, like walking under the desert sun without any protection, or worse.

But he had to risk it, to make the timing on this trap juuust right. He ducked behind the silhouette of a large crane and waited, the first few vampires bursting in behind him. Click-clack. Aratone blasted one in the midsection, a non-fatal albeit painful strike, but the disciplined vampire took the rounds like a sponge and forced his way inwards, allowing his fellows to crowd in behind and then scatter to the side, to attempt to flank this last human. Aratone didn’t stick around for the trap, hastening to the rear exit, just as the UV lights kicked in, ramped up to eleven.

He didn’t wait to see what began to cause the most horrendous and terrifying screams. As he burst out the rear door, his own back, covered by his undershirt, clothing, and jacket, felt like it was on fire. He came back out in the darkness and took a step or two before sniffing. Smoke sizzled off his leather duster. It smelled horribly. But he was alive. ”Scratch several for Ollie.” He reported in, the Operator’s move frying perhaps a half-dozen all with the press of a few buttons. Now that was a good trade-off. His duster…well, too bad. It was a decade out of style anyways.

And then…What the fuck? ”Ollie? Aratone put his hand to his ear, not waiting to find out, simply racing away from the shipyard battlefield. ”What’s happenin’? We still got eyes on the others?” He inquired, asking for a report. But there was no camera feed or even input. They were reduced to the most primitive form of data-collection; with their eyes and ears only. He could only move in direction of the echo of gunfire, hoping he would find one, hopefully both, of his colleagues alive.

And arrive just at the end of it all…

---

The Trial of Naomi Richardsen might seem like it lasted moments. For Vincent, the moment her fangs sank into his flesh unexpectedly, it was all of five seconds. He thrust her off with a disgusted snarl, not at all bothered by his own hypocrisy of biting into others, yet not being able to withstand being bitten himself. Ugh. Filthy. Unsanitary! Leave it to the Hunters to bring a half-feral fuckin’ vampire to such a fight. What sort of twisted devilry was this? He could not fathom that Naomi might have had ulterior motives for biting him. No, he assumed it was just some desperate ploy of the Hunters, fringe-ass annoyances that they were.

Something was happening though. Inside of him. He felt…sick. At first, like an upset stomach, something he might have consumed that didn’t set right with him. He was confident he would feel better. All around was the sound of weapons discharge, of grunting and hurried feet and occasional flashes in the nearby darkness, but Vincent didn’t concern himself with it yet. He stumbled back from Naomi, reaching to his neck and feeling the cold wetness of his own undead, vampiric blood on his fingers. He brought his hand before him in disbelief. This little runt…had dared do this to him?

Look at her, withering on the ground…pathetic.

She would be easy to finish off. He stretched his wings, feeling a strange stiffness but the adrenaline of the moment and combat put it out of mind. Yes, he could see it now. He would thrust the pointed pincers at the end of his wings through her chest, lift her into the air, and tear her apart in two in a bloody spray of gore and guts. Yes, that would be fitting. Yet as he willed his wings to take form, reeling back and ready to stab down at Naomi’s prone form, it felt so…sluggard. Like he was dragging his wings through water. What was happening to him?

He stooped over Naomi, just breathing, thinking his full strength would return the next instant and he could get on with painting this particular corner of the shipyard with her blood. Two coats, at least. He reached down to grab her and even that took two hands. What was happening to him? Hurried feet. A subordinate? No, it was…a woman, one of the Hunters, wielding a weapon. Spewing some other vulgarity. Choombatta?

Vincent held Naomi by the scuff of her upper garments, turning to hold her limp form between himself and the Hunter. ”Is this your pet?” He demanded of Maxine. By the Goddess, even talking seemed breath-taking. No matter. It was only one Hunter. Against him, a Creator? His overconfidence was higher than a kite. He grinned, showing bloodied fangs, even though he hadn’t even bit anyone. He was bleeding internally from whatever Naomi had done to him. And whatever the Goddess had decreed. He didn’t know it yet, but he was out of time, and that should be a most strange and uncertain concept for an immortally undead vampire. Which is why he wasn’t recognizing the signs.

Hefting Naomi up and about, unaware she was soon coming out of her reprieve, he put Naomi in a headlock, forcing her to be thrust between himself and Maxine’s weapon. ”Back up. Or when I cut this bitch’s throat, you’ll get an eyeful of the most wondrous crimson hue. Then you’ll understand a bit of proper fury.” He grinned ruefully at Maxine.

 

[Fish is yum]

Character: Maxine "Max" Conners
Player/Group: Shipyard Crew; Naomi Richardsen (@Kassia ), Aratone Palladino (@BennyQ ), Ollie "Operator" Kromwell (@Xerxes I )
Location: Shipyard
Time: Night
Vernacular source: Streetslang

Maxine staired flatly at the creator, not hiding her study of him. She could see that something was up, and had already guessed that it must have been something Naomi had done. Blood continued to coat her right eye, garbling the input. She thought about trying to see if she could edit the internal code to shut that part of her vision off, but she wasn't Ollie. Knowing her luck it would completely cut the feed or invert the image or something distinctly unhelpful. So to keep the targeting functions working in the '3030, she just delt with watching her own life seep across her vision.

"Is this your pet?"

She grinned, metal teeth glinting in the ambient light. "Pet? The fuck's wrong with you? Stupid leach. She's the unpaid intern." Max's tone was cheery, dripping with sarcasm. She couldn't help it, she was just too stressed not to push the vamp's buttons a bit. "Biggest bunch of beavs I've seen in years." She chuckled, wincing again at the sharp pains from her ribs. She made herself continue, "Beavs are always so full of hot air, easy to pop 'em." She jerked a thumb over her shoulder, knowing that the one lieutenant, the one pinned to the shipping container by the sledgehammer and it's handle, was clearly visible. "That your pet?" She said, mimicking his voice only enough to be annoying, her grin widening as he realized and snarled, his gums bleeding. What was happening to him? She had never seen this in a vampire.

Vincent looked forward to the moment in the near future when he had his hands around Maxine's throat. Those had been useful tools, and with the goddess limiting those he could turn they would be difficult to replace. And they had been a matching set too.

Max took another few steps closer, moving slow, watching the creator's deteriorating form. She needed to close the distance, with only one eye she didn't want to take any chances and accidentally hit the rookie. Of course, Vincent didn't enjoy that.

"Back up. Or when I cut this bitch's throat, you'll get an eyeful of the most wondrous crimson hue. Then you'll understand a bit of proper fury."

He had Naomi in a headlock, but Max was close enough to be confident in her next shot, so even as Vincent was saying the final syllable Max squeezed off a chattering burst, from the '3030, having targeted the head through her gun. The combination of the close range and using the gun's targeting system on a part of the anatomy it was more stringently designed around meant that the trio of bullets left a neatly triangular grouping just between the creator's eyes.

Vincent swore as the feeling of three hot nails drove their way into his head, and he reached for the fire that would barbecue this upstart, teach her a lesson before… Where was his fire? It was… gone?! Needing to get away to figure out what was wrong, Vincent's eyes looked down at the unconscious Naomi. She had done this! Had the hunters used this fledgling somehow to nullify his powers? He had to get away, but not before killing both of these women, maybe topping up would get rid of this sick feeling he had? He hurled Naomi at Maxine, making her grunt and stagger and rushed forward, hands spreading, gasping, forcing himself forward.

Maxine buckled as the weight of Naomi hit her battered and bruised body, and distinctly felt a snap from one of her ribs. She let Naomi drop, planning to apologize later as she heard the rookie's head bang loudly on the shipping container. Max leveled the '3030, confused by how slowly the creator was moving. She wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth though, and sent three quick bursts into Vincent's chest.

Vincent hit the roof of the shipping container with a bang, gasping for air like a fish out of water. "W-why?" He managed, feeling his body degrading even as the filthy human flipped him over, and she looked… familiar..?

Maxine pressed the end of the DT-3030 against Vincent's chest, using the targeting software to put it right over the vampire's heart. "Because you're a leach, gonk." She said flatly. With one final burst she hastened his passing, the slow change from flesh to dust and bones happening almost instantly. She grunted in pain, just grabbing the whole top half of the vamp's skull and forcing herself to stand up straight, heading back over to Naomi to check in on her.

 

[BennyQ]

Character: Aratone Palladino.
Player/Group: Shipyard Crew; Naomi Richardsen/Doc Fiona (@Kassia), Maxine Conners (@Fish is yum). Oliver Kromwell (@Xerxes I)
Location: Shipyard -> Bridge Apartments.
Time: Monday, Night-time.

---

The echo of a gun’s discharge flared through the quiet night about the shipyard as Aratone hurried his ass around the last few corners, to where he thought and hoped the others would be. Hoped, because the sound of gunfire at least indicated Maxine or Naomi should still be alive, right? That a Creator vampire wouldn’t reduce themselves to using human weapons when their own claws and immense superstrength should be good enough. With quick checks over his shoulder, assured at least that if he was being followed, they were still some distance behind, Aratone closed the final distance between him and what was left of his crew.

Naomi was down. The Creator…was down, crumbling to dust and ash, as time now caught up with the creature’s body and withered it to nothing. And Maxine hobbled over in pain, clearly the last woman standing in this case. He spat a wad of blood aside from his own injuries as he hurried over. ”Jesus fuck,” he muttered under his breath.

There was a lot he wanted to say. Like how Naomi tried to fight the Creator one on one for some reason. Or to congratulate Maxine on saving the day on what looked to be a near-disaster. But there was no time. ”You got the fangs? Good.” He answered his own question the second after as he laid eyes on the half-skull that Maxine clutched. ”Come on, we’re bouncin’ from here. I’ll get the girl.” He said, being in much better condition to scoop up the girl in his arms. Alyssa would provide overwatch. More vampires were coming, doubly motivated now that they had a Creator to avenge. They would be run down and slaughtered if they remained here in the open.

Luckily, they weren’t too far from his parked cab, where Naomi had been posted, and thus chased down by the Creator and his lieutenants. They managed to get everyone loaded in, dumping the unconscious Naomi in the backseat, while the others could sit where they will for the return trip, and were pulling out just as a wave of vampires seemed to be emerging from the shipyards. They were soon left in the dust of Aratone’s driving.

”Ollie? What’s the condition of our route home? We on our way.” He adjusted his rear view mirror, ensuring there was no vehicular chase. ”Mission accomplished, son.” He reported over. ”Let the Doc know we got…we got casualties.”

”Good job with the kill, Max.” Aratone then said to Maxine, using a nickname for once instead of always regarding her by her full name. ”Let’s get you both to the doctor first. Then you can go to cash the fangs in. Everyone owes you a bottle for the Creator kill.” Them’s the rules. At least in their little tribe.

With help, they could navigate through the empty, neon-lit streets of Arcadia back to their apartment without running afoul of police patrols or vampire ambuscades. If Naomi wasn’t awake, Aratone and Alyssa could help carry her up. Hopefully Fiona was ready and waiting for them. Aratone wasted no time with pleasantries as they came into the common room of their apartment, taking Naomi to the First Aid. ”She’s outcold. I don’t know what she was doing. She bit the Creator? Maybe the Creator bit her back. I don’t know how it works, when one vampire bites another, if anything happens.” He just explained dryly to Fiona. He and Maxine had simpler wounds. Cuts, bruises, nicks. Aratone was sure he was bleeding somewhere. He could feel it. Sometimes cold shivers came over him. Adrenaline was still pumping. But he would insist Maxine be looked over before him. She risked a lot fighting the Creator head-on. They could cash in the fangs later, let them patch up their most grievous wounds later. And let a doctor smarter than the Hunters decide if they were grievous or not first.

As he took up a lean against the wall, letting the Doctor do her check-up’s, he drew out another cigar to smoke. Two in one night? Greedy. But this one was a celebration. And perhaps akin to a stress-ball. No one had died…yet. And he wouldn’t quite shake off the anxiety of that until he was assured by the good Doctor that everyone would make it first. ”Where Kaden and Eden and the others?” He asked the Doctor casually between her work.

 

[Kassia]

Character: Naomi // Fiona
Player/Group: Aratone [ @BennyQ ], Maxine [ @Fish is yum ].
Location: The Bridge Apartments.
Time: Monday, Night

---

While the others had moved onto The Widows Peak to meet with Rolf about the fangs. Fiona stayed behind, closing up the rest of the food containers and setting them into the refrigerator. Towards the last container, she heard the banging of the last 4 through the hall. She paused and waited until the door opened and, with a smile, moved towards it and then, in her horror, saw the Shipyard crew badly wounded and nearly dragging themselves into the apartment.

"Oh my God-" Fiona gasped as her mouth fell open. "What the hell happened!" She set her delicate hands on her cheeks in awe and then stopped them before they could enter the common area. "First aid station, all the way in the back to the left- through the training room."

Following close behind, the clicking of her heels was defended by the scuffling of their shoes. She tried to process what they must have gone through, but she simply couldn't. This had been the worst night to date, and it only made the fear grow inside her for what was to come. While Naomi was on a clean operating table, Fiona moved around the room, snagging a white lab coat from a hook in the back by her new desk and then a few supplies to clean wounds and bandage them. She grabbed an entire box of latex gloves and set them on the counter, staring at them suspiciously as if she felt she might need more.

" She's out cold. I don't know what she was doing. She bit the Creator? Maybe the Creator bit her back. I don't know how it works when one vampire bites another if anything happens."

Snapping out of her thought process, she looked back at Maxine and then at Aratone for a moment as he lit his cigar, her eyes narrowing.

She moved to Naomi first; with gloved hands, she lifted her arms, turned them gently in her hands, tilted her head side to side, inspected her legs, then stepped back and crossed her arms.

