Another Mercenary Among Merchants

[Felypsa]

oOc| ohemgee, I know! I have absolutely no idea what that's going to do, if it even applies >.>'



December rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. Going anywhere with Taro meant you were going to stand out by sheer association. He was just one of those people. It wasn’t enough that he was a bloody giant; no, he had to be loud and outgoing too. As opposed to December, who liked being left alone and didn’t need attention from other people—least of all negative attention. But being with Taro was such a riot, she couldn’t miss out.

She leaned over so she could read the menu item that Taro thrust at her. Her reading was flawless; she’d learned all languages as a child of the seraphim. “It’s just a fancy catfish,” she informed her friend. “With some special sauce and all. Sounds gruesome, to tell the truth.” She set her menu down without opening it or looking at it. “I’m just going for buttered scones and tea,” she said. “Is that agreeable to you?”

As she was speaking, she thought she saw a flash of red coat outside. She turned to look at the color, which was so bright against the dim greyness of the morning. She frowned, for she thought she saw the wind tease out a long lock of blonde hair. But December shook her head. There are lots of blondes in this city, surely, she thought to herself. Don’t jump to conclusions. Why should it matter anyhow? She turned away from the window.

She didn’t notice Imi’s absence.

Rosaline profusely thanked her priest, who then gave her instructions on what to do next. She eagerly listened, ready to do her part, certain she was doing right. When Father Hyde dismissed her, she thanked him more times, blessed him, prayed to the Lord, and finally departed the cathedral.

Once outside, a wind picked up and she pulled her coat tighter. She walked alone, past a small, dirty café, which her grandmother had told her to avoid at all costs. If she had only but looked in, she might have seen the frightening mercenary from the night before…the merc who might just become her rival. The scary lady who was closer to God than Rosaline could ever hope to be. Irony is vicious.

Rosaline wandered on her own, passing by the fishing wharves and watching the wind stir up the waves in the sea. She thought of her grandfather, and wished that he would be there beside her, to guide her onto the right path. Yes, she had instructions from her priest, but she wanted confirmation from Granpa that she was doing the right thing. I want only to make sure that what happened to you doesn’t happen to anybody else again, she thought. But I will not commit the sin of killing. For if Granma hires someone to kill the vampire, and I do not interfere, that is as evil as if I had killed him myself. She shuddered, and not just from the cold.

After walking in the streets of Escavas for a while, she realized she knew where she was. Trembling only slightly, she looked up. There was the abandoned, broken-down mansion whose depths she had explored the previous night. She never thought she would be back here ever, let alone so soon. For a moment, panic seized her: what if Fortuné and Zayn attacked her? But she realized that though she was alone, she was not defenseless. Her hand reached into her coat and drew out a prominent cross on a string. Father Hyde had blessed it with holy water and scripture before she left the church. It was the only weapon she would ever need.

Feeling a little more assured, she stepped into the mansion. Grey sunlight spilled into the open windows, illuminating the dark place. It was horrendously dusty, and it looked as if a hurricane had swept through it. There were torn portraits that once depicted beautiful scenes of people and stages; smashed porcelain and glass creations; books, half-burned and half-torn, everywhere, their leaves strewn about haphazardly; and, in one corner of one room, a smashed music box. Rosaline, who loved music boxes, picked it up and opened it. To her surprise, there was a small ballerina who attempted to dance while playing a cute little tune that was terribly off-pitch. But Rosaline slipped it into her pocket, liking the little treasure, and continued on her way.

“Belo—” She stopped herself. She knew his name now, and she was not sure she could call him “beloved” anymore—not with the way he ignored her last night. She coughed and said, “Fortuné?” Her soft voice echoed in the empty house as she continued to roam through its desolate rooms, calling his name. Her hand grasped and stroked her necklace with the cross pendant.

She didn’t notice the presence of a small bird, carefully following her and hiding from her sight.

[Aveilthé]

"Gruesome? Sounds like muh kinda meal," said he, smacking his
lips and scratching his bald head in an undignified manner. "Yuh,
sounds great. Anyway... where be a waiter-person? I got n'
appatite from hell."

The vampire was dozing upon a small bed of sorts, though with
adequate warm wool greying blankets, very moth-eaten and
bedraggled. It had been, at least, a few good hours since Zayn
had shown him a room to which he could stay, and the best
part of it all was, no window was here, so the sun couldn't hurt
him. Every now and then, Fortuné would roll about the thin
matress, obviously having troubled dreams about the past events.
Most of them were of December and Rosaline.

