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Post by Felypsa on May 16, 2011 20:47:06 GMT -6
One of the black defenders gave her the bloodied sword, and December looked at it in sorrow. Ripping off part of her shirt, she cleaned Fortune’s blood off of it and quietly sheathed it. It was as dull as ever, and that was still greatly concerning. Its magic was gone, it might as well have been made by a mortal now. She still did not know why or what could have caused this.
Tired and stressed, December simply fell into line with the others as they made their way back to HQ. She looked around every now and then, but all she saw was the same old buildings in their old-fashioned style; Escavas, as always, had stayed rooted in the same time era, resistant to change. December glanced over at Imi, who had changed into a mouse that was hiding in her pocket. Yeah. Escavans disliked magic as much as they disliked technology. A shapeshifting mockingbird was not welcome.
Neither were vampires. December had once defended a good-hearted vampire from their prejudices…but that was another time, long ago…
She eyed the headquarters, taking note of its architecture, and came to the same conclusion. The helpful squad was given room and board, but in true Escavan style, in the most fitting place: a prison. December could only shake her head, but it was something. She had been used to sleeping on the ground for several days now, so she would take even a hardened prison bed if it was offered to her.
Once inside, the leader went off in one direction, and December was shown to her temporary room. She looked around it, noting that she shared it with three others, and dropped her small, simple travel pack on the bed before heading to the bathroom. She needed to be cleansed of Fortune’s blood—since she could not yet be cleansed of the guilt.
About an hour later (she had taken her sweet time), she had dressed again in some fresh clothes laid out for her—the unflattering black that everyone else seemed to wear, but December wouldn’t complain. With a sigh, she headed to find Captain Istas to make her full report, now that she was a little more clear-headed. Little did she know that she would be running into her former companion and fellow mercenary, Taro…he seemed to pop up everywhere.
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Post by Aveilthé on May 16, 2011 21:39:35 GMT -6
Sequoia grumbled at the offensive man sitting at the table. He couldn't seem to keep his mouth shut. She called for food hoping that would shut him up, but that didn't stop him. Even for a true-grit girl like herself, she couldn't help but to cringe a little at the big man's manners, spitting food everywhere. He was the crudest, rudest individual Sequoia ever had the displeasure to meet, and she's been around a lot of men.
Finding it extremely hard not to roll her eyes when he asked her if she had a boyfriend, the big guy called Taro only laughed raucously and slapped enormous fists on the table, making the whole thing rattle as if hit by a violent storm.
"Trying to relax here," grumbled the girl, but Taro didn't seem to hear. Instead he stood up quickly as his dark eyes fell on the door.
"OH MY GOD IT'S DEC!" he roared as he thudded over, tried to pick up his long-time friend, and give her the biggest one-armed squeeze ever conceived. Unable to stop grinning from ear to ear, he looked like some stupid overlarge kid that just found his lost dog.
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Post by Felypsa on May 17, 2011 14:26:49 GMT -6
The last thing she expected was to be tackled so affectionately by a giant man. December’s eyes widened as she was crushed into a bear hug, and it took her a moment to realize who this was. “Taro,” she gasped, the air practically squeezed out of her lungs. Imi had turned mockingbird and was fluttering over their heads joyously. December numbly wrapped her arms around him, shaking her head.
“You always show up where I am,” she said, drawing back and smiling up at him. She was genuinely happy to see him; his presence lifted her cold spirits a little. “I see you got hired on here too…” Her smile faltered then; Taro knew Fortune. He had tried to kill him by himself long ago, and December had gotten in his way back then. Would Taro remember that whole debaucle? He had been knocked out at one point, she recalled. Hopefully he would keep his suspicions about her and Fortune to himself…
Pushing that aside, she gave a firmer smile again. “It’s nice to see you again. You look the same as ever.”
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Post by Aveilthé on May 21, 2011 22:10:32 GMT -6
"How's my girl been?!" Taro dropped December and clapped her a little hard on the back, chuckling before falling back on his chair. He looked pretty tired now which said a lot for someone as large and energetic as the giant Taro. He sighed happily.
"Well ya know. Money talks. N' I heard some shitstorm brewed all up in here so I thought I'da give this ol' place a visit again. Didn't expect ta' find my favorite girl here, but I'm not any less pleased to see ya." He paused, looking her over. "Damn, girl, been through the mill haven'tchya?"
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Post by Felypsa on May 21, 2011 22:22:41 GMT -6
December pursed her lips into a smile. He was the same as ever. But he didn’t mention Fortune specifically, so she breathed a small sigh of relief. But she stiffened slightly at his question. “It’s just been a long journey and I haven’t had a chance to rest.” What with running into Fortune, losing her sword, and almost dying. “I’ll be fine, though.” She shifted and glanced at Sequoia giving a slight bow of the head. “Forgive me, captain. Taro and I are old friends.” As was evident.