"As far as I can see, she's unharmed." Fiona paused, slowly lifted other wrist cuffs from the table, and attached them to Naomi's wrists. In this state, she was unsure what Naomi might do once she came to.

It was difficult to see who to inspect next. Both Aratone and Maxine looked terrible, and she felt at a loss for words at the moment. Maxine needed the most care and had simply tried to put a bandaid on her wound while Fiona tended to Naomi.

"Maxine!" Fiona exclaimed and put her hands on her hips." Sit down and wait for me to help you." Turning back to Aratone, Fiona delicately removed the cigar. She pressed her thumb and index finger into his cheeks to open his jaw, ensuring he hadn't busted up on mouth or jaw in the fight." Thats a nasty habit, Ara." she said softly, then released his face and pulled open his coat. "Ah ha!" She noted the bullet wound in his side-- a clean exit. "Vampires are strange creatures, from what I can tell. Because of the lack of wounds on her body, she tried to stop the Creator's attack with the only thing she felt confident with-- her fangs." switching out her gloves for new ones, she took a gauze soaked with rubbing alcohol and then applied it to the wound to clean off the fabric fibers of his shirt and the dried blood.

"When a vampire is turned, they must go through the trials of a vampire by the vampire who turned them. Through trials- they're mentally done, by the way- they will go through what that Creator has gone through to test their... strength, I guess." She continued to dab the wound. "Once the fledgling passes the trial, they are a true vampire who can utilize their powers and are not at risk of psychosis. But Naomi took the blood of someone who was not her Creator, at least I do not think." Satisfied with the wound, she placed new gauze over the wound and then medical tape on each side to secure it. "Change this every 3 to 4 hours. Or I can, whatever you prefer." Fiona smiled warmly at him before moving to the cut on his forehead, which was easy to clean, and placed a butterfly closure over it to keep it closed. Despite their checkered past, Fiona still worried about Aratone, though she made sure her care methods were not laced with an exuberant amount of emotion; talking about something other than their ordeal helped. Fiona stripped her gloves and then threw them in the trash. She then donned new gloves and moved on to Maxine.

"If the Creator is not Naomi's, then she may have prompted Erra to guide her, which would be bad. Who knows what that witch of a woman would make that poor girl go through." As she did before, she soaked gauze in the same alcohol solution and dabbed at Max's clawed shoulder. Fiona inspected the wound and sighed before pulling over a small tray of utensils with her elbow and then a stool with her foot. She got comfortable and started stitching up the claw marks. Fiona didn't have time to inject pain medication; Max was in bad shape and needed help fast.

"Oh, honey. You poor thing," Fiona Whispered to Max as she continued to stitch up her shoulder, clean it, and then layer it with gauze and medical tape.

Satisfied with her work on Maxine's shoulder, she looked to the other wounds, noting their locations, and then gently, she pressed into Max's ribs, only to find several broken. There wasn't much one could do for ribs except take it easy and rest." Let's clean these minor cuts on your face, sweetie." Due to the blood on her gloves, she switched them out again and started to clean Maxine's face of the blood.

While she did this, Naomi stirred in her place. Fiona quickly stood, and her arms shot out from her sides to protect Maxine and Aratone. Naomi's finger twitched, her torso slowly turned from side to side, and then all at once, as if possessed by some demon, her body arched upwards, and she let out a guttural screech that was enough to shatter the very windows if there had been any in this room.

Soon, however, Naomi's body settled in her screeching and sobs before she was finally back on the table and trying to free herself of her bindings. She turned her body and tried to nash her overly long fangs at Fiona, who slowly approached.

"She must be blinded by her trials," Fiona spoke softly and as calmly as she could at this moment. With blood-red eyes, Naomi looked around the room for an exit, her body thrashing and trying its hardest to get away, but this would be difficult as she couldn't channel her strength into her wrists to break the leather straps.

"Naomi, baby, it's just us." Fiona attempted to nurture the young vampire, stretching her hand to touch hers. It seemed that as she regained somewhat consciousness, he broke the strap and grabbed hold of Fiona's arm, bringing her closer.

"STOP!" Fiona commanded; This would be the only time she would raise her voice.

Naomi's eyes focused, the red fading into hazel and her fangs slowly shortening. Still, her glass-like nails dug into Fiona's arm for a moment longer before releasing her. Having been nearly lifted off her feet by Naomi's newfound strength, she returned to the tile. Stepping back, Fiona looked at the busted strap secured under the table, and then another sigh fell from her lips as she tried to calm herself.

"I think... I think she passed her trials." Fiona stated, "had she not, Naomi wouldn't be awake, and she wouldn't have reverted back to her old self in front of us. Vampires are stunningly complicated creatures. p-poor thing, this must be so hard on her." Maybe it was the torn skin on her arm or the entire event that had unfolded, but she felt her throat closing and fighting back the tears. Turning back to the others, she looked at Maxine. "G-go ahead and remove your armor; I need to clean your other wounds." Fiona sniffled softly.

 

[Kassia]

Character: Kaden
Player/Group: Eden [ @sky. ] Vanessa [ @InsaynePayne ]
Location: The Widows Peak

---

 

​

Kaden stepped into the Widows Peak and looked around. Neon lights danced on the ground, the walls, and anywhere they could touch. Music thumped against every surface, and he made his way to the bar to meet Rolf.


Rolf was a young man who stood 6'7". He towered over the others thanks to his mechanical enhancements. Rolf had had a hard life. When he was a young man, he was attacked by a vampire and ran to the nearest 'Doc to have his arm replaced and a transfusion. However, this could not stop the venom that coursed through his body. Desperate not to become like those he despised, he opted for a total body enhancement, uploading his consciousness into the new Ai body and continued living his life. Due to his story, the Hunters Guild sought him out, and from there, he assisted every hunter in trading in their spoils.

"Evenin' folks," Rolf said, waving to the group and pulling a bottle of alcohol from the top shelf. "What can I get cha?"

"Information." Kaden started as he took a seat on one of the empty barstools.

"Information... drinks... credits. I got it all." Rolf laughed, set the bottle down, and pulled a glass from a drying mat. He passed Kaden the drink and then followed suit with the others. "What information do you need, friend?"

"Information on what the hell is going on out there. Ferals are full force, Creators desperate or something?"

Rolf's eyes looked side to side then, red orbs analyzing the information he was given before he leaned in. " Heard that's the case. More hunters are found daily, possibly creating ferals just to compensate for what they lost. New drug on the market, too, some hybrid thing. Makes them crazy. I seen one step into the light yesterday-- burnt to a crisp. Thats what we are dealin' with now."

"New drug. Something Fiona said. But crazy enough to go into the light? Seems dangerous." Kaden looked to the others and then reached into his pocket and slid the countless teeth forward on the counter.

"Well, hey! Look at those. Got some good ones." Kade nodded and skimmed the teeth. Truthfully he didn't know what he was looking at.

"What-er- what are we looking at here," he asked skeptically.

" Oh, you wanna know how we can determine? Thats easy; see these three lines here in the ivory? That means they are feral. The drug chips away at the enamel and makes them weaker, but don't worry, we still payout for those. If you see any slightly longer, yellowed fangs and have thicker enamel, that is a Creator. Vampires who have just passed trials have perfect teeth because they haven't lived enough to damage them. There won't be lines, discoloration, or thick enamel. Vampires who have lived a bit and see some action may have chips in their fangs, still sharp, so don't get that twisted, but they will be damaged because they are the grunts- you know? They will attack anything just to kill."

Kaden nodded and swirled the drink in the glass before taking a sip.

"Any questions?" Rolf asked the group as he adjusted the teeth slightly on the counter, adding up the total in his head and jotting it down on a napkin while he waited for the other 4 from the hunter group.

 

[Fish is yum]

Character: Maxine "Max" Conners
Player/Group: Shipyard Crew; Naomi Richardsen, Fiona (@Kassia ), Aratone Palladino (@BennyQ ), Ollie "Operator" Kromwell (@Xerxes I )
Location: Shipyard --> Bridge Appartments
Time: Night
Vernacular source: Streetslang

---

”You got the fangs? Good.” He answered his own question the second after as he laid eyes on the half-skull that Maxine clutched. ”Come on, we’re bouncin’ from here. I’ll get the girl.” He said, being in much better condition to scoop up the girl in his arms. Alyssa would provide overwatch. More vampires were coming, doubly motivated now that they had a Creator to avenge. They would be run down and slaughtered if they remained here in the open.

Maxine looked at Aratone, the one visible borged out eye bright with the knowledge of the fresh vampiric vendetta she had placed on her own shoulders. Her face changed to a preview of her own death mask by her own home-grown crimson paint and deep violet, almost black, pigment, an impressionistic mélange of violence. She looked out into the night, hefting her compact and boxy rifle, and that look of knowing became the stare of a predator, one eager for the next kill. The pain was getting to her though, and she nodded, another few drops of blood dripping from her chin onto her ruined shirt. "Med bill's gonna be draga." She said flatly, shifting the '3030 and pulling the fangs out with her metal plated hands, the bone of the skull cracking a little as she did so. "Good thing we got this nova payday here. Go to the car, just be a sec." That means you too Alyssa, we're delta. She added over the coms, voice still like a cheep drive-thru. She had been hoping to get an upgrade for that, but with busted ribs she'd probably have to postpone that. "Very draga."

Max made sure to also collect the fangs of the two lieutenants, though only after she tied the sliced part of the '3030's strap back together, as well as the pistol she had lent to Naomi and the girls own gun. It only took a moment, and after she was done she made her way to the front passenger seat, not wanting to be crammed in the back with busted ribs. As they left, she shifted her thoughts to Ollie. Scrub time Op, choice moves out there you deckhead. Even with her voice digitized the smile in her tone was the background bass to the lyrics that were her statement. She winced every time Ara braked, hot lances of pain shooting through her chest as she opened the medical bag and took out a big adhesive band-aid placing it over the cut on her forehead, closing the blood soaked right eye. Her one hand squeaked slightly, and she sighed, as she had to force it to manipulate properly. Wonderful, more mechanical issues. "You need to teach that girl to shoot." She said flatly to Aratone "And also how to better prep for these things. One mag for a pistol, seriously…" She leaned back into the cab's seat, looking out the window with one eye only half lidded, body going a bit limp as she started to come down off the adrenaline rush.

”Good job with the kill, Max.” Aratone then said to Maxine, using a nickname for once instead of always regarding her by her full name. ”Let’s get you both to the doctor first. Then you can go to cash the fangs in. Everyone owes you a bottle for the Creator kill.” Them’s the rules. At least in their little tribe.

"Half belongs to Naomi, leach was sluggish, struggled to fight." She looked over her shoulder at the unconscious rookie, "She did something to it." She winced as they went over a bump "Not that I mind taking it all for myself. Could use a handle right about now." She looked at Aratone then back out her window, speaking both out loud and over the coms so Ollie could hear "Someone set us up. I'm gonna have to talk to Mickey.", her words sounding like they were running with reverb turned to 11 to the people in the car "Op you mind digging for some detes next chance you get? I don't think Mickey's flipped, but he definitely needs a new roof." Leaks needed to be plugged for sure. And be careful. Full C-YA on that. She added, just over coms as they pulled into the apartment parking complex.

As they entered the apartment and Max saw Fiona, she swore softly. Of course, right after a job, not before, not on a night off. She sighed, wincing as she did so as she looked at her ruined cloths, her need to maintain a personal style getting the better of her in this moment. "Hey Fi." She managed with a crooked smile, trying and failing to play it off as not to bad, chrome teeth shiny in the bright appartment.

"Oh my God-" Fiona gasped as her mouth fell open. "What the hell happened!" She set her delicate hands on her cheeks in awe and then stopped them before they could enter the common area. "First aid station, all the way in the back to the left- through the training room."

"Oh you know, feats of strength and heroism. Flatlined a head leach and some of his maggots." Maxine said, trying to wave her hand back and forth as if to say it was nothing, but her ring finger locked up with a fresh squeal. It was the hand she had used to stop the one feral from biting her, and looking with her one open eye she could see that the plates had been bent slightly, and something else inside had given out. "Could give you a demo sometime you know." She said a little too innocently, her smile changing slightly. She couldn't help it, and she honestly didn't want to help it. She dripped onto the floor, trying to stay upright, though the pain seemed to be growing now that things had calmed down. Looking for any kind of distraction she regretted that Fiona wasn't leading the way, hearing her heals click along the floor behind them.

As they got into the First-Aid station, Max wanted to flop into the chair, but instead continued to stand, some primal part of her needing to look tough for Fiona. She watched the Doc work, and certain parts of her anatomy as well. Mostly her hands, the sure movements, the gentle care she used checking in on the others. A weird guilt welled up inside Max, as if her mind was determined to keep the turmoil of losing Nicole to the vamps fresh, to not let her move on until whatever was coming with that finally came to a head. They had been so in love, and the street hooligan hadn't ever imagined a life without Nicole, or the tender moments they had shared in the night, a tangle of sweaty limbs and gentle words. Her eye slid away from Fiona's backside, loneliness dog-piling on top of her guilt, and it was a wonder she didn't get knocked to the floor as the pair of emotions raged inside her. Stamping both down she made herself look at Naomi again, pondering what could have happened or what was going on with the rookie.

"As far as I can see, she's unharmed." Fiona paused, slowly lifted other wrist cuffs from the table, and attached them to Naomi's wrists. In this state, she was unsure what Naomi might do once she came to.
-----
"Maxine!" Fiona exclaimed and put her hands on her hips." Sit down and wait for me to help you."