It was then that his eyes snapped open once he heard a familiar
voice calling out his name. Even being so far below, Fortuné had
a knack for hearing from far off places. He got up, found himself
tangled with his blanket, and after a few episodes of trying to
unravel himself, he trumped off to the stairs. After a while he
reached a landing, to which he halted. He threaded his hand
through his hair, and felt the bump on his head. It was at that
moment that the image of Rosaline popped into his head, as
well as the memory of playing for the maiden in The Knight Pub.
He was so flabberghasted to recall this that he felt
a bit weakened at the knees, but nonetheless, he straightened
himself up and called above.

"Rosaline," he stammered, whispering loud enough so that she
might hear him. He felt his heart skip a beat also; he remembered
hearing her name, so he undoubtedly knew that 'Rosaline' was
what she was called.

[Relairah]

OoC: Oh goodness, I feel like I've missed ages xD I still can't believe that as of January this plot will have actually been a year! Anyway, yipee... I get to reply after like forever... and am caught up! WEWT! *Skips* Oooo, and some interesting plot twists and all coming up *rubs hands* This is just such an awesome plot ^^

IC: The young, brown-haired street-girl had been there, in the
background previously at the mysterious mansion of Fortuné’s
older brother Zayn, watching as Fortuné revived from his fall and
yet not entirely. What a pity he should forget, and then again,
not so, for Fortuné’s love with the girl had been quite a bother.
She had stifled a laugh when Fortuné offered December his hand
and all, and had quietly brought up the rear, her eyes letting her
see in the dark as well as Fortuné and Zayn. The odd thing,
perhaps, was that she didn’t really know that her eyes permitted
her to do so. Perhaps because it had always been so and she
didn’t know any different? Neh, she knew that not everyone
could see in the dark. She simply hadn’t ever paid attention to it.

When everyone had piled out into the light, she had looked
around briefly. She had had to admit she was becoming quite
hungry, but she wasn’t going to say anything. She had stood
silently in the shadows, not that she hated the sun, but because
it was there she could lean against the wall. She had a bit of a
habit of doing so. She had watched as that girl, though she
didn’t know her name to be Rosaline, danced about in the
sunlight, smiling faintly. ‘At least someone can enjoy themself,’
she thought.

When Imi suddenly appeared, coincidentally upon December’s
question, she had watched the bird with curiosity as she
seemingly ‘spoke’ to December. Her brows furrowed slightly, and
her questions were soon answered with December’s words to
Fortuné about how he was wanted. She was hardly surprised at
this, but it was different when Fortuné began to speak. What he
had said was most unexpected, and then he prayed to
December. She still remained silent, but thought Fortuné perhaps
a fool. But then again, maybe not. She understood his reasoning
perfectly well... afterall, he had a point. He was under a
vamipire's curse of being a creature of darkness, though perhaps
anyone would hardly believe it with Fortuné's personality and all.

Afterward, time had seemed to slip by fading from one thing to
the next until everyone was dispersing to seemingly go back to
their 'normal lives'. But, it was most certain that noone would
go 'back to normal'. Jolene had simply sighed, turning toward
Zayn and Fortuné, giving them a slight nod, and with her slight
accent she had gained from being on the streets she bade them
goodbye. She had, for a moment, thought about going along
with the mercenary, December, just to the market. But, on
second thought, she had quite a feeling it'd just get on the
other's nerves. Besides, she knew her way well enough and she
didn't need any sort of protection. Still... somehow, she felt like
this was far from over, and... somehow, she felt like all the
events of the previous night had changed her in a way.
_______

As she reached the comforts of the market, her familiar world,
she looked around rather lazily, feeling a bit tired. The previous
night had perhaps been the most interesting she'd had in such a
long time. She was so full of energy and yet... she was suddenly
realizing how hungry she was. "Ah, great... gotta go on my dayly
routine once again. Nothin' new." She laughed slightly to
herself, "Damn market people'll never catch me anyway."

She moved foward once again, and it was then that she noticed
all the posers on the poles everywhere. She paused a moment
to read one, and then gasped gently. She had already known
from what December had told them previously but... that much
money? And... she understood it all, and certain puzzle pieces
were beginning to fit from when she had first began following
December and Fortuné with the dead man. So that's who it had
been... although she was completely unknowing of the fact that
this person was related to the blonde girl from before.