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Post by Aveilthé on Jun 4, 2011 19:03:07 GMT -6
OOC: Trying to speed things up a little XD I can't really think of anything for this time as far as dialogue... x.x
It's interesting how Taro and December managed to stay friends all these years. Taro the conniving excuse for a human being (or lack thereof). But Taro truly cared for December. She was like a little sister to him. He smiled widely at her, showing multiple rows of yellowed teeth.
Sequoia rose up slowly, heaving a deep sigh. She'll have to go to her own quarters if she was going to get some decent rest. "That's cool," she replied, finding it impossible to express joy over their reunion. She gathered up her things, looking up at December. "Are you going to see the... err... you know." She gestured her head to the ground, where the 'monster' was locked away many floors below. "To see if he's still alive, I mean. Because nobody else wants to go near him if they can help it..." She shrugged, chewing on her lips in thought. "I saw him and I'm telling you, he's dead."
Taro gave a huge yawn. "Gon' go see what all the fuss s' about later I guess. Gettin' late."
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Post by Felypsa on Jun 4, 2011 19:21:12 GMT -6
December’s delight in finding Taro again was interrupted by the sobering thought brought up by Sequoia. She looked at the young woman, her face becoming grim. Of course, Seq insisted that Fortune was dead, but December had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach that told her otherwise. She looked back at Taro, who was yawning, and sighed. “Yes, well. I think I will…get to sleep as well.” A lie, of course. Just a little one. She didn’t want to get into long explanations with him, much as she cared for him. He was pretty close-minded on the Fortune business.
After exchanging goodbyes and heading off, December exhaled slowly. Imi was still in her pocket, but when they were alone, she crawled up and changed into her natural mockingbird state perched on December’s shoulder. The mercenary explored the base camp, but it soon became evident where Fortune’s ruined body was being held. There was a single guard in front of the cell, practically drifting off. He started a bit when December approached him.
“I’m…taking over your shift,” she said, hoping she didn’t regret this. The soldier was a little confused but didn’t question it; he was just happy to get some rest. He handed her his gun as he left, and December wrinkled her nose at it in distaste. But she had better keep it on hand, since Seraphim was no longer what it once was.
The cell was completely dark, and December could only barely make out the outline of Fortune’s body. She tilted her head to the side, to check if she could hear him breathing. He was alive still, he had to be. Though why she wanted him to be was beyond her.
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Post by Aveilthé on Jun 5, 2011 9:25:20 GMT -6
It was dark and it smelled horrible. It reflected in his mind like a festering wound, much like the rest of him. He was alive, very much so, but his body suffered horribly to the point that it would take much time to heal. It was easy to fool the strange soldiers in their metallic armor and noisy weapons by lying there, keeping his breath and body still. Perhaps if he kept this up, they would toss him out... and then he would be free again to wreak havoc on all.
Fortune lay face-down, his bloody face mixing with the dirt and grime of the ancient room. Filthy matted hair clung to his cheeks and forehead. For the first time since they threw him in there, he took a deep breath, nostrils flaring. Eyes flew open, and green eyes rolled, glancing through the thick veil of darkness. Should he continue playing dead? No, December already knew that no mere mortal's weapons could kill him.
Dragging his torso so that he sat in an awkward sitting position, the demon stared at the girl through the old bars. Only his lower half could be seen in the soft light. He would not speak. There were no words to describe how much he despised that half-angel.
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Post by Felypsa on Jun 5, 2011 11:01:00 GMT -6
He was alive, and more than that, he was conscious. December was somewhat surprised that he could move even that much. But she heard him shifting around and in an instant knew that he knew she was there. Almost like he had been waiting for her. Her violet eyes fixed on the cell and took in the sight of him finally sitting up, his form and face haggard, clearly still healing. She met his look and gave a slight shudder. It was a most unsettling look he was giving her. December never would have imagined that he could ever hate her this much.
She never would have imagined his transformation into something purely evil, either.
“I warned them,” she said, trying to keep her voice and face as calm and cool as possible. “I told them it couldn’t be that easy.” She spoke quietly, not wanting to be overheard and accused of fraternizing with the enemy. “I’m sure they’ll find a way eventually.”