Maxine didn't miss the fact that Fiona had strapped Naomi down to the table, and her expression went grim again. She mentally went through which pistols she had used, and shifted slightly, eye more firmly locking onto the rookie. At Fiona's order though she smiled. "Doc's orders I guess. Anything for you doc." She said, taking a slow seat, meeting Fiona's gaze for a moment, smile becoming mischievous for that moment, one open eye shifting to the straps and then back to the doctor, a silent question hanging in the air. Her gaze moved back to Naomi again, watching, tensing up, getting ready for one last nasty surprise for the night.

She watched Fiona tend to Aratone, listening to Fiona's explanation of how creators worked passively. Had that been what Nicole had to do? Had she gone willingly to her creator? Or had she retaliated in vengeance? She winced, grunting at the feel of alcohol cleaning the wounds in her shoulder. Her jaw clenched as the needle went in, the scraping pull of the thread pulling through a familiar sensation. She still only grunted, every, single, time.

"Oh, honey. You poor thing," Fiona Whispered to Max as she continued to stitch up her shoulder, clean it, and then layer it with gauze and medical tape.
-----
"Let's clean these minor cuts on your face, sweetie." Due to the blood on her gloves, she switched them out again and started to clean Maxine's face of the blood.

"You should see the other guy babe." Max managed to whisper back, smiling, though it was clearly forced even as Fiona finished up. She yelped as Fiona pressed on her ribs though, teeth bared in a pained grimace at the pressure. The feel of the doctor's gentle hands on her face though made the punk flush a bit. What are you fifteen you idiot? She thought to herself, even as she realized she was smiling dumbly at Fiona as she worked. She forced the other eye open, eager to get the blood wiped off her right eye. But before that could happen Naomi stirred, and she closed it again and she started to reach for one of her guns, but because she was sitting it only tweaked her ribs again and she cursed to herself, trying to fight through it.

It was when Naomi started screeching and gnashing, her eyes blood read that Max froze up, staring at Naomi, but not seeing Naomi. She saw Nicole, Nicole from the night everything changed, when everything that made the Merc happy in life had been ripped from her hands. She panted, gasping for air, quivering as she relived every horrific moment of that night. She wanted to run, to hide, to curl up in a ball and stop existing. It was so real... and then suddenly it wasn't, and she was back in the FAS, sweat pouring from her face, hands trembling. Max panted, still wincing from her ribs, trying to force the response down, not caring about mental stability, needing not to look weak, needing to be what she defined as strong.

"I think... I think she passed her trials." Fiona stated, "had she not, Naomi wouldn't be awake, and she wouldn't have reverted back to her old self in front of us. Vampires are stunningly complicated creatures. p-poor thing, this must be so hard on her." Maybe it was the torn skin on her arm or the entire event that had unfolded, but she felt her throat closing and fighting back the tears. Turning back to the others, she looked at Maxine. "G-go ahead and remove your armor; I need to clean your other wounds." Fiona sniffled softly.

It helped ground her to see Fiona also distraught, to the point that she hadn't noticed that Aratone was the one wearing her vest. "Ara's got it... Just skin and skivvies under this." She said, plucking at her ruined t-shirt, still clearly shaken. Her voice steadied as she reached out to take the doctor's hand, giving it a soft squeeze "If she is out of her trial she'll get through this." Max let go of Fiona's hand and took off what remained of her jacket, then, looking a bit heartbroken, tossed the tattered garment over into the trashcan in the corner. "You mind washing this eye off first? Kinda sucks not having it." She said gently.

Dave came scrabbling in, pushing the swinging door open and crawling over to Maxine, long forked tongue smelling her shoe. Max smiled down at the reptile. "Hey bud, there's no snacks here, but once I'm all patched up I think I know a good one for you."

 

[BennyQ]

Character: Aratone Palladino.
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen/Doctor Fiona (@Kassia), Maxine Conners (@Fish is yum).
Location: Bridge Apartments/First Aid station.
Time: Monday, Night-time.

---

The true catharsis of smoking a cigar was in the release, that with the blown smoke would be let free all the tension and high nerves running wild and chaotically in his form. It did help, a little. He only managed a single puff, cigar wedged between his fingers at his side, before the Doctor turned her attentions upon him, much to his confusion. The others looked far worse than he was, he was content to wait his turn, but the Doctor insisted on a quick check up, alongside a very unwelcome critique of his habit. He just grunted in acknowledge, though holding his cigar off to the side of his face with intent to smoke again, even as Fiona touched him all over. Nothing unusual about that either. The moment she turned her hands aside, the cigar was back between his lips, though he didn’t dare inhale or exhale with Fiona right in his face.

He shivered and nearly jumped out of his skin when the wound was discovered, more so from his own state of mind registering he had been hit this entire time and had been running hot. Now he felt cold. The drip of blood was felt keenly, a sensation mingled with the realization it should not be out of him that rippled coldly throughout him. Who knew how close to death’s door any of them could have been. It took the veteran Doctor all of a minute to properly patch it up. ”Fuck,” Aratone had to hiss in protest, though he didn’t stop her. He did however puff on his cigar, making sure to angle his face up to blow smoke towards the ceiling and not over her hair.

Fiona educated them all about whatever it was Naomi was going through. A trial, mentally done? Trial as in what, like a legal proceeding or a test or challenge? So many questions, but more Aratone was wondering how Naomi came to this end. Had she planned it all along? Had it been a spur of the moment? Had she tricked the Hunters? ”She was biting the Creator. Might not have been hers, but she definitely tasted Creator blood.” Aratone added when Fiona expressed her doubts. ”Yeah, sure.” Aratone waved his hand in vague acknowledgement of redressing his wounds every now and then. He’ll do it himself. He learned from her, after all.

He did at least return her smile with a confident one of his own. He really would. He’d redress his wounds with care and diligence. She didn’t need to worry. Focus on the others.

His forehead was wiped next then Fiona was on to Maxine, still talking about Naomi’s situation, which Aratone remained behind to listen to. And at least be assured that neither Maxine or Naomi were in danger of death or anything fatal. Maxine seemed to get more of the concern, and sympathy, which was merited. Another puff of his cigar, Aratone moved to the window to open it up a bit further to allow some ventilation, before he strolled over to Naomi’s side to gaze down at the unconscious girl, Maxine’s and Fiona’s conversation drifting over his ears. What the fuck game had she been playing? He had made the decision to bring her along. To train and teach her. She had gone entirely off the game plan. And now they had to live with this t-

And then Naomi exploded in convulsions. Shit. Fiona moved to block Aratone and Maxine from the throes of it, though Aratone didn’t feel any immediate danger. He just watched, half expecting the young vampire’s strength to rip free of the bindings, and for Naomi to go insane and feral, and they…they have to put her down. And given the nearness of the dehumanizing thoughts he just had of her seconds prior, Aratone too came to the realization he didn’t want to do that either. He didn’t want to have to put her down, whether justifiably or not. She was just a scared young woman trapped in a world she didn’t understand. Or rather, torn between multiple worlds all at conflict with one another, human, hunter, vampire.

And then her eyes opened, blood-eye, and looked around. Aratone felt his upper lip twitch in disgust. Look how this disease ruined a person’s life, how much they lost control of themselves, alienated themselves from loved ones, even hurt those who wished to help. Even then, Fiona still wanted to help Naomi, moving in closer. That put Aratone to shame over his own emotions. He stepped forward too, for if the Doctor could be brave, why not he as well? If Fiona believed, he would too. There was no one with a better sense of morality and judgement than the doctor. ”Careful,” he whispered to Fiona.

And Naomi grabbed her, yanking her close. Aratone leapt to the defense, but a sudden and firm command from Fiona seemed to deaden the entire room. STOP! Aratone stopped from intervening, even if the vampiric young woman could have broken him in several places. So did Naomi, surprisingly. The doctor’s will won over. And he woman went slack, releasing Fiona. Poor thing, this must be so hard on her. Aratone had to agree. He remained close to the table watching Naomi as Fiona moved back to Maxine. His decision had brought it all to this. He would be accountable for everything that came after. He just felt that it was his burden.

He could take the easy route…or the hard route.

He was still debating and weighing up this decision when Maxine’s comment drew him back. Oh, yes, he was still wearing Maxine’s vest. The woman had thrust it on him. That seemed a repetition of this day, willful women grabbing him. All for his good, and he believed that, didn’t mean he had to like it though. ”Yeah, sorry. You want it now or should I get it washed for you first? My blood’s on the inside.” Aratone said, at least beginning to unstrap it. ”You still got the fangs right? Hold on to that.” He turned to Fiona. ”Where’s Kaden? I need to talk to him about…this.” He said to the Doctor, motioning at Naomi with a thumb. There would have to be a group discussion about it later, where a true judgement and decision could be rendered, but at least the others should know the facts instead of being surprised or caught unawares with it.

”I’ll probably head over to Widow’s Peak. You two good here?” He then questioned Maxine and Fiona.

 

[LadyA]

Character: Andre
Group: @BennyQ Max , @Fish is yum , Naomi/Fiona @Kassia
Location: High Avenue Church —-> Bridge Apartments
Time: Late-night, Monday

---

Andre had been staying at the church late into the quarantine these past few nights.
He had known for quite a while that Vampires inhabited the High Avenue Church in the off hours, having come back once early on into his vocation to a completely thrashed church. So he had been operating under the assumption, and left bladders of A-300 under the pews every night before he left. On top of them he left a message-
Spill no blood in the High Avenue Church.

As far as he could tell, it worked. They kept the church clean, and the bladders depleted some. The other priests tried locking the place up, to no avail. The vampires always found a way in.
When Andre took over the Church, he stopped trying to lock the place up. He also made it his personal duty to help anyone that came into the Church's doors. Oftentimes, strangers would 'wander in' before he arrived in the morning, looking for spiritual help. Andre sometimes assumed they must have been waiting there all night, from the way they looked and acted.
He kept these strangers throughout the day, leaving them in the Church when he left at night. It wasn't often they'd come, but he took them anyways, and treated them the same as any human in his congregation.
But talking to the vampires made him an important insider on their culture, problems, woes. Some told him freely, others hid behind the sacrament of Confession, which Andre gave to them.
Recently he'd heard, from both the Guild and those in the streets, of the rise of Feral Vampires, and the mysterious yet powerful drug that spawned them. Sober vampires felt unsafe, especially those who lost their friends or family to the drug, and humans were terrified to walk home alone. So he made a habit of staying in the Church, waiting a few hours past the curfew in order to see if anyone wandered in, needing any help. It was the least he could do.
This was one of these nights. He was staying in the church, along with an elderly human couple, a few who made it a point to come and help out at the nightly soup kitchen as often as they could. Though the soup kitchen closed at 7:30, Andre felt uncomfortable leaving them to wander the streets so late when he knew they lived far away, and so persuaded them to stay in the church with him. They agreed, if only because they appreciated the company. They and Andre talked about a great deal of things- old movies, history, religion, culture. He considered his whole congregation his friends, and these two were some of his best.
He felt a vibration in his pocket, which he ignored at first, but upon feeling a second one, he excused himself and pulled it out. It was Fiona- an old traveling doctor friend of his. Her specialty was Mods, which didn't help Andre much, but it was always useful to have a medic on call. Especially in these times.
He unlocked his phone and opened the text message:
Have you seen this b4?
Attachment, .mov, 2.4MB

He opened the attached video. It was of a young vampire, incredibly young in fact, strapped down onto a table, threading about- eyes blood red. Fiona held the camera phone in one hand as she approached the young vampire and attempted to soothe her with the other.
"Naomi, baby, it's just us."
The straps broke, and the vampire lunged towards Fiona, and therefore the camera. It started Andre, but as he paused he got a good look at her face. Finishing the video, it seemed the vampire was soothed by Fiona's voice once again, this time reprimanding her.

Andre looked over the video, but didn't know what to think of it. Fiona texted back-
I can only assume she passed her trials. She bit a creator on a job.

Andre wrote back-
"Yeah, I can't think of any other explanation. Are you going to need help there? I'm headed to Bridge right now."

I wouldn't turn it down. Bring some holy water, jic

Andre returned himself to the couple.
"Looks like it's time to close up shop- why don't I take you two home."
Before he left, he texted his current flat mates that he'd most certainly be spending the night in another apartment, and to not expect him.
He walked with the couple to their house, budding them good night. It wasn't safe on the streets, and he saw a few vampires wandering about, but he knew the area well enough he could avoid any possible accidents by merely rerouting.
After he had returned home, he wandered to the Bridge Apartments, this time being much faster to head over there. He wasn't exactly sure what happened to some vampires after their trials, but he'd seen enough fledglings to know it wasn't anything pleasant- for anyone involved.
He made it to Bridge in about six minutes, a personal record for him. When he knocked the door of the apartment Fiona and the vampire had been in, he found it was unlocked. On walking inside he saw Fiona, as expected, the unconscious Vampire, Max, an ex-merc Hunter who Andre had worked with on quite a few projects, and Aratone, a more veteran hunter who Andre still felt somewhat uneasy towards. He always chalked it up to feelings of inadequacy- Aratone was one of those dominating personalities that liked to take charge with few words exchanged.
"Hey, sorry about the delay- I had some business I had to take care of. Is everyone all right…"
He looked around and saw the various states of injury the four were in, though Fiona had done a good enough job of patching them up that he added the addendum of- "now?"

 

[Kassia]

Character: Naomi, NPC Fiona
Player/Group: Aratone ( @BennyQ ) Maxine ( @Fish is yum ) Andre ( @LadyA )
Location: The Bridge Apartments --> First aid station

---

Fiona could feel the throbbing in her arm where Naomi dug her razor-sharp nails into her skin, but still, she worked diligently to clean and bandage up Maxine's wounds with a smile. The quiet back and forth between them was... refreshing. After her wounds were cleaned, Fiona could finally jump into doing what she loved. Repair work! She knew Maxine's enhancements well and had installed a fair portion of them over the years.