There were many mercenaries in this market, quite a few of
which she knew, and a couple of whom she was acquainted with.
Still... she hoped desperately it weren't so... but she
remembered when December was talking about having no
money. She shook her head, 'No, December wouldn't... would
she?' It was rather awkward, for Jolene had always been sure
she could care less about other people. But... when it came down
to it, truthfully she didn't want the vampire to be killed. Of
course, she knew not of his own desire to be dead anyway, at
least to be rid of the curse he was under. She sighed gently,
'Maybe I shouldn't get involved... but...' She felt as though
she didn't have enough excitement in her life. It had become
rather boring, simply having the same thing every day. Steal
some food, run away and avoid getting caught. Kill or injure
people who got too close to catching her, eat, sleep, begin
again. All this was new, and she felt she wanted to be a part of
it. She had this feeling that this whole thing was far from over,
and she deffinately wanted to know how it would end. She
couldn't stop herself from being curious. She wanted to know.

So, she turned away from the poster, ignoring the many others
all around the market. Her mind was made, but what exactly she
was going to do she was still unsure. She certainly couldn't be a
match for a mercenary... then again she had learned a lot from
mercenaries she had watched, that is when she used to visit the
castle at times. She still remembered the secret place in the wall
that had been damaged and could easily be slipped through. She
supposed she'd cross that bridge when she came to it, so for
now, she went foward, searching for what she wanted.

Jolene soon came upon the fish-selling man. She was completely
unknowing of the mercenary who had previously visited this
particular little stand. She smirked to herself, slipping easily into
the shadows. It was typical, and she knew this routine like the
back of her hand. She moved smoothly as she traveled along in
the shadows, her orange eyes brightly in contrast to the
darkness around her. She easily swept around behind the man.
he was shouting at some customer, trying to cheat him. The
customer was a rather short, stocky man, who didn't really look
like he had much. Jolene figured by the looks of him that he was
some peasant trying to get food for his family at home. She
quickly pulled her attention away from him, knowing the longer
she lingered the higher chance of being caught.

She easily slipped three large fish from one of the many barrels
that were around the stand and then drew away. She thought
for a moment that she should temp the man to come after her by
telling him about her theft, but left it alone. Fortunately, no one
noticed as she slipt back into the shadows and dashed off. As
she headed off toward the little place she had made for herself,
she happened to pass by the little cafe where, little did she know
it, December was, with her newly found old friend Taro. As she
passed, Jolene thought for a moment she saw the mercenary
through the window, but she had dashed by and was too lazy to
turn back. Anyway, she was hungry, and for that matter she
could always find the mercenary later, or so she was sure.

[/center]

[Felypsa]

December smiled faintly, and raised her hand and made a gesture to get the attention of one of the waiters. “We’d like to order now,” she said, as the young man bowed his head and awaited their orders. “I’ll have the buttered scones and tea,” she said, “and my companion would like the number 7.” The waiter bobbed his head, having committed their orders to memory, and hurried off to the kitchens. December let out a little sigh and turned to face Taro.

“This is so very strange…oddly coincidental that we’ve run into each other like this.” She toyed with her fork as she lapsed into thoughtful silence. She thought she caught sight of a mischievous urchin girl out of the corner of her eye, but didn’t bother to look. Briefly, December recalled the peculiar dagger that Imi and Jolene had found in Fortuné’s old house. She frowned. I would have liked to know what that was, and how it came here. But it was too late now. She didn’t think she would ever encounter Jolene again.

“So, how’ve you been?” she asked, relaxing as they waited for their food to arrive. “Found a lover yet?” She grinned.

She waited she didn’t know how long, holding her breath and hoping for good luck to come her way. She thought she heard something stirring in the house, and gripped her cross more tightly. She murmured a little prayer under her breath, when suddenly she heard her name, whispered softly, tenderly, from behind her. She turned around, her hood falling in that simple movement, revealing her fairness. Though the light was dim and almost nonexistent, she seemed at once a radiant beauty. Oh, somebody gag me.

“You remember!” she exclaimed, surprised and secretly overjoyed. She subconsciously took a step towards him. “Last night you’d forgotten me—and I…” She trailed off, not wanting to confess her lingering feelings for him. The magic of their meeting was still fresh in her mind, and just looking at him now made her heart flutter. “I have come here to help you,” she said, eyes shining with hope.