Imi cooed softly in her ear, and December closed her eyes for a moment. “I never meant to hurt you,” she finally said. “If I could go back and do it again, I would not have left. But I know that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions…” And that was where they were right now, wasn’t it? This version of Hell where Fortune had truly given into his dark nature and December had lost the holy power of her sword. Here in this town of death and stink, she wondered if she had truly Fallen. Funny how that had never been much of a concern of hers before.
“If there were any room in that dead heart of yours for forgiveness, I would beg for it,” she went on. “But I can’t even remotely trust you anymore, can I?”
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Post by Aveilthé on Jun 5, 2011 12:00:26 GMT -6
An arm dragged on the ground, broken and bent awkwardly like some poor doll played with too roughly. Slowly, he drew himself up so that he stood on creaking legs, his arm swinging around uselessly. Through gross strands of hair, colored black from drying blood, he continued to pierce through those bars straight at her. When he opened his mouth, his lips spat blood.
"You know," he replied hoarsely, a twisted smile growing on his face. "There was a time when I thought I was in love with you. But you closed your heart to me, saying it wasn't ever meant to be. How foolish I was, chasing after an angel who kept flying away... my heart... indeed it has been dead, but you made it alive... but it has been broken so many times now, that not only is it dead, it is gone forever." Slowly he stepped toward the bars, hunched over as if his back could not function enough to allow him to stand straight. He groaned as his broken arm cracked painfully, perhaps going back into place.
He paused a foot away from the rusty old bars. "You are right not to trust me anymore, dear angel. Because I want nothing more than to feel your blood sliding down my throat. Or... do you think..." He leaned over, a menacing grin apparent now as he planted his face between the bars. "...that perhaps an angel's kiss could tame the blood-devouring demon?"
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Post by Felypsa on Jun 5, 2011 12:24:53 GMT -6
For a moment, December thought he would just ignore her. And she would deserve that too. Instead she watched as he forced himself onto his feet, his body so broken that she could not imagine what pain he must be feeling now. Slowly healing, but still torn apart. He approached the bars, but December did not flinch away despite the stink that rolled off of him. She did not even react when he opened his mouth and spat out blood; her only concern was the words he spoke.
If there was ever something so heartbreaking, it was what the demon was saying now. Yes, December had not been completely oblivious to Fortune’s affection for her…well, she had been at first. Even when he kissed her out of the blue, she had been still a little confused. Romance and passion were not things she had ever experienced or believed she needed. She tried to make that clear to Fortune but because of their constant proximity to one another, it was impossible for him to get over her.
It was one of the reasons why she decided to leave, in the end.
That had clearly backfired on them both…while December had anticipated some sadness on his part, she expected him to meet more pretty girls who would cure him of his misplaced affection. It turned out that was not the case…and December was some kind of object of obsession gone wrong, which now twisted him into the creature he was today.
She was beginning to understand why Seraphim’s holy light abandoned her. She was solely to blame for this demon, and had used coldness isntead of compassion. And she deserved this hatred.
Heart breaking, December moved toward the bars herself, staring right into those leering green eyes. Of all things, he offered a kiss. Her heart stopped for a moment. She barely registed that Imi had pushed off from her shoulder, leaving just December and Fortune staring at each other with the bars between them. She inhaled slowly, trying to think, trying to sift through the torrent of emotions racing through her.
“I’m no angel,” she finally said. “At best, I was only half of one…now I’m nothing like one at all. I’m a mercenary. You fell in love with a mercenary. And for that, I am truly sorry. My entire essence sings with sorrow.” Her eyes were more soft and vulnerable than Fortune had probably ever seen them: in them, guilt, grief, and even a small touch of tenderness. “I doubt a kiss could save you now. Certainly not mine. You gave me too much power, Fortune. I can assure you now, I’m not worth it, and I never was.”
She did reach for him, her two fingers briefly caressing those bloody lips. She was not a fool. She knew what he would try to do to her if she gave in to his request. But December felt the same paralyzing despair she had felt when she first encountered Fortune on the street. She deserved this fate, didn’t she? She had created this monster by neglect, she was the one who deserved this the most.
Imi gave a piercing cry of protest, echoing the room and surely alerting anyone within earshot—but December still leaned forward to gently connect their lips.
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Post by Aveilthé on Jun 5, 2011 13:48:47 GMT -6
Silence was thick in the air for a time, almost suffocating. Fortune's now working arm lifted, as did the other, and with both hands he gripped the iron bars. Inspite of his strength, the bars were too strong to be pulverized by his powerful, vicelike grip.
For too long he had been alone. His desire dissipated and made his hunger much stronger. To look at a pretty girl... any girl... he could only think of one. Curse her face... her eyes, her... everything. For years, he lived in hell. With all the pain and suffering, he learned to enjoy it, and that's how he became the monster he is today.