This required a whole other set of tools, so as she pulled off her gloves and washed her arms up to the elbow, she started to prep. Occasionally she glanced over at Aratone, ensuring he wasn't messing with his bandages, and then rolled her eyes when he took the cigar back. He seemed conflicted; she could see it written over his face, and then paused.

Where's Kaden? I need to talk to him about…this.

Drying her hands, Fiona stood straight up and looked back at Naomi; she had seen so many vampires in her lifetime than she could count, so she wasn't checking for breathing but rather twitching, anything that would show her Naomi wasn't okay. But the young woman looked normal, as normal as a vampire could look.

"Don't say anything," she said, crossing her arms and leaning against the counter. "This isn't her fault none of this is. She was born a hunter and will die one-- even as a vampire. What she did was difficult, she knows nothing about herself. You remember when you were young, right, Ara?" With that, she turned back, gloved up, and pulled the tray over to the table.

As Andre made his way into the first aid station, Fiona looked up from the tray and smiled as if this resolved the conversation she was having. Her word was final, or so she thought. "Everyone does look to be doing well. I am about to start working on Maxine's tech. Naomi is still out, but that's to be expected." She paused for a moment looking back at Naomi and then at Aratone. Maxine was clearly in no shape to toss the poor girl over her shoulder.

"Do me a favor and move Naomi to her room. Max needs the table for repairs." Her voice was even, unfeeling. It took every ounce of her not to explode under the sheer amount of pressure she was under seeing her friends hurt and one unconscious. "Or... Andre... if you're available to move her to her room? Either one, It doesnt matter." Looking down then at the instruments she would be using on Max, Fiona thought about Kaden's words regarding her running to Aratone for everything echoing in her head.

It showed in how she griped the pan and thought about what tech Max needed to be fixed. In her thought process and rustling around, making sure everything was spotless, Naomi stirred again, mumbling as if drunk. Fiona paused and watched. Would she reach out to her again? Thrash around? She wasn't sure, so she simply watched. Suddenly the young vampire coughed, drank in the air like it would somehow help her at this moment, and then groaned.

"I..." Naomi paused, her eyes still closed, but her index fingernail tapped slightly on the metal platform she rested on. "I--I can move m-myself." With wide eyes, Fiona watched as Naomi sat up in one solid motion as if she were a door hinge. Naomi looked around the room and settled her eyes on each one of them for seconds at a time, analyzing them closely before moving on.

"You guys look like shit." She spoke in amazement. "Did we win?" It seemed like such a trivial question, but she seemed curious enough to ask it. Slowly, Naomi turned and let her legs dangle off the table for a moment before dropping down to her feet. This had been a bad idea because she nearly fell to her knees before grasping the table and righting herself again. She felt lighter, the world's weight was off her shoulders, and she thought she might have been walking on air. There was a strange feeling in her chest, one she hadn't felt before; before this had happened, she felt heavily burdened, anxious at every moment, but how she felt... empty—a vessel of oneself.

"Naomi... You've been through a lot. You should sleep." Fiona said cautiously and sternly.

Naomi looked back over her shoulder, then blankly said, "I... I did sleep. I slept here." She patted the table again and then looked back at the others.

"Did we win? Is the Creator dead? Why isn't anyone answering my question--Fiona, what happened to your arm?" There wasn't hunger at the sight of blood. Now she looked at it with a tilted head. Was she concerned? Perplexed? She didn't know what she felt, but she didn't feel hunger. "Oh! We should get to the Windows Peak, right? Turn the fangs in. I assume now that is what we do if we are here, right?"

 

[BennyQ]

Character: Aratone Palladino.
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen/Doctor Fiona (@Kassia), Maxine Conners (@Fish is yum), Andre White (@LadyA).
Location: Bridge Apartments/First Aid station.
Time: Monday, Night-time.

---

Was that the Doctor giving him orders? Advice on how to run his ground team? He was the one out in the street, not Fiona. He was on the frontlines. Critique was never his strong suit but he was at least aware that Fiona was trying to mean well. She was looking out for Naomi, suspecting Aratone might have some form of retribution for her erratic actions this night. Actions that could have potentially gotten them all killed. Gotten herself killed. Maybe the Doctor did have good reason to worry. Aratone wasn’t even sure himself what he was going to do with Naomi.

But certainly not that. That wasn’t his choice to make alone. Die a hunter? He almost scoffed. Vampires were eternally undead immortals, were they not? So in response, tucking the cigar in the corner of his mouth, he just spread his arms to the side in an open gesture. ”You know me too well, that’s exactly what I was going to say to Kaden.” He huffed back at her. ”At least let me have my drink first in order to come to this new wisdom. You take the fun out of everything.” He rolled his eyes at her in faux-mockery.

A new face soon joined the room. Andre White, their resident chaplin and fellow hunter. ”Padre.” Aratone greeted with a solemn nod. Fiona was the one best qualified to remark on everyone state of health. Naomi was all well and good then, time to shift her to her room. Aratone just silently nodded his assent to Fiona’s suggestion, not wanting to tick the Doctor off anymore than he wanted to. That was the difference between getting stitches with a gentle hand or a firm hand. He moved towards Naomi but the vampire began to stir, mumbling some words. ”Easy, kid.” Aratone tried to calm her, despite her claim she could move herself.

You guys look like shit. Did we win? Aratone didn’t know what to say at first. He was content to let Naomi try and walk herself to her room, but the girl crumpled instantly. Fiona tried to get her to take it easy but the young woman insisted she had rested. The Doctor was clearly referring to it’s cousin, recovery, which insisted on resting regardless if one was tired or not. Naomi again insisted on knowing the outcome. So he told her.

”You did.” Aratone said vaguely and ominously. You beat a Creator and possibly stole his power and became mightier and stronger, beyond what you’re probably ready for. Again, he didn’t like it, but he had to accept it. He was one voice in a community of Hunters. He stepped to Naomi then and put his hand on her shoulder, trying to gauge her reaction. Would she be calm or would she exploded in violence like she did to Fiona’s arm? ”Don’t you worry about the fangs. You should listen to the Doctor,” Aratone advised, something he was doing himself, ”get some rest. The place will be there tomorrow, there’s no rush. Come on, me and the Padre will take you to your room.” Aratone suggested, a glance towards Andre if the Priest wanted to help or not. Aratone could do it by himself.

Before he left though, he decided to get on Fiona’s nerves one last time, removing his cigar and nodding towards Maxine. ”You want to finish this, Choom?” He offered, attempting her style of slang.

 

[Fish is yum]

Character: Maxine "Max" Conners
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen, Fiona (@Kassia ), Aratone Palladino (@BennyQ ), Andre White ( @LadyA )
Location: Bridge Appartments
Time: Night
Vernacular source: Streetslang

---

”Yeah, sorry. You want it now or should I get it washed for you first? My blood’s on the inside.” Aratone said, at least beginning to unstrap it. ”You still got the fangs right? Hold on to that.”

Maxine grimaced as her ribs twinged again "Don't worry about it, did it's job. If you don't mind getting it washed that'd be great. Just toss in my room later." At the question about the fangs she flashed a chrome smile at the man "Does a bar have booze?" she replied, patting the pocket of her pants. "What you think I gonked out and left them there?"

”Where’s Kaden? I need to talk to him about…this.”

"Don't say anything," she said, crossing her arms and leaning against the counter. "This isn't her fault none of this is. She was born a hunter and will die one-- even as a vampire. What she did was difficult, she knows nothing about herself. You remember when you were young, right, Ara?"

Maxine frowned then shook her head. "We are saying something." She looked to Naomi, at this point still unconscious. "We're the elders of this cell, so we need to know the detes on the others." She turned her black and red eyes to look at Ara "Which also means telling Vanessa. This aint a boys only club choom." She moved her flat hand horizontally through the air, adding"Strictly need to know though, and make sure the others know that too. She's yet to short-circ on us so no need to work the others up over it." Moments later Naomi went nuts, triggering Max's PTSD.

Max sat there in a cold sweat, panting, coming down from the panic attack slowly, mind racing to shove the memories away. She leaned back and grunted in pain as Dave decided to climb into her lap. "You are a pain you gonk." Max said to the lizard. She absently started scratching him under his chin and he closed his eyes contentedly, hand trembling slightly. The lizard flopped across her lap, and it helped to have him there.

"Hey, sorry about the delay- I had some business I had to take care of. Is everyone all right… now?"

She did jump as Andre entered the room, and groaned again because of her ribs. "Hey Dre, perfect timing." She said, voice tight and smile lopsided. "We're having a nova stitch party, everyone's invited." She pointed to her forehead, the fresh stitches plain to see. "That and I am getting a new finger, this one is being obstinate." She became a bit more serious. "Might want you to bless another drum while you're here, its down in the garage. No rush, but the smite worked so I'm gonna escalate production. Just charge it up before you delta." She made a point to not look at Naomi as she said that. It wasn't that she thought Naomi would snap again, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to be prepared for that eventuality.

"Do me a favor and move Naomi to her room. Max needs the table for repairs."

She watched the other woman get out her tools, slowly calming down, a blush forming as Fiona took her hand to examine the damage for a moment. It was soothing, or at least Max found it soothing, to watch the ripperdoc work on her mods, take them apart and fix them. She thought that it had something to do with how passionate Fiona was about her work. As she watched Fiona get ready though she could tell how stressed Fiona was at seeing them like this. She reached out and took the doc's hand with her working one, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Max felt like she still had to break the tension. So she turned to her favorite method, flirting. "You wanna run some diagnostics? Do a physical?" She asked lightly, that dumb smile returning, giving Fiona a wink before her smile became a bit blatant. "I think you just want an excuse to strap me to that table, choombatta." She whispered. "If you ask nice I might just let you when the others delta, depending on what you want to do to me." She flushed a bit as she smiled, still feeling weirdly guilty about flirting with someone else. Nicole isn't a person anymore gonk… She thought to herself, not sure if she agreed with that anymore.

"Did we win?"

”You did.”

"Fiona, what happened to your arm?"

Maxine scowled at Aratone. "We did." She said with emphasis. "Flatlined the head leach after you bit him." That scowl turned to Naomi, and though it softened slightly it still remained. It deepened as Naomi said she had already slept. "Listen to the doctor gonk and get some downtime. You're gonna need it." She winced again, but pushed through the pain. "Shooting practice, then hand to hand. That's your schedule until its clear you know what the hell you are doing." At the inquiry into what happened to the ripperdoc's arm Max's brows furrowed further. "That was you." Max said, voice flat. "You short-circed and did that to Fi." It wasn't accusatory, or combative, but her tone made it plain that Max wasn't going to hold anything back from Naomi. "You need bedrest kid. Then we figure out what's up with you together, okay? Those are your marching orders."

”You want to finish this, Choom?”

She looked at the cigar, then up at Aratone, well aware he was trying to be a pain in the ass. "At least you're learning the lingo" Max said, taking the cigar from him. She ached for some nicotine, for some booze, hell for some painkillers, but instead she put the cigar out by pressing it against the metal plates of the broken finger, with enough force that it bent and crumpled the stogie. "You're a patronizing, patriarchal, pain-in-the-ass write-off sometimes Ara." She said. "Stop thinkin your the fixer here, we don't have one." She flicked the now ruined cigar over into a metal trashcan. "Go on to Widows Peak, gonna join you after all this. Maybe Kaden'll convince you this is a team sport before we get there. Now delta, I'm gonna have to get up on that table and probably get down to my skivvies." She gave Fiona another wink and a bit of a hopeful smile, chrome teeth glinting again. "And I'd rather keep the audience limited to the lovely medical professional."

 

[Mike the Bloodwolf]

Character: Mike Fertar
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen, Fiona (@Kassia ), Aratone Palladino (@BennyQ ), Andre White ( [SIZE=4]@LadyA[/SIZE] ), Max Conner (@Fish is yum)
Location: Bridge Appartments
Time: Night
‐‐---

"I wish the whole lot of you would grow up and stop acting like children" A swab British voice said as a man with a black hooded cloak appearing to block them from moving Naomi. A wolf with Red glowing eyes had appeared next to Fiona with a growl, these two new presences would have a powerful aura emanating from them, both clearly more powerful then they looked.
The man took one look at Naomi and said "So the rumours were true then; you're letting a vampire roam freely within our organisation, well I hope you have a good reason for this Aratone".
The wolf moved from beside Fiona to sit next to the man as he tapped his Sniper Rifle in his hand while Shadow also seemed to be gearing up for battle.

Few days before:

"Are you sure about this mentor? Not that I disagree with you, but why would a vampire join the hunters?" Mike asked the screen, his mentor on it. "Well, a lot of people don't believe the rumours but spy's tell us its not a rumour and its true. The vampire Erra has made her move so we're assigning you onto this mission to discover her true motives and goals, this vampire who is part of the hunters in Arcadia Bay is named Naomi and we are curious as to why and what this has to do with Erra" his mentor told him which made Mike think before a soft whine from Shadow brought him back to his thoughts as he kneeled down to stroke his companion.
"Very well Mentor, I will accept this mission and investigate the true motives behind Erra movement here, I'll update you on my progress" Mike said as he saluted before ended the call.

Present:

Shadow was preventing anyone from getting past her; as Mike awaited a response from Aratone or whoever wished to speak up, he did not care who spoke, rather that someone gave him a straight answer, he was not without mercy if the reason was fair he could look past this indiscretion, after all, Naomi was just a potential part of the puzzle, the real goal was Erra and whatever she seemed to be thinking or planning.