Imi was hidden unobtrusively in the room, a small, silent owl, keeping watch on the events unfolding before her. She made sure to remember everything that was happening so she could report to December later. For December would want to know this! She settled back to watch the show. Humans are so foolish. Vampires, too. If she’d had a mouth, she would have smirked.

[Mama Z]

(-gags herself-)Time had a curious way of passing while one was asleep. A restless night, we feel time passing at the speed of syrup in January. A deep and untroubled sleep gave the dreamer not enough time to enjoy it. Unfortunitly, this was not a night where he could sleep through peacefully. Fits of nightmares and plagued his mind and on more then occassion he had jumped awake, privately praying that it was only a dream, that they werent real. But oh, how real they were. These dreams weren't just fabrications from a long day. They were memories, replaying over to make sure he didnt forget who he was and what he had become in order to play the hero. His grandparents distaste for him for how he looked and how he had longed to please him, but how his baby brother remained the Golden-Child to them.

He was now fully awake and his hand reached up to touch the unmasked face. His skin was cold, he didnt need feel it to know that. Seemingly dead skin covered this area like scars from a fire. The area just beneath his eye hung lower, revealing a sickly pink. Zayn didn't need light to know he was horridenous. But being a vampire, a creature of the night, helped him overcome this fear and helped him feed. Women looked at him with pity and easily they would fall into the vampires gaze and charm. They had sympathy laced in their eyes, he had hunger.

The soft calling of names roused him from his thoughts and he sat up on his own thin mattress. HE did have two, but Fortune had taken the other one. No brother of his was to sleep on the floor like a dog. He sat up, listening more words. Reaching over, he slipped on the mask that hid his true being from the world. Standing he slipped on his shoes and easily laced them, even within the dark that the building had to offer. He slipped on his shirt and buttoned it, but didnt bother to tuck it in. If it was who he thought he was, there was no need for much formalities. Dark hair was slightly tussled from a nights sleep, and his pants sligtly wrinkly. He moved silently through the halls, seeking his brother.

[/color][/center]

[Aveilthé]

A kind of blush rose on his face upon being questioned this. If
anything, girls was a great weakness to him, and he could never
resist showing off to every one of them, as long as they were
attractive. He subconsciously scratched his chin. December was
attractive, too, but he never thought of himself being with her in
that way. He always perceived her as a little sister, someone
he could pick on when he likes - and best of all, he felt more
comfortable around her than anyone. Also, like all "big" brothers,
Taro was very protective of her.

"Dec be da only girl for dis baldy," he said dramatically as he
clutched his heart in a very theatrical manner. "But yeh... been
'round Thor a bit, findin' some o' decent jobs n' stuff. It sucked
though, 'cause in Thor, any assassination s' greatly frowned 'pon
n' stuff... yuh... I got caught twice by da police, but usin' disguises
I've always evaded 'im. But yuh, I made plenty o' good money
by blastin' those mutha fletchas to void. But... all dat money went
into things othah than food n' stuff..." he looked away and smirked.
"Well, dat might answah yer question about... luffers." He
meekly rolled his eyes.

He failed to notice what December might find 'familiar' outside
the restaraunt.

Fortuné took another few steps down, though slowly. He still felt
exhausted, as if he were running a marathon (which, friends,
would be very interesting to see). His head ached even, so
did his forehead, but not quite as much. For a while he rubbed it
as if trying to ease the large bump back into his head, but after
a while he learned that it hurt only more, so he stopped.

"Ehh..."

He listened to her, though he felt uncomfortable by looking
the dear lass straight into her big blue eyes as she spoke to him.
In his heart he felt that the girl held a memorable place in his heart,
but he felt that his heart did not belong to her anymore. It was not
that he was not in love with her anymore - he felt like he loved her,
for the reasons that she was sweet, beautiful, and her heart
so full of love to share. Not to mention she was a very naïve young
lady. The vampire had past experiences with lovers, too, and he
was smart enough now to understand that to enter into a
mortal's life would not only condemn himself, but the girl also.
(This was not thought of during the moment his bloodlust kicked in
the night precious. When this would happen, only one thought
could preoccupy his mind at a time.)

She would be killed... a better gift than the alternative.