Nostrils wrinkled when December drew a little closer. He had the mind to turn away and ignore her as best as he could, but they both knew that he was virtually powerless. But curiosity piqued his interest, and he decided that he shall see what plays out next.
Frankly, what happened blew him away. He didn't think December would actually... His mind raced, but in the confused mess he was unable to pick out exactly what he wanted to think. He was only trying to provoke her, to get her angry, to gain satisfaction by seeing her feel his hate. Any reaction but this would have been welcoming.
His jowls parted in response to her fingers. They brushed away some of the crimson caked there. It looked for a moment that he was getting ready to strike her arm. But he held fast, and if he had a heart to beat, it would have created a storm inside his chest.
Imi's warble stung his ears and he almost jerked away, but before he could do anything else, December's lips were on his, and he became still as stone, completely shocked. When it registered that she was kissing him, Fortune closed his eyes and felt something dribble at the corner of his eye. Blood? No... tears.
Caught up in the passion, the vampire reached out and felt her hair, tilting his head some. That was he heard some concerned voises in the distance, and that woke him up. With great ferocity, he took her by the shoulders and jerked her away from him, and he withdrew into the semidarkness of his cell.
"You think this is a game? You come in here to torment me? And yourself? You're very cruel. You may be an angel no longer, but I can sense that your light is still there." Instead of sounding hateful, he resonated sadness. "You should go. Now." He paused, and turned to December. With a loud, rough voice, he shouted at her. "LEAVE ME." It was something she was good at, after all. She should have no problems following his wish.
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Post by Felypsa on Jun 5, 2011 14:06:38 GMT -6
She had believed this was the kiss of death for her. The first time she had willingly made this motion. She was expecting his sharp fangs to pierce her lips, then her neck while she was still exposed…certainly Imi thought so too. But to her surprise…and her own confusion…the vampire kissed back. Sweetly but yearningly, and she felt his hand on the back of her head, entangling in her hair. In any other situation, it would have been a scene of great passion…and December suddenly felt her broken heart stirring.
The noise of others, alerted by Imi’s shriek, must have then affected Fortune, for he shoved her away. She fell back, her hand immediately touching her swollen lips. He lashed out at her and she stared, realizing that there was warm liquid on her cheek. She brushed at it; had she been crying? No. The tear had transferred onto her cheek from his. Once more her heart seemed to shatter for him.
“It wasn’t that,” she started to protest weakly, but he was yelling at her now. Telling her to leave. December glanced behind her, down the hall. There were others headed her way. She didn’t have much time.
She went back to the cell, her hands curling around the bars, staring in at the miserable, haunted creature. “I’ll save you,” she said softly, though whether she meant simply from the cell or from his dark nature, it was not clear. “Once upon a time, I swore to protect you. I broke that promise but now I make it again.” There was hope for him and for her. She felt it in that moment. And by God, if ever she had anything to fight for, it was this. “You might not believe me but I will.”
With that, she turned away, saluting at whomever was coming down the hall. She would make her report. Her heart was hammering and December still could not believe what she had done, what she had felt, what she now promised to do. It was so unlike her.
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Post by Aveilthé on Jun 5, 2011 14:22:22 GMT -6
A deep rumble in his throat said enough... no, he did not believe her. At least he did not want to. She had again woke up something inside him, something that had been dead for a long, long time. Was there no way out of this? "Forget it, it is too late. You're too late." It was a mere murmur, and he was unsure if she heard.
Flanked by a couple of men loaded with weapons and armor, Captain Istas marched through the long corridor until she was sure she reached Fortune's cell. When she saw December's saluting hand, she quirked a brow and lowered her M-240 Machine Gun. "Shit! Are you alright?" She had seen flecks of blood in December's hair and some parts of her face. "Oh... he's--don't tell me he's still alive," she groaned.
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Post by Felypsa on Jun 5, 2011 14:29:13 GMT -6
It didn’t matter what he believed. It was about what she believed, what she needed to believe. This couldn’t be over. December inhaled as Captain Istas appeared. She questioned December’s health and she realized how dirty she must look. She wiped both cheeks, and then looked into the cell. “I’m afraid he is,” she said quietly. “Though he is still weak. Healing from what you gave him would take him a long time to recover from.”
It was at this point that she would suggest more guards be posted around the cell, but for one, she was not in charge of the operation. For another, that would only make things more difficult for Fortune. Her mind raced. She had stood by him before and that had got her into a lot of trouble with authorities. And that had been when he was “good.” Now she was sure he was still quite demonic and had a lot of psychological healing to get through.
This whole thing would be…tricky. Extremely tricky.
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