 

[Kassia]

Character: Naomi, NPC Fiona
Player/Group: Aratone ( @BennyQ ) Maxine ( @Fish is yum ) Andre ( @LadyA ) Michael ( @Mike the Bloodwolf )
Location: The Bridge Apartments --> First aid station

---

Naomi was surprised and a little proud.

She woke up in the First aid station surrounded by the rest of the others, minus a few who had gone to The Widows Peak. She couldn't tell at this point. All she remembered was biting down on the Creator, and then from there... It mostly was a blur.

Max seemed annoyed that Aratone had labeled her as the sole killer of The Creator. Still, Naomi didn't care. Because, for once, she had actually done something useful since arriving. As she stood against the table, trying to gain the feeling back in her legs, she felt a sudden rush of adrenaline. She felt like she could canvas this entire city in minutes or burst into flames or mist at will. Naomi slowly righted herself and held her hands out in front of her to flex the fingers; snapping them, a flame appeared at the tip of her index, her eyes widened, and she shook her hand of the flame.

"Listen to the doctor gonk and get some downtime. You're gonna to need it."

In a daze, Naomi shook her head. ".... I don't need rest; I feel incredible." She snapped her fingers again, and the flame grew brighter.

"Shooting practice, then hand to hand. That's your schedule until its clear you know what the hell you are doing."

"Mhm." Naomi nodded and said as she watched her hands in amazement, then a smile pulled at her lips, showing her small fangs before she looked back to Fiona, astonished before she heard Maxine answer her question about Fiona's arm.

"You short-circed and did that to Fi."

"I...did that?" She asked softly, her fingers curled into her palm and the flame disappearing. Suddenly she felt the crash. All the adrenaline, all the excitement for the moment was... gone. She felt a pang of guilt in her heart. Instead of running into a corner, afraid and nervous like a feral cat, she moved around the table and pulled up the sleeve of Fiona's lab coat. Fiona didn't try to move away. She knew that if Naomi wanted her dead, she would have killed her when she grabbed her arm.

"I'm sorry, Fi." It was sincere, and she set her hand on the claw marks and pressed in. Her hand started to shake slightly, and Fiona then tried to pull her arm away while clawing at Naomi's hand because her grip had been too tight. After what seemed like an eternity, Naomi pulled her hand away, and Fiona's arm was healed. Fiona stared at her arm, and then as she saw Michael move into the first aid station and address Aratone regarding Naomi, she chimed in.

"Naomi was initiated into the hunters per the laws. As long as she doesn't hurt one of them or kill them... then... she can stay."

By this time, Naomi was glaring at Micheal, her eyes had darkened, and she felt the adrenaline rush back into her body, her emotions had been chaotic before, but now she was calculated.

"So the rumours were true then; you're letting a vampire roam freely within our organization, well I hope you have a good reason for this Aratone".

Almost floating around the table, to which Fiona took this as a sign to clean it quickly, so max had a place to lie down, Naomi stood just a few feet from Michael.

"If you have an issue with me being here, address me, not him. And also might I add, Aratone is the only one who can criticize me on my "performance" just so we are clear." She gave him a sweet yet sickly smile before tilting her head, her eyes now maroon in color. "I'm here because I carry the mark like everyone else. I did my time as a fledgling, lived off the '300, and apparently, passed my trials which... from the looks of it, could help kill some of these creatures running around out there." Naomi paused, looked him up and down, then crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one hip. Who are you anyway? I've never seen you here. You weren't at my hearing in the Hunters Guild." Her eyes narrowed. She felt somewhat more protective of those behind her. Even though she had never met Andre before, she could feel he was of good intent.

From the back, Fiona piped up. "Naomi... where did you learn to heal?"

"Erra, I guess. Why?" She asked, keeping her eyes on Michael. She wasn't going to let him discredit her as a hunter.

"Did Erra give you any more powers outside of that?" Fiona asked, stepping around the table slightly as she worked on prepping her instruments for Max's repair

"I don't know, I can apparently create fire-- which was the Creator's skill. Oh! And I can, I guess, drain people's energy in replace of bitting."

Fiona paused for a moment, then looked to the max. " Get on the table, babe."

While Max situated herself on the table and took the cigar that Aratone had provided, Fiona rolled her eyes and shot him a playful glare. Even though Max had provided a quip about Aratone, Fiona was elsewhere; her mind had wandered as if she were searching for something of value in what Naomi had said.

"Go on to Widows Peak, gonna join you after all this. Maybe Kaden'll convince you this is a team sport before we get there. Now delta, I'm gonna have to get up on that table and probably get down to my skivvies. And I'd rather keep the audience limited to the lovely medical professional."

"Well.. Hear that? " Naomi said, her eyes narrowing more. " Looks like you will have to move regardless. Max and fi need their "alone time." She made a sweeping motion with her hand for him to move away and waited, still unsure about this new force who clearly did not want her there.

 

[BennyQ]

Character: Aratone Palladino.
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen/Doctor Fiona/Kaden Harlow (@Kassia), Maxine Conners (@Fish is yum), Andre White (@LadyA), Mike Fertar (@Mike the Bloodwolf), Oliver Kromwell (@Xerxes I)
Location: Bridge Apartments/First Aid station -> Exterior.
Time: Monday, Night-time.

---

It was not often that Aratone could be drawn to the base gesture of rolling his eyes at ridiculous statements. Boys only club? Wasn’t he just the one on a mission with three other women? A clear, definitive example of brawn over brains. We did. She felt the need to state the obvious. No one seemed to see the longer lasting implications or the future. And now they had a newly empowered and possibly ten times as dangerous vampire in their midst, Hunter’s mark or no. The other Hunters needed to know. Aratone didn’t have time to spend explaining the significance of that to unload-reload brain-types.

Maxine had a host of other remarks to add, reinforcing this view of Aratone’s. You’re a patronizing, patriarchal, pain-in-the-ass write-off sometimes, Ara. Stop think your the fixer here, we don’t have one. Go on to Widows Peak, gonna join you after all this. Maybe Kaden'll convince you this is a team sport before we get there. ”And you’re a factory cog with no brain, Connors. No one asked you to come along on my mission. You don’t like my style, feel free to plug yourself into another group. Didn’t you listen to a single thing the Doctor said? Creators, trials, Erra’s guidance, powers, you just don’t think beyond your trigger sights, do you? He said, followed by a scoff as he turned to assist Naomi back to her quarters. We can kill a dozen Creators. No one said anything about making them.

Surprisingly the girl was up on her feet, shifted into a totally different aura from the maniacal ways she had just acted. Why was that surprising given everything he knew about vampires? But Naomi was different. It was hard to differentiate sometimes, a lot of the time, but that mark on her forearm made her one of them. This may not have ever happened before in Hunter history, there may not be any precedence for it, but he wasn’t going to react brashly. He was going to think these things through. Make an informed decision. And then the group would decide.

”You’re okay, kid.” He assured Naomi after her apology to Fiona. ”Changes. To you and…” he gestured off vaguely. ”Tomorrow is another day.” He had his hand raised slightly away from her body incase she might stumble or trip, underestimating her strength at present, but before any of them could make any progress, they were confronted by a strange surprise, as veteran Hunter Mike Fertar planted himself right before Aratone. Great, another voice to intrude on his conscious and question his judgement.

Yes, I invited Naomi to come on the mission, to be apart of the Hunters, because it’s better to have her here where we can observe her and help her, instead of putting her out on the street, and treating her like one of…them. Because that’s what makes us…like them. But he could barely open his mouth to voice the starting syllable before Naomi opened up beside him, to his genuine surprise. He only gave an amused scoff at Naomi’s speech for herself. Commendable. Address her, which is what Aratone had been doing this whole time, to ready and strengthen her for these very challenges. No, the greater Hunter organization as a whole wasn’t going to like this. But that mark on her arm…made her one of them. That counted for something. Or the whole thing wasn’t worth a damn.

And then the interchange between Naomi and Fiona only proved Aratone’s point he made to Maxine. Self-healing, quicker than normal, a power of vampires. Already, she had grown and gained more than they ever could by the elimination of one Creator. Naomi had won. It remained to be seen what that spelled for the Hunters. Fiona seemed taken aback by the entire exchange and Aratone just shrugged and looked aside. ”I’ll talk to you later, Doctor.” He said to her, hoping to continue this discussion about Naomi and how she grew. And hey, maybe they’ll invite the young Hunter-vampire hybrid too, so she could understand herself, which would be pivotal to everything that came after.

”As for you, chief,” Aratone then said to Fertar, in acknowledgement of his veterancy, though that didn’t make him a boss here, ”Don’t you know better than to listen to rumors?” He chuckled. ”Look, you want to discuss our traditions in our particular happy, dysfunctional family here, you’re welcome to sit in with our group meetings and see how things are done around here. But you’re not going to get the full scoop just from me. I’m off to get a drink, and meet some of the others, and if you really do want to know more, you should come along instead of being a road pylon.” He looked over to Naomi and agreed with a gesture they should leave Maxine and Fiona alone.

”Padre.” Aratone just gave the priest another acknowledgement and a respectful nod. ”Sunday, evening, dinner, you comin’? Let us know, you’ll always have a plate and spot here with us.” He smiled and tapped his black cross tattoo on his neck before moving out of the room. He went to put Maxine’s bodyarmor up for wash and repair before grabbing his keys again and moving to haul ass back outside.

He made sure to stop by Oliver’s room, see what the Operator was up to. ”Goin’ for drinks at Widow’s Peak, comin’?” He asked the younger man, leaving him with an open invitation to join Aratone outside and by his cab. With an equal invitation to Mike Fertar, that should about empty the Apartments, unless Naomi wanted to skip out on Doctor’s orders and come along as well. Outside, he sent a quick message to Kade to let the other man know some of them would be on the way.

 

[Mike the Bloodwolf]

Character: Michael Fertar
Player/Group: Aratone @BennyQ ) Maxine ( @Fish is yum ) Andre ( @LadyA ) Naomi/Fiona (@Kassia)
Location: The Bridge Apartments --> First aid station

---

"If you have an issue with me being here, address me, not him. And also might I add, Aratone is the only one who can criticize me on my "performance" just so we are clear." She gave him a sweet yet sickly smile before tilting her head, her eyes now maroon in color. "I'm here because I carry the mark like everyone else. I did my time as a fledgling, lived off the '300, and apparently, passed my trials which... from the looks of it, could help kill some of these creatures running around out there." Naomi paused, looked him up and down, then crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one hip. Who are you anyway? I've never seen you here. You weren't at my hearing in the Hunters Guild." Her eyes narrowed. She felt somewhat more protective of those behind her. Even though she had never met Andre before, she could feel he was of good intent.

"Well.. Hear that? " Naomi said, her eyes narrowing more. " Looks like you will have to move regardless. Max and fi need their "alone time." She made a sweeping motion with her hand for him to move away and waited, still unsure about this new force who clearly did not want her there.

She was a bold little vampire, wasn't she? But she seemed to have a genuine care about the others. Mike was silent as he removed his hood before he said "I am Mike Fertar, one of the highest ranking Hunter of the organisation. Technically I deal in black ops and espionage which is why you don't see me in hearing, I don't have the time to listain to a bunch of old men arguing over who should do what, as long as you believe in the cause, that's good enough for me". Shadow step infront of Mike protectively when she sense a change in Naomi stance but a hand gesture from Mike told her otherwise, so she walked up to the doctor and asked her if she needed assistance reviling the wolf could actually talk, though it was clear it was some kind of voice modulator.

”You’re okay, kid.” He assured Naomi after her apology to Fiona. ”Changes. To you and…” he gestured off vaguely. ”Tomorrow is another day.” He had his hand raised slightly away from her body incase she might stumble or trip, underestimating her strength at present, but before any of them could make any progress, they were confronted by a strange surprise, as veteran Hunter Mike Fertar planted himself right before Aratone. Great, another voice to intrude on his conscious and question his judgement.

Yes, I invited Naomi to come on the mission, to be apart of the Hunters, because it’s better to have her here where we can observe her and help her, instead of putting her out on the street, and treating her like one of…them. Because that’s what makes us…like them. But he could barely open his mouth to voice the starting syllable before Naomi opened up beside him, to his genuine surprise. He only gave an amused scoff at Naomi’s speech for herself. Commendable. Address her, which is what Aratone had been doing this whole time, to ready and strengthen her for these very challenges. No, the greater Hunter organization as a whole wasn’t going to like this. But that mark on her arm…made her one of them. That counted for something. Or the whole thing wasn’t worth a damn.

”As for you, chief,” Aratone then said to Fertar, in acknowledgement of his veterancy, though that didn’t make him a boss here, ”Don’t you know better than to listen to rumors?” He chuckled. ”Look, you want to discuss our traditions in our particular happy, dysfunctional family here, you’re welcome to sit in with our group meetings and see how things are done around here. But you’re not going to get the full scoop just from me. I’m off to get a drink, and meet some of the others, and if you really do want to know more, you should come along instead of being a road pylon.” He looked over to Naomi and agreed with a gesture they should leave Maxine and Fiona alone.

”Padre.” Aratone just gave the priest another acknowledgement and a respectful nod. ”Sunday, evening, dinner, you comin’? Let us know, you’ll always have a plate and spot here with us.” He smiled and tapped his black cross tattoo on his neck before moving out of the room. He went to put Maxine’s bodyarmor up for wash and repair before grabbing his keys again and moving to haul ass back outside.

He made sure to stop by Oliver’s room, see what the Operator was up to. ”Goin’ for drinks at Widow’s Peak, comin’?” He asked the younger man, leaving him with an open invitation to join Aratone outside and by his cab. With an equal invitation to Mike Fertar, that should about empty the Apartments, unless Naomi wanted to skip out on Doctor’s orders and come along as well. Outside, he sent a quick message to Kade to let the other man know some of them would be on the way.