Alas, there was a heavy guilt weighing his body like gravity forcing
him to sink underground. He used the poor girl's heart and
took advantage of her love when he was not worthy of her love.
Now, though, he felt that he loved December more than anyone
he has ever known. She immediately accepted him and helped him,
and with this, he would do anything for her.

"I do remember," he said softly, coming up to finally meet Rosaline.
"That was a nasty fall. I did not mean to forget you... glad, I am,
that the memory loss was temporary..." he paused, finding nothing
to really say, yet he did gather the courage to look the lass in the
eye again. "My dear... there is no one that can help me. I am sorry
that you know of what I am, and I am terribly sorry that I... that
I...," he gulped, "took advantage of you. I was not thinking that
night. Rosaline, I am not worthy. I wish you could forget all of this."

Perhaps Fortuné took what Rosaline said by 'helping' wrongly, or
perhaps he thought that whatever method that she might try would
not work - after all, Fortuné said himself that he did everything he
could to not be a vampire. Ironically, he never had an
exorcism performed on him.

[Felypsa]

While Taro was speaking, their food arrived. December lit into her small meal at once, not realizing how hungry she’d been. She grinned at Taro’s embarrassment. Rarely did she ever get a chance to embarrass him—it was usually the other way around. She listened as he falteringly told of his ventures in Thor, a city far away that she had only heard tales of. That a city would frown upon assassination was a nice idea, but December knew at least that laws would not prevent it happening. She was willing to bet the assassins in the more civilized area were actually more barbaric than the mercs she knew. It was like forbidden fruit—the more someone is denied something, the lower they will stoop to get it.

She sighed. “Well, I hope you’re here to stay. Who knows? There’re some nice girls in Escavas. Maybe you’ll get lucky one day.” She winked. Of course, beneath all her teasing was the real wish that he would stay. She’d missed her old mercenary friends—especially him. But she wasn’t in love with him. December didn’t know that passion that humans called “love.” The only thing she knew about it was that it was strong enough to compel a powerful seraph like her father to linger on this mortal plane long enough, just to stay with the woman he loved. When I meet for whom I am willing to give up everything, she thought, then I’ll know I’m love.

December cast a look around, having finished her small meal. She did not see Imi. “Damn bird,” she said, but lightly. She figured her small companion was just exploring the land.

Rosaline thought she heard steps elsewhere in the house, and her palpitating heart quickened. But then she remembered Zayn, Fortuné’s darkly handsome brother. She relaxed a little, and concentrated on Fortuné’s tenderly spoken words.

Perhaps last night they would have broken her heart. But she was too full of faith to let them destroy her now. “No,” she cried, stepping closer. She would have embraced, but he seemed so distant, and so she held herself back. “Don’t you understand? You’re not alone, you’re never alone—God is with you, always. You must look to God, for only He can help you. Let Him cleanse you, let Him heal you, let Him forgive you…”

She looked deep into Fortuné’s eyes. “I do not care what your motive last night was, whether it was pure or not. What matters is what happened as a result. I love you, Fortuné, and I want to be with you forever. But in order for us to be together, you must speak to God and allow Him into your life. Please, Fortuné…this is for the best…for us.” She gripping her cross more tightly. “You are worthy of me and my love, Fortuné. Help is there if you would only ask for it.” The poor, stupid girl believed herself in love when she was suffering only from attraction and a brief seizure of passion. The long-lasting love that had kept December’s angelic father with her mortal mother was not something this young, idiotic girl knew. But oh, the foolish passion of youth and innocence.

Imi too heard the stirring of the other vampire. Unafraid of Zayn, the tiny owl swept silently through the house, searching for him. At length she found him on the steps, looking for Fortuné. She swooped down to where she knew he could see her, and hooted very softly. She then began to lead the way back to where Fortuné and Rosaline were. The tiny bird did not know what the blonde girl had in mind, but she did not trust it. That wench was too head-over-heels in what she thought was love to be trusted.

[Mama Z]

The Phantom recoiled slightly at the sudden appearence of the bird swooping down in front of him. He remembered it clearly from the night before and found the little thing alittle marvel. But he didnt have time to ask questions about what made Imi tick and transform and now he didnt have time to ask. But he couldn't help but to be curious if the mercenary they had met last night was here. Without question, the vampire followed behind the owl Imi, trusting her to lead the way to his brother.

[Aveilthé]

"Neh, none of dem women are o' muh taste," he said conversationally,
"dey all wear dem giant tents that drag all 'cross da road. It's silly.
I like biatches with pants dat cling to 'em n' shirts tight... I like big
boobs." More dignified people in the vicinity turned around and
frowned at Taro, but he didn't take notice. "It's fun in winter,
though. Most of dem women know nothin' about bras." He said
this so loudly that most women within turned their heads away
and blushed. One mother with a child was so offended that she
walked out, dragging her reluctant small child by the hand.

"Oh, yay, food!" With his one large hand, he took a fancy-looking
catfish from the plate and ate it whole. An obnoxious burp followed.
After wiping his face with his arm (the napkin lie neatly folded still
by his plate), he looked back up. "Naw I dun think I'll stay here.
I like to wander. I hate stayin' in one place too long, but if ya want
I'll stay wit' cha fer a bit longer or however long you want meh wit'
'choo. Or at least when I complete certain tasks n' whatnot. Geh,
I'onno, we'll see. So where did dat smart lil bird of yers go? And
knowin' her s' much as I do, dat bird won't be long, yanno. She'll
be back."

With that being said, Taro's expression distorted into what looked
like confusion. He felt that there was something very wrong,
for his pants felt quite damp.

"Uhh... Dec..." He patted his pants. "My pants are wet!"

"God... God, when has God ever been there for me? You wouldn't
believe how many times a night I have prayed to him to somehow
make me normal like every other man in this planet. Well, obviously,
that will never happen, because I have been doing so for almost
two centuries," Fortuné retorted, though regained composure
because he knew that he was being rude. "My dear, this is not
about me. I am used to this, and forever I shall remain as such.
It is about you... your safety. I..." he paused, for Rosaline said that
she loved him. "I cannot. You do not realize how much danger
you are in around me... and my brother. You must get out of here."

The vampire then noticed the small glint shining from what very
small light the corridor provided. "What is that in your hand?"
Fortuné's voice sounded quite different when this question was
permitted from his lips, almost deeper, a surefire danger signal.

[Felypsa]

December had to plaster her hand over her own mouth so that no one could see her laughing so hard. As it was, her eyes crinkled with mirth as Taro went on to describe just what kind of girl he was interested in. He offended just about everyone within hearing distance, even affronting a mother so much that she left without getting her meal. Taro was such a riot.

“I’d like for you to stay a little while, at least,” December said. “I don’t even know if I’m going to stay for long. Depends if I get a steady job…otherwise, there’s nothing here that I couldn’t find anywhere else.” She shrugged. But she didn’t quite believe what she was saying. Involuntarily, she thought of Fortuné and Zayn. They had completely destroyed her perspective of creatures of darkness. They were vamps, they did barbaric things to innocent humans, but they were good people…she thought how Fortuné, the bumbling idiot, tried so hard to make cups of cocoa to please her, and how Zayn graciously led them all out of the darkness of the underground. And they didn’t attack her, Imi, Jolene, or even that blonde. They were…different.

December was roused from her thoughts when Taro proclaimed his crisis. Unsure whether to laugh or be horrified, December stood up and stared at Taro like he had gone mad. “Taro,” she said disbelievingly, “I’d’ve thought a grown man like you would have more self-control…” She let out a sigh. “We’d better find a place where you can dry yourself off…did you seriously wet your pants?” She handed him his napkin and her own pointedly.

Imi’d better get back soon, or I’ll start to worry, she thought. She’ll be sad she missed a spectacle as this!

Rosaline’s heart sank at Fortuné’s demurring words. “But my grandma will kill you!” she burst out suddenly. “She has the wanted signs up all over the city, and she told me this morning that several promising prospects have come to show interest in taking the job. She wants you dead, Fortuné, because you…you killed my grandfather.” She began to weep softly. “The whole city’s against you! But I don’t want you to die…please, just come with me, I’ll take you to my priest, he’ll save you, he said he would, he can, he will! Oh, Fortuné, just come with me, and this nightmare will all be over.”

The poor girl was so distraught that she didn’t even notice the change of Fortuné’s tone. “This?” She tightened her fingers over the cross, unwilling to show it lest the rumor that crosses kill vampires was true. “This is His cross. I carry it with me, and it’s a sign that He is watching over me. Y-you…you wouldn’t want to see it, not now. But if you come with me and my priest, if you let God heal you, then you will be able to see it and rejoice in its symbol!” She was pleading, desperate. She felt she had never wanted anything more in her life than she wanted Fortuné to be with her. What a wench.