"Very well miss Naomi, I'll trust you. Apologies for my attitude, I've been a hunter for a very long time and lived an equally long life, trust will always be a difficult hurdle to overcome, when i'm meeting newer people" Mike said with a bow before stepping aside to let people leave. Both Naomi and Aratone seemed to believe, so Mike would observe as he always has done. Beside Erra was the main goal for him, whether that lead to particular violent fight or a passionate love making season (Both things happening to him over the years of being a hunter), the beautiful vampire queen was his main target that he had been assigned.

However, he did follow Aratone as he said "I'll take that drink, god knows I'll need it and it would be nice to meet more of your team since I'm hanging out with you guys for the foreseeable future". He did not reveal that he could never get drunk, nor needed to eat or drink, honestly he just did it to fit in with the other humans

 

[Kosmik_Khaos]

Character: Nebuchadnezzar
Player/Group: Anyone outside the Apartment building.
Location: The Hanging Gardens -> Bridge Apartments Exterior.
Time: Monday, Late Evening -> Night time

---

The Hanging Garden
​

Somewhere within the sprawl of rooms that made up Arcadia's largest day club a man danced his heart out in the middle of a packed floor. Music played loud enough to be felt and all four walls played the trippy visuals while the floor and ceiling were their own lightshows. This place was built as a refuge for the human soul. A call back to better times and places missed. There was a touch of everything for anyone, and if they didn't have it just let the King know and it won't be long before a new plot will be created for the Garden. He made sure of it. After all this was his place. Partway through the song a message popped into his head already opened to be read. That meant only one thing as only one group got that level of priority.

His body continued to move to the music never missing a beat while his mind reviewed the information he was just sent. Nebuchadnezzar 'read' the message at least a dozen times in half as many seconds but he was still not quite sure he understood what he was seeing. With a thought he fired back an inquiry of his own clarifying this was an assignment for him and all the details were correct. It wasn't the first time he had accidently picked up a message not for him while distracted with his other duties.

In a piece of a second the response was sent, they were waiting for him to ask about the orders. Asking for some time to think it over he spent the next minute and forty-three seconds dancing with his patrons. Enjoying the freedom of the moment because he already knew he was going to accept the orders. These were the last seconds of freedom, his semi-retirement was ending and he already had a team to attach to. Speeding up his processing he increased his perceptions until the world seemed to move in slow motion to him. It wasn't like he was going to stop being the owner of this place now that he was back in the game full time. This would just be his day job and hunting his night job. He could swing both. He was King Kanezzar Gods damnit!

Even a heightened perception couldn't stop the flow of time and the song ended. Nebby made his way through the crowd and into the hall. Reaching out with his mind he brushed his thoughts over the multitude of systems in the club giving the place a once over as he walked down the near labyrinthine halls to his office. Once inside he locked the place down both physically and technologically, leaving only the direct line between him and the Hunter Network. Mentally calling them he moved to his desk and flopped into his chair which groaned dangerously.

"What the shit guys?" He asked accusingly as soon as he felt the call connect. "I haven't been assigned to a team in over two decades. I've stuck with doing solo sweeps or a being part of a one off strike team. You guys are seriously asking me to come fully out of retirement for this. Is it really that important?" The short answer was yes, it was really that important. "Fine, send the the addy and I will get there as soon as I'm ready, I have arrangements to make since I won't be staying in my home very much for the foreseeable future. Oh and shoot me any relevant intel you have on the state of the streets. Rumors have been getting around the place and I want to know what is confirmed or not. KayThanksLoveYaBye."

Nebuchadnezzar cut the call and took the room off lockdown. He began to make other calls to employees letting them know he would be otherwise occupied and they would be running things. Which was easy since most of it was automated and he had a direct line to the place at pretty much all times. He also made arrangements for Mister, his cat. Thought those were the same standing orders as ever. Mister came and went as Mister pleased. Not even he could stop that cat.

Changing into a casual street cloths he then strapped the holster to his custom revolver to his left thigh. The requested info came in and confirmed the rumors. Ferals were on the rise all over the city, not their usual haunts either. Checking the time with a thought he cracked a smile. The club was empty, having closed half an hour before curfew while he was getting ready and he only had two minutes until the sirens rang. Pulling his hair up he tucked the tail into his shirt and donned his helmet. The faceplate lit up for a brief second then returned to its glossy black shine.

Nebby calmly walked through the empty halls to the entrance of his club. The world was about to experience the return of a living legend. He exited the club and stood on the sidewalk. The huge blue tiled façade of the building looming behind him. It was a replica of the Ishtar gates, as close to authentic as he cold make it, meaning the gold and silver animals were made from the real deal. Ostentatious? Yes. Worth it? Most definitely.

The sirens blaring broke him from his wandering thoughts and caused a rush of excitement. The apartment was on the opposite side of the city. If he went straight there it would only take a few minutes, but that would be boring. He was a hunter again, and the dinner bell had just rang for him. "I can be a little late and it won't kill anyone." He said to the empty air. Setting the address into his mental GPS he turned and looked down the empty street. Taking off in a walk he kept his pace even for the first two blocks, then picked up the pace a bit more after he made a couple turns. Once he was sure he wasn't being followed he stopped pretending to be a normal human.

Going wide open Nebby began to run full tilt, quickly hitting his top maintainable running speed of 111kph. The buildings blurred by but his eyes were able to keep up with everything as was his mind, It was like a bubble around him, constantly brushing lightly over any tech he could remotely interface with with enough grace to not set off any alerts of his attention. He did start to look into the cameras around him to see if he cold spot any snacks slinking about.

It was his advanced eyes that caught sight of his first set of victims. It was three of them. They were just out there in the open some poor person tugged between them, it looked almost like they were chewing on the body.

Not slowing in the slightest Nebby changed course and ran straight for the trio. By the time they noticed him enough to pay attention it was too late. The first vamp looked up and it's eyes widened just in time for Nebby's foot to make contact. Nebby expected for the vamp to be sent hurling down the street, or at least it's head, but no. What he got instead was a popped vamp melon and a blood stain running down the sidewalk.

Sliding to a stop he quickly turned and rushed the survivors who were still fortunately in shock and gawking at their now headless homie. Snatching up the next vamp by it's ankle he came to an abrupt stop again in the middle of the street, vampire still dangling by it's leg in his grasp. The faceless mask turned to the last vamp and it lit up with a laughing smiley. That face continued to silently mock while Nebby began to swing the vamp he was holding like a pick, driving it into the asphalt with a meaty thwack. Again and again he swung the creature reducing it into a bloody bag of broken bones all the while staring down the last Vampire.

Dropping the flopping sack of remains to the ground Nebby started to slowly approach the Survivor who was just now getting to their feet. Uncertainty filled the creatures face, it was torn between fight and flight instincts. "ŴℍΔ𝓣's Ťђε 𝐦ΔⓣⓉẸŘ ｍєคⓉ? 𝔸я𝑒 Ｙⓞｕ ᵃᖴя𝔸𝓘ᵈ 𝕆𝔽 ţｈᗴ ｍόⓝｓţⒺⓡ 𝒾η ŦʰＥ đ𝐚𝔯𝓴? " What came from the mask was a discordant choir of a hundred voices all bleeding into each other in an off putting, disjointed but somehow smooth cadence.

The stupid flashing smile on the mask, the creepy legion of voices, the taunting of the actual words. All of it pissed off the drug fueled vamp and it finally broke through it's stupor. Shrieking it lunged for the hunter only to be met by the bore of the massive handgun Nebby wielded. The first shot removed everything above the lower jaw. The second evacuated a fist sized chunk of chest cavity.

Something wasn't right about this. They were far to easy to take out. They barely fought back, and they went down way to easy, even for those freshly changed. "Maybe there is something to this new drug thing that has been popping up."

Neb collected the fangs he could and resumed his run towards the apartments. He made a point to take out a couple more small groups that were just out in the open. It was like they had completely lost any sense of self perseveration. They all attacked blindly once they figured out what was going on and were easily taken down with how sloppy they were. They didn't even try to organize with one another, just trying to swarm him and usually getting in each others way for their troubles. Hoping the more active members would know something about this Nebby took off for the apartment again, this time with detours. Eight pairs of fangs should be a good enough house warming gift.

---

Once he was within sight of the building Nebby slowed down not wanting to get shot at for approaching so quickly. Walking at a normal pace the rest of the way he spotted a pair of men leave the building. Zooming in he recognized on of them as a patron of his, but not one he knew personally. As he got closer he removed his helmet and tucked it under his arm revealing his face to them. "Hey, this is the Bridge Apartments right?" He called out once he was just across the street from them. Not bothering to check the road he stepped out onto it and crossed until he was just a few yards from the men. He knew this was the place, but he didn't know who they were, and better yet, they didn't know who he was. He could see that at least one of them had seen a fight tonight and a rough one at that.

Raising his hands he spread his fingers to show he was unarmed then reached across his chest to pull his left sleeve up a bit to reveal his hunters mark. They had allowed him to put the mark on his new body after he was cyberized. "The powers that be have pulled me from retirement and attached me to this place." He left his reason for being here short and simple. Orders. Something any hunter would understand as the most valid reason for anything. "Name's Nebuchadnezzar and you my friend look like hammer shit on a hot shingle." He directed this at Ara, his hands still held open for them to see.

 

[Fish is yum]

Character: Maxine "Max" Conners
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen, Fiona (@Kassia ), Aratone Palladino (@BennyQ ), Andre White ( @LadyA )
Location: Bridge Appartments
Time: Night
Vernacular source: Streetslang

---

Maxine watched Naomi, eyes narrowing, recognizing that dazed look, the almost drugged dilation in the new creators eyes as suddenly out of nowhere she summoned fire, just materializing it out of thin air over her hand. It was the same look Nicole had given her before attacking almost ten years ago. Slowly, her functioning hand moved to one of her pistols, her hackles raising. This was someone entranced by power, this was someone who would use that power. Stop playing with the fire Choombatta… she thought wearily. She didn't want to shoot Naomi, but past horrible experiences had taught hard lessons. And then Max saw a change come over Naomi when she learned she had hurt Fiona, and the merc saw the young woman come back to them. Max relaxed, hand moving away from her gun, fingers shaking a little, on the border of a fresh panic attack.

She tensed again when she took Fiona's arm in her hand again and did… something to it. When she took her hand away the cut was gone, though the blood remained. Then the incident with the cigar happened.

”And you’re a factory cog with no brain, Connors. No one asked you to come along on my mission. You don’t like my style, feel free to plug yourself into another group."

"This isn't about the fucking mission gonk. Stop being an asshole." She said flatly. "First you're all ominous and shit about how Naomi 'happened'" She waved her hands around, wiggling the fingers worked for emphasis, "to our targets when it was a team effort and she did the best she could. If anything it was our fault for not better prepping her for her first mission." And Mickey's org having a leak, she thought. "Then you try to drag me into pissing off Fiona with the cigar." She lifted a hand "You get results in the feild, but this is a team, and you support teammates, not antagonize them." Or nearly send them through your cars windshield because you want to torture a leach. She thought.

"Didn’t you listen to a single thing the Doctor said? Creators, trials, Erra’s guidance, powers, you just don’t think beyond your trigger sights, do you?"

Max sighed, at the final statement and ran her working hand over her face slowly. This was getting tiresome. He just kept saying these things around Naomi and it wasn't helping. "If you want more thinking done, think about this, what are the implications of shouting about Creators, trials, and Erra with Naomi still in the damn room?" She wasn't going to bring up the fact that triggers didn't have sights at all, though she was tempted, if only to tweak Ara. Maxine restrained herself though and instead continued making her point "If she's a plant, you've now told her we suspect her, which is bad because you gave the enemy detes they didn't have before. If she's one of us, which I am inclined to believe, you've told her you don't trust her and most likely have effected her moral which lowers her effectiveness to this group. In both cases you've pissed off a person who is stronger than you are, which isn't a good look." She looked at him with tired black and red eyes. "Net loss either way choom. Go get a drink and cool off, this conversation doesn't have to be over but I want my hand working again."

Naomi spoke about Maxine and Fiona wanting some alone time and Max chuckled, wincing as her ribs twinged again. "You're just jealous you aren't going to see the gunshow." She said flexing a bit, getting on the table when Fiona asked. "Maybe later you can practice that healing on me, get these ribs sorted." As the others filed out, Max looked at Fiona as she moved over and started working on the damaged hand. There was just something about how passionately Fiona worked at her craft, the care she showed for others… and if she was being honest Guilt welled, but was starting to lose to the genuine emotional and physical attraction and loneliness the merc felt after all this time. "Thanks Fi…" She said in the quiet space they now occupied. Max wasn't subtle, she never had been, leading her life chin first every step of the way. She leaned forward, wincing a little because of her ribs, working hand cupping Fiona's cheek. Her metal plated thumb slid against the smooth warm skin, tilting Fiona's head up, staring into the ripperdoc's deep brown eyes. She saw her own reflection in them. Shit, I look like hell. She thought before refocusing on Fiona. At least one of us looks good. She pressed her lips to Fiona's and closed her eyes, letting all conscious thought leave her as she did her best to live in this moment alone. Kissing the other woman was an impulse she could no longer fight back, even if she had wanted to. Her working hand slid around to the back of Fi's head, holding her gently, the other already in pieces, exposed wires in bright primary colors reflected in polished metal, exposed servos shining in the bright light of the first aid station. She pulled away, slowly, staying right in the doctor's face. A slow crooked chrome smile spreading across the punks face, as if she was daring Fi to do something reckless, seeing if the feeling was mutual. Her gold lipstick had tinted Fiona's lips slightly, giving them a bit of a metallic sheen.