Imi hooted softly, quickly winging her way through the manor, back the way she came. She did not check behind her, knowing that Zayn would easily be caught up. She was just as curious about this other vampire as he was about her. The things she had seen in this manor rose a lot of questions to her mind. But she stuck to the task at hand, and before long, she zoomed over Fortuné’s head, having led Zayn to his brother. When Imi arrived, Fortuné had just inquired about the object Rosaline was holding. The bird thought that Fortuné’s voice was different, but could not be sure. She wondered if she should get December, and prepared to do so should things get out of hand.

[Mama Z]

The walk was short and quick. Zayn was actually surprised to find that his brother hadn't wandered too far from the sanctuary of the old preforming house. From his angle, he could see the back almost the complete back of Rosaline, and his brothers front. He had heard their whispers and was beyond curious to know what they were getting into at this wretched hour. He did what he always seemed to do, linger back in the shadows away from their prying eyes. However, from the look of it, things to be indeed more serious then what he had previously thought.

The sudden change in the tone that Fortune was carrying warned him before he even saw the two. He tried to crane his neck around to see what it was she was holding. Something within the atmosphere stirred quietly. The fine hairs on his neck standing on end, something was wrong. Not with Fortune, but with what Rosaline was saying. She loved him, or lusted, either way she was willing to risk everything to be with him. He shifted and stood fully, coming out of the shadow of the door way.

'Just because we are damned to wander the earth feasting on the flesh of others, doesn't mean your God can heal us so easy.' He started green eyes looking down at the small human. 'If you think he wanted us blessed, do you think he would have done this to us?' He motioned with a smooth arch of his hand, starting at his face and quickly working its way down. Of course, with Zayn, he wasn't only talking of the vampire form but of the deformity he was supposedly "blessed" with from birth. Sure, there was always hope of love, but love was often alot harder to accomplish. Fall in love with one part and hate the rest, he learned that the hard way. What Rosaline was doing wasn't love, but self gain whether she knew it or not. All humans craved a perfect world, a perfect life, a perfect spouse. What they didnt realize is that with these dreams boils hate.

When it came down to it, they were all wenches.

[Relairah]

Jolene at last reached her little keep. It was an old, broken down
place, made of different bricks and wooden boards and such she
had stolen and gathered in her years of living here in the market.
She was content, as she had been here since before she could
remember. She slumped upon the floor a moment, simply taking
a moment to look around. It was awkward, how it felt almost
relieving to be home, and her thoughts drifted to the past night
that had been so seemingly long. However, she didn't linger on it
too long for her stomach growled bringing her back to the
present. She glanced at the fish she had stolen, then sighed and
went about preparing one of them.

There were plenty of different things about her little home she
had stolen from the market that she needed. She had ice and
salt which were enough to preserve the fish long enough so that
she could eat them without them spoiling. She went outside, and
it wasn't long before she'd made herself a small fire, necessary
to cook her fish. She swiftly, yet smoothly took out one of her
daggers and sliced off the head of the fish. Afterward, she cut
what she needed out of the fish and placed the rest aside. She
set up her meal to let it cook and afterwards took the other part
of the fish and went about preserving it.

While she waited on her fish to finish cooking, she sat near, and
pulled out her newest dagger, for the first time since the night
before. She studdied it carefully, once more going over its every
detail. The more she studdied it, the more she became aware it
was certainly no ordinary dagger. She flipped it in her hand a few
times, trying to get a feel for it. It was perfectly balanced,
seemingly flawless, at least so far. As she once again began
studdying it, her eyes were once more brought to the strange
markings upon the silver blade. She frowned, and wondered if
there were anyone in the market who could help her with making
out these markings. She looked up, an idea suddenly coming to
her mind. Perhaps December could! She soon shook her head,
but would the mercenary really want to help her anyway?

She once again let her eyes grace the dagger before placing it
back in its sheath. Her meal was about done and so she placed
the dagger out of her mind temporarily and tucked it away safely,
hidden within her clothing. She supposed for now... she had no
choice... she'd have to ask December if she knew anything about
it.