 

[Kassia]

Character: Naomi, NPC Fiona, Kaden
Player/Group: Aratone ( @BennyQ ) Maxine ( @Fish is yum ) Andre ( @LadyA ) Nebuchadnezzar ( @Kosmik_Khaos )
Location: The Bridge Apartments --> First aid station--> The Widows Peak

---

Naomi stood outside The Bridge Apartments, staring up at Nebuchadnezzar with her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed. She had never felt so distrusting of someone before, but the introduction of Mike and the inevitable leave had all but ruffled her metaphorical feathers. However, he was unarmed, which allowed her to relax. Naomi moved around him as he spoke to Aratone and then opened the passenger side door of the cab parked out front. Glancing back, she wondered if Max would be alright as she had taken a fair amount of damage in the battle.

Impatiently tapping her hands on the door frame, she entered the car. She couldn't drink at the bar, but at least she would be surrounded by the people she knew; at least that beat having to pace around her bedroom trying to figure out who or what she was at this very moment. There was an overwhelming sense of release, and she rolled the windows down and pulled herself out of it slightly to rest her forearm on the frame and then her cheek on her arm.

"We're headed to The Widows Peak. Are you coming? The rest of the team is there waiting. It sounds like a good time to meet everyone in one place. I assume you are joining our team." She smiled at Nebby and then at Ara while she waited. This was challenging due to the nature of the conversation she had witnessed back at the First Aid station.

Being told to her face that more than half the team didn't trust her, that they thought she was a plant, stung. Naomi knew this when she came to the Hunters Guild seeking help while she cried and curled up on the ground with the vampire's venom taking over her body and slowly dissolving her of her human life. The Hunters stood around her, deciding her fate, and she knew that not everyone, despite them voting "yes" to allowing her to stay, no one would agree this was right. Even to this day, there was the glance in the review mirror when they were swarmed with ferals on the motorway, and she knew they suspected her at that moment.

Now she sat in the cab trying to put on her brave face so that they didn't suspect that this hurt her and every event leading up to now. She had half a mind to walk away. But...she couldn't. Where would she go? Who would take her in? She hated the vampires just as much as they did, and humans were afraid of her kind. Despite their dislike of her and her current state, she didn't detest them. She wanted to learn. She knew she could have provided more support than what she did out in the field, and she knew that she still had plenty to learn, but she hoped that in time the hunters could at least trust her with the tasks that were pushed to them.

---

Fiona had donned her magnifying glasses and worked diligently on Max's hand, tsking every few minutes when she found a new spot that needed to be fixed or adjusted. Maxine was in bad shape; Fiona had to agree. She finished up Max's hand and inspected other portions of her arm.

"You'll need a replacement at some point, but this will do you for now." Fiona was quiet as she removed the glasses and set them on the small table with the rest of her medical instruments. As she turned back, she could feel Max's thumb graze her cheek and then the pull inwards by her hand behind her head. The kiss wasn't expected, but she still felt a rush of blood to her cheeks and leaned into it for a moment too long before pulling away, gently touching her lips and adverting her eyes shyly.

"Maxine..." Fiona spoke softly, regaining her composure and softly smiling. "You know this isn't what you want. I know you still want Nicole, babe." She set a delicate hand on her arm and squeezed. "I want you to process that and come to terms with it. You deserve to have that time." Fiona was delicate as she spoke. She had enjoyed Maxine's company through the years and their conversations, but she knew she could not put herself in a situation where she would cause this woman more pain. Fiona was fleeting, and she knew it; she had been that way after her relationship with Aratone had ended. It may have been the need to find herself as she had been so dependent on another person, which caused her emotions to run rampant, or she wanted to explore what life was handing her as a young Mod Doc. She didn't know, and she didn't want to. But she did know one thing for sure, Maxine needed to heal, and that was the only thing she needed right now, both mentally and physically.

---

Kaden had moved to a Vip section of The Widow's peak. This consisted of a circular seating area and a turntable of expensive alcohol. Fortunately, most of the room was shielded by a glittering curtain of water droplets sliding along clear lines. It was truly a beautiful layout and one that Rolf was most proud of in his establishment. While Naomi was young, Rolf made the exception for her to join in, given her hunter's mark, but he always kept a spare case of silver bullets behind the counter in case things got out of control. Fortunately, she still retained her human features, which would help her tremendously with blending in.

"Well, well, well," Kaden said as she pulled the cigar from his lips and blew out a puff of smoke toward the ceiling. " Look who decided to show up." He chuckled and gestured to the rest of the seating for others. Naomi took a seat at the end of the circular seating group and looked around at those that danced, drank, and walked about the bar. She knew what was coming. Any minute now, Kaden or Aratone would lay into her about how recklessly she had been. She hoped it would be Aratone, as Kaden had been much more irritated with her arrival. Even now, he stared at her while he was filled in, with icy blue eyes like spotlights on her, boring into her very being. She wondered if tagging along with the group had been a mistake. Sinking back into the portion of the chair she was in, and she did her best to look small and unassuming.

 

[BennyQ]

Character: Aratone Palladino.
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen/Kaden Harlow (@Kassia), Nebuchadnezzar (@Kosmik_Khaos).
Location: Bridge Apartments/Exterior -> Widow’s Peak Bar.
Time: Monday, Night-time/Tuesday, Early-morning.

---

Aratone stepped out into the cold air of night, breaking curfew for the second time that night as he sucked in an icy breath through clenched teeth. What a waste of a cigar. But it was a victory and a triumph, so there was no guilt in reaching into his pocket to draw forth another, sticking it into the corner of his mouth. He dug into his other pocket to find his silver trimmed zippo-lighter. Yet at the flick of the top, the flame did not sprout as expected. He growled as he began to attempt the flick and spark repeatedly with his thumb, but finding no lasting flame. And then-

Footsteps.

His arms dropped to his side automatically, peeling back the hem of his longcoat to get at his holstered sidearm as he faced the approaching shadow. Wrong place to come strolling, blood-sucker. Yet it was no vampire prowling the streets hunting for warm blood. It was in fact a human, hailing Aratone openly. Hey, this is the Bridge Apartments right? It most certainly was, home of a Hunter’s Guild, and he didn’t shy his hand away from his weapon as he gave only a curt nod. Yet Aratone hardly had time to acknowledge when the door behind him opened, revealing, much to his surprise, Naomi as she stepped out. What the…didn’t the Doctor proscribe bedrest for you? She walked right to his side, forming a solid front, as both faced down the newcomer.

The approaching figure raised their hands, showing they were unarmed and indeed friendly. The powers that be have pulled me from retirement and attached me to this place. Name’s Nebuchadnezzar and you my friend look like hammer shit on a hot shingle. ”And you would know what that looks like, huh?” Aratone stared for a moment, registering the words he just heard, his mind dulled a second than usual after the recent rush of adrenaline the past hour or two. Another Hunter? Out of retirement? The man certainly looked the age. And he knew right where to find them. Curious, but not unfeasible. Slowly, the corner of his mouth not occupied by a cigar quirked up in a smirk. Yet his heart was not the hottest there, as it was Naomi, entering his vehicle in the rear, who popped out with a reply.

We're headed to The Widows Peak. Are you coming? The rest of the team is there waiting. It sounds like a good time to meet everyone in one place. I assume you are joining our team. Naomi helpfully suggested, causing Aratone to look at her. Really? Such a courteous invite. But she would know right? If he was a danger. No smell of vampire or feralness. Nebuchadnezzar was human then, it seemed. And that was good enough for Aratone. But wow, how Naomi took charge. The changes were working fast on her.

”Boss lady here is right.” He said jokingly, facing Nebuchadnezzar while jerking his head at Naomi in the car. Aratone went to the car and opened up the door, gesturing to the newcomer to get in. Once the man was inside, next to Naomi, who he was absolutely sure now could handle any sudden threat, unlike her earlier shyness before mission start, Aratone came around to the front and started up the car, driving them on through the backstreets and unwatched passages to the bar. ”Aratone Palladino. I’m one of the Elders of the bunch. That little thing beside you is Naomi Richardsen…” Aratone trailed off, giving the newcomer a look through the rearview mirror. Did he hear the rumors about Naomi too? ”Just the Doctor, our computer tech, and an Elder, Maxine, is inside. You’ll have a chance to meet them. We just came off a mission. You came just in time for the drinks.” He explained as they drove.

At Widow’s Peak, Kaden had already snagged a booth, curtained and private, with a circular table surrounded by chairs. Good set up. Nobody sat at the head. All were equal. ”Pisan.” Aratone greeted Kaden with a grin, his own unlit cigar still in the corner of his mouth, shaking his hand and slapping him on the back lightly, letting Naomi go by and sit a chair over. ”This here is Nebuchadnezzar.” Aratone pronounced elegantly, gesturing to the newcomer. ”Corporate pulled him away from his retirement brunches and sent him to us. Here’s our other resident Elder, Kaden Harlow.”

He let the two men greet each other as he moved into the chair between Kaden…and Naomi, taking his jacket off to lay it upon the backrest as he sat down. He gave Naomi a simple glance, noticing the discomfort on her face. At her age she must not have frequented any such establishments. Well that part of her life will change soon too. Aratone picked up the menu and flagged down a waitress, scantily dressed and sultry, who sauntered over with a datapad. She couldn't have been much older than Naomi. Aratone had been here many times, he knew what he wanted, the menu more a habitual instinct to give it a once over before requesting his usual.

”Costasera Amarone.” Aratone requested a bottle of red wine. ”Three cups.” He said, reaching over to tap Naomi’s arm to let her know she was covered here, and not to fret about her age. Look at him, he could touch their resident blood-sucker now. He got her covered though, because she had the mark on her arm that still made her family. Since he ordered, there was probably no need to ID her at all then. ”It’s good stuff.” He told her. ”Hint of vanilla.” He didn’t know much about vampires and the effects of liquor on them. If they could become feral through drug addiction, then surely alcohol might induce some effect. He didn’t know, but it would be rude not to offer Naomi some sort of refreshment in this sort of place. It was a victory. Try a drink.

He then turned to look at Nebuchadnezzar. ”Wine drinker?” He asked curiously, offering him the third cup as a courteous gesture, a welcome-to-the-club present, though it was not an obligation. If not the newcomer’s style, it would be taken away.

Anyway, about the mission, which Kaden was no doubt eager to hear. And that which Naomi was dreading. And Nebuchadnezzar could garner a little insight as to how things they were done amongst their group.

He pulled out his lighter to try and light his cigar again. ”We got the son of a bitch.” He started out as confirming for Kaden. ”Maxine got the finish, and the fangs.” And Naomi got the powers. ”Overall, good mission. Ollie called out the marks, Alyssa provided overwatch. We cut a hole in their shipyard operations.” Aratone explained, as best he could with one side of his mouth occupied. The lighter flicked as he tried to produce a flame but it wouldn’t stick, keeping the tip of his cigar burnt but not alight. He grumbled and set it down for a moment, giving Naomi a glance. And the possible fix to his problem. ”This one on the other hand…well, I gave her a shot.” He began by saying, pausing for dramatic effect, turning to look over at Kaden.

”She almost shit the bed but she held herself strong.” He smirked morbidly, looking back and forth between them. ”A bit slow on taking orders though. Told her to hold her post but she went right in. Turned out to be a good call, she intercepted some reinforcements. Ran smack into the Creator prick himself who came looking for easier prey. Surprisingly…she bit him. And had some changes. Is that about right to your recollection?” He turned to ask Naomi. Aratone had been wrong about her, but there was still much left to be desired.

After a chance for her to give input, as much as she could remember, framed in her own narrative, he turned back to the others. ”The others think I’m too hard on her, like we running newspapers here and not fighting the unholy undead of the night. Take it from me, Naomi. I’ve been doing this since I was a child, more years than you’ve been alive. You’ll develop a healthy sense of skepticism. This life isn’t supposed to be easy and anyone who does go easy on you is selling you short. You definitely got the backbone for this but you need a few…kickers, to toughen you up. Of which I’m confident we can…” He drifted off as he lifted the zippo again and tried to ignite end of his cigar, pausing in his explanation to do so. Three flicks, again he failed. The damned little bitch must be out of butane…

Little bastard. Frustration flushed in him and he set the lighter down with a clank. "Orders." He reiterated to Naomi. "It's not out of a cruel sense of control. It's how you learn. Have to know how to follow. Then one day, you can lead. We’ve all done here, to some degree." He gestured to the others in acknowledgement of this apparent wisdom he espoused. Knights had squires, Samurai had pages, it was all apart of the process.

”You’ve been through a lot in a short time, kid. I’d say a lifetime of shit. How are you feeling about it?” He asked Naomi genuinely, giving her the forum to speak, about herself, what she thought happened, what she thought was going to happen. And how she felt about it. If she hadn’t heard the Doctor, which despite how loudly they had discussed her in the First Aid station might have been impossible, he would explain it to her. Of course, Kaden hadn't heard the Doctor's reproach himself.

 

[Kassia]

Character: Naomi, NPC Fiona, Kaden
Player/Group: Aratone ( @BennyQ ) Nebuchadnezzar ( @Kosmik_Khaos )
Location: The Widows Peak

---

This was surprising, but the adrenaline coursing her veins was even more so. Naomi braced herself for impact as Aratone started to lay out the details of the fight to Kade. Kaden, who had been staring at her blankly, trying to figure out what was different, slid his eyes to Aratone and listened attentively. "Bit him?" He noted, nodding as he leaned back in his seat and let his arms rest on the back. "Some changes..." He seemed to be picking out keywords, storing them later, which Naomi narrowed her eyes at. Once the recollection was finished, Kaden leaned forward and took his drink in his hands again.

"Listen, you're not hard on anyone, man. This isn't some walk through some fucking... I dunno some flicking meadow or shit. This is Arcadia. Vamps run this damn place. You're gonna need to get your hands bloody every now and then. She needs to learn that, and it will be ugly."

As Aratone turned to Naomi to speak, Kaden watched and nodded while he drank. "Listen to Ara, kid. He knows his shit." Naomi nodded diligently, having come out of her shell slightly when she saw that this wouldn't turn into a lecture. The last thing she wanted to be was to be led astray in this world. But that was difficult. While the Hunter's creed protected her and the mark on her arm ensured that. She still felt out of place.

" I understand..." She bit her lip then, chewing on it in thought. Following wasn't her strong suit, but she had to know if she wanted to stay alive. However, the idea of leading made her feel complete dread. What if she made the wrong calls? She supposed she would worry about that if it ever came up.

Aratone poured her a glass of wine, and she stared at it. Could vampires drink? Well, she assumed drinking would have some effect if they could go crazy from drugs-blood. Gingerly she took the glass, tapped her nails on the rim in thought, then brought it to her lips-- wasn't she supposed to do something here? She thought she remembered in her fleeting memories some type of wine-tasting rules. It didn't matter, she concluded, because this was... celebratory. Even if she wasn't the one who landed the final kill, she still took on a significant beast of a creator and allowed them to toss her around like a rag doll, all while she dealt with the vampire queen, Erra. Her brain was tired, and while her wounds healed, she still felt phantom aches. She sipped the wine, and to her surprise, while she could definitely taste the alcohol, it wasn't as offensive as some of the other drinks the hunters had in their hands.

Naomi could feel the wine kick in just as the waitress walked by and refilled her glass bad idea, waitress ladyshe thought, but she didn't stop her. She smiled as sweetly as she could to dissolve any suspicions regarding her age while she continued her cautious sipping. Aratone fidgeting with the lighter was the last straw, and she reached over to the lighter after watching him grow even more frustrated.

"Ara... Stop fidgeting with that damn thing. You have been messing with it since the apartments." She reached over to grab the lighter to prove a point, possibly to tuck it away in her skort pocket so he could relax for a moment without the constant need to get a flame. However, the moment she took hold of the casing, she dropped it on the table as if it had bitten her." Fuck! Was that thing...silver?" Naomi held her palm for a moment to press away the pain, then pressed her lips together in a thin line, turned in her seat, tucked one leg under her body to stabilize her position, and snapped her fingers. "Here." She produced a small yet vibrant flame, her brows furrowing from the throbbing pain in her palm.

"You're going to reduce me to a lighter, aren't you?" There was a slight smirk as she watched the end of the cigar catch fire before dissolving into embers. The flame she produced was weaker than in the First Aid station, but she assumed that was because of her lack of focus due to the alcohol. "I feel that might be what you want, though." It was a playful quip. Truthfully if all they used her for was her vampiric abilities, at least she could help somehow. Turning away, though still leaning against him subconsciously, she took another sip of the second glass of wine.

Suddenly, Naomi felt the total rush of alcohol and leaned back against the seat. Gripping his forearm for support while her head spun, she deemed she just might float away. "Heh, remember your first drink?" A nostalgic feeling washed over Kade as he spoke, but he set his sights on the lighter Naomi had dropped on the table soon enough.

Kaden reached across the table to pick up the Zippo. "Silver, huh? Nice. Works in a pinch." He nodded his head to Naomi, wagging the lighter in her direction but looking at Aratone. "Looks like your girl got herself burned, Ara---Fiona is gonna be pissed." Kaden made no comment on Naomi's fire ability; he had simply watched, sipped his drink, and contemplated the idea of how dangerous that could be uncontrolled.

"What... No---" Naomi paused and looked at her hand." It will heal, I think... at least before they get here." She assured him.

"So Neb...Nebbiziar.." Frustrated, he set back. " I don't want to be disrespectful. Do you go by anything else?" Kaden laughed. " This will be a train wreck when we're drunk."


Naomi's hand only gripped Aratone's forearm tighter. "This.... is a lot stronger than I let on,er, it let on." She giggled and whispered, commenting about the wine, "I'll have to stop here. Thank you for this, though... The suggestion and support." She patted his arm but didn't let go; she feared removing it would make her float away.

Who knew what strange type of abilities she had outside of this? She definitely didn't. "Oh! See," Naomi held out her hand, which hadn't been holding his arm. " Already healed. That should save you some grief from the others." She grinned While she looked at him, clearly referring to the ordeal before, but she wanted him to see that she was helping him and would continue to do so. This night at the shipyards could never be repeated again. She knew that. He had even allowed her to tag along, given their current predicament, which was a testament to his tolerance.

 

[Kosmik_Khaos]

Character: Nebuchadnezzar
Player/Group: Naomi Richardsen/Kaden Harlow (@Kassia ), Aratone (@BennyQ )
Location: The Widows Peak

---

A brilliant smile spread across his face. The man had good reactions going for his weapon the moment he heard him approaching. He was a pro and Nebby could respect that. The girl on the other hand, she was something else and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His eyes followed her as she walked around him, but he didn't turn his head to follow once she was past, instead refocusing on the man in front of him. "Know what it looks like? Man I have been the hammered shit and they didn't even have the decency to warm the shingle they spread me on." Dropping his hands to his sides he was either going to catch a shot or not at this point.

We're headed to The Widows Peak. Are you coming? The rest of the team is there waiting. It sounds like a good time to meet everyone in one place. I assume you are joining our team. The girls words brought a quick bark of laughter from Nebby. "Yeah, I'll be joining the team." He confirmed and walked towards the car. "Good to know who the HMFIC is." He quipped back opening the back door and easing himself into the car. When he got in the car sank down quite a bit. More than someone his size should have caused.

Nebuchadnezzar appreciated the introductions. He was only given names and not photos to put faces to them. With all the subtly of a headbutt he turned to Naomi. "So you are the resident Vamp." It was a statement not a question. He gave her a quick look up and down as she lounged halfway out of the window. She looked good, tired but healthy as things went for her kind. "It's nice to meet you Naomi, it's going to be an adjustment not being the least human person on the team."

"Well damn, I missed the fun but still get to join the afterparty. It's my lucky night." Sitting back in the seat his kept his eyes moving. Going from window to window watching for any signs of an ambush. He wasn't worried about the people in the car attacking him.

He was the last to get out of the car and followed behind Naomi and Aratone into the bar. He smiled at seeing the entrance, fond memories flooding him. Then a moment of horror. He hadn't spoken to Rolf in at least 4 years. Not since his last assignment. He hoped the man wouldn't hold it against him for not even dropping a line. Yeah, he would understand. Making certain to not cause any waves he tightly drew in his neural connections and only kept the most basic and lightest of watches on nearby systems. He didn't want to come off as rude prying into everything inside the bar.

Realizing he had gone off on a tangent thought he brought himself back to focus and entered the bar. He gave a wave to Kaden as he was introduced, impressed with the grace his name was spoken, then took the seat on the other side of Aratone. "Sure, I'll take a cup." Accepting the offered cup he took a slow draw from it savoring the flavor. Even after so long he was still impressed that though could rebuild his senses to this level. "This is some good stuff. Preesh."

Relaxing back into his chair Nebby listened to the story his eyes jumping from face to face reading each of them. He could see the tension between everyone and Naomi for what she is, which was understandable, and he could also pick up on the budding respect she was earning from Aratone, who seemed was going to be her mentor. Good, she would need to learn the basics and how to operate inside a team. From the story of what happened she was going to quickly become a key resource for this team. Some of the details though were concerning. She bit a creator and changed? What was that about. He had seen vamps cannibalize each other before but never change because of it.

"They are right, this job will wreck your shit in half a heartbeat if you aren't ready for it. Tough love is the best kind of love you can get in this field. These boys seem to have your back so don't let them down." He offered his thoughts to the conversation before turning to Kaden. "Nebby will work. I'm used to whole stumbling over my name thing. At least I didn't catch the same hell Nefertiti got growing up." He smiled at the thought of his younger sibling.

He couldn't help notice how quickly the drink was getting to the girl, a real lightweight, but at least it seemed to be pulling her further from her shell. She was making jokes now. He winced slightly in sympathetic pain her the silver burn. She really was new to this whole vamp thing if she unthinkingly grabbed something silver. Well it was like kids and hot stoves. You can tell them over and over but into they learned for themselves not to touch there was that chance of getting burned. Hopefully she would be more careful in the future. Accepting a refill on his glass when the waitress went by he also put in an order for a bottle of Tullamore Dew, his favorite whiskey and four shot glasses.

He was mid sip when he froze in a way no human could freeze when she produced a flame of her own. He quickly collected himself and grinned into his cup finish off the wine in one pull. Nebby was intimately familiar with fire, and he knew just how dangerous that ability could be. Naomi just rose several levels in his threat assessment. He was shocked again when moments later she showed off a perfectly healed hand. The waitress returned with the bottle and glass leaving them in front of Nebby, who cracked the bottle and poured four shots. He placed one each right in front of Kaden and Aratone, the third he moved in Naomi's direction but made it clear she could leave it where it sat for one of the others to take if she was really cutting herself off for the night.

Letting out a low whistle he leaned forward and stared at Naomi. "Fire and healing? Erra must really favor you kid. Forget what I said about letting them down. Guys, we can't let this girl down. Do you see how fucking awesome she is?" He said gesturing up and down at the tipsy vampire. "I think we owe it to the girl to give her our all. I mean she's had her life completely derailed in a way that she will never be able to go back to it. This is what she has, we are her people now. We owe it to her as Elders to make sure when she in our spot that anyone she teaches will live long. So lets step the fuck up boys."

With that he lifted his shot in a toast to the others before taking it down in one smooth motion. He felt he was going like these kids. At the very least he wouldn't be bored with them.

 

[Fish is yum]

Character: Maxine "Max" Conners
Player/Group: Fiona (@Kassia )
Location: Bridge Appartments
Time: Night
Vernacular source: Streetslang

---

Max was encouraged by how Fiona leaned into the kiss a little, her faint blush and looking away. That all crumbled away like a shattered windshield when Fiona spoke.

"Maxine..." Fiona spoke softly, regaining her composure and softly smiling. "You know this isn't what you want. I know you still want Nicole, babe." She set a delicate hand on her arm and squeezed. "I want you to process that and come to terms with it. You deserve to have that time."

Maxine tried and failed to hide the boiling hate and pain she felt on hearing her ex's name. "I don't..!" the merc took a long slow breath and started again more slowly "I don't want her. I miss her, what she used to be." She pulled away, her own face flushed, embarrassed that she had struck out. As if compelled, she continued trying to explain, repaired hand moving to rest on top of Fiona's, giving it a gentle squeeze back. "Who she was died a decade ago… and what came back…" Her jaw tightened, remembering that night, before her more extensive body mods, before she had gotten strong enough to go toe to toe with the vamps. How Nicole had pinned her, smiling, drunk with power, going in for the bite, that ecstatic bliss in her eyes, the same look Naomi had testing out her fire. It was only then that Max realized she was talking out loud, sharing what had happened in detail for the first time to anyone. "It… I have never again felt that helpless Fiona… I was lucky that Mickey is a devout catholic." She had grabbed the cross that had been knocked off the wall and pressed it into Nicole's face, burning her and making her let go long enough to scrabble away and grab the '3030.

Telling the story, Max was trembling, black and red eyes wide, not taking in what they were seeing. "Mickey and the gang came in, wanted to see what was going on, and she just slaughtered them. Jonesy, Mark, Alec, Sarah, Slash, Renee. Dead, eviscerated… and the whole time she was laughing about how weak they all were, how pointless it is to fight back." Max seemed to come out of the memory and she looked at Fiona "We were family… and she just…" Max couldn't continue, her gaze sliding out into the middle distance again. "I managed to almost get her, slammed a knife in her chest just a bit too far left…" She pointed at her own to show where. "Learned later the heart is much more central then most people think… Or maybe I still couldn't do it… Whichever, it spooked her, so she delta-ed… well… not before she klept one last thing." She looked at Fiona, her mechanical eyes unblinking, red rings of light against mirror smooth black metal. This close Fiona could see a very old faint scar that ran horizontally from one temple to the opposite one.

"She told me why before she left. She liked the look of sorrow on my face." She shivered. They had been lovers, had shared tender moments together in the night… and as soon as she changed she had become a complete psychopath. "I saw that look again today…" She said, subconsciously interlacing her fingers with Fiona's. "That look of detached delight… Naomi had it on her face today, with the fire…" She squeezed gently on Fi's hand. "She came back to us… but I worry… I worry that I won't be able to stop her from giving in…"

She sighed, and there was a long moment of quiet. "So yeah… I feel guilty when I look at you, not because I still want Nicole. It's because…" She stopped and thought for a moment, then continued "I don't know why. Maybe I don't want to put you in danger, maybe there is a part of me that knows that I am probably going to die doing this and I don't want to make someone grieve. Maybe I'm worried that I'll give in if I am turned and come after those I loved as a human." She was blushing brightly now, but still didn't let go of Fiona's hand "So yeah, maybe I do have things to work out… but… I… Will you give me another shot when I do?" She finally asked, looking back into those brown eyes. She now forced hope down, not wanting to be coercive in her pursuit of the mod doc, wanting a genuine answer. The windshield did start to reassemble regardless of her efforts. She winced, fighting back a groan as well as her ribs twinged again.