She pulled out a small plate and a fork, both among a group of
other dishes she had stolen from the market before as well. And,
she went about eating her fish. She'd go on a search for the
mercenary momentarily. She remembered that glimpse she had
thought was the other previously... and was sure even if that
had been December, she might've left the place by now. Even so,
she doubted the mercenary was out of the whole area already.
She was sure she'd find her, knowing this place like the back of
her hand...

[Aveilthé]

The mangy mutt placed his head on top of Taro's left knee, it's
muzzle clearly dribbling in an excessive amount of drool. Taro
stared at Dog and grumbled. "Silly Dec, it was just da Dog.
I panicked dar fer a mo'. Git off o' meh, dumb animal!"

Dog huffed and began licking Taro's boots. "Ugh, 'nother shower
fer meh." He dropped a catfish's tail on the floor and the dog
found it. In an instant, the whole tail was gone.

"Thanks, Dec," said he, taking the napkin and patting his legs.
"Prolly get muhself checked later, too, ne'er know what dis dog
might carry. N' the meantime, we get 'choo checked, too, Dog."

The people that remained in the vicinity picked up their heads
at disgust at Taro, for they obviously missunderstood what he said,
but undoubtedly received it very wrongly. One man got up and
went by Taro and December's table, saying out loud, "That is
just wrong, man! You need Jesus."

Taro responded back without looking at the man, "But Jesus said
no. Jesus said hell no." With this, the man growled and went
up to the desk to pay before leaving.

Brilliant green eyes never strayed from Rosaline's own eyes.
They did flash just as she mentioned His cross.

Fortuné's reality seem to shift, and there was an intense pressure
seizing his head. Fingers twitched as he felt like tearing away
his hair to reach the pain, but he let his hands linger at his sides.
From the outside, it may seem as if nothing was changing, but his
complexion may seem whiter than usual. There was a look of
an inhuman anger bubbling in his eyes. It was not at Rosaline -
but the cross and the mention of God.

For the longest of time, he did not seem to notice Zayn, though
subconsciously, he knew that he was there, and being his brother,
was not phazed by his appalling face. Even during his childhood,
he was always used to seeing this, and never thought of it as
anything less than different.

The vampire looked from Zayn to the young girl. "You must leave
this place, now," he spoke, in a cold, throaty tone, that most
certainly did not sound like him. His lips were pulled upward some
as he revealed his gnarled, lengthened vampiric teeth.

[Felypsa]

Rosaline screamed once when Zayn began to speak, whirling around and letting the cross go as she did so. He had frightened her so, sneaking up on her…she was so startled that the meaning of Zayn’s words went over her head. “You must have sinned,” she said without thinking, merely regurgitating what she had learned from that close-minded creed of hers. “Or your parents sinned…and the Lord punished you accordingly. But there is hope in forgiveness! He will forgive you all, if you just ask! I know this to be true—I forgive you both, God surely will! Fortuné—” she turned around to face him, but she never finished whatever she wanted to say.

His tone had changed; he had transformed. Rosaline stared in utter horror as he revealed those terrible vampiric fangs to her and told her to leave so coldly. With shaking hands she lifted up the cross to him, but only for a moment; and then she abandoned all courage and determination and fled for her life. She brushed past Zayn and paused for only a second to say, “Save me!” But she continued on, out of that dreaded house of darkness, where sin dwelled and refused to look to God. And she was crying as she ran, because she was so sure that she would have left with her one love…but in a few moments, everything had been lost.

She ran for the cathedral, knowing only her priest could help her now.

Imi chirruped in alarm as she witnessed Fortuné’s change, but she did not flee. She could recognize that the anger within her normally foppish friend was not towards her, but towards something intangible. She fluttered her wings for a few seconds before settling down and watching Rosaline run away. And then, looking at the two vampires, the bird thought that perhaps they would appreciate some time alone. So she swooped down, made a calming loop around Fortuné’s head while whistling a cheerful tune, then zoomed around Zayn’s sadly deformed face while doing the same. She bid them a cheery farewell, then left the house. She was going, of course, to tell December of all that had transpired.



December snorted at the complete absurdity of the situation. “Well, that’s a relief…I was going to say, Taro, that you are absolutely ridiculous if you can’t control yourself like that. But it was just that mangy cur.” She shook her head at Dog, astounded but nevertheless affectionate.

“We’d better go,” she said a moment after the man’s outburst. “I feel as though we have overstayed our welcome.” She wanted to say something to the man who had claimed that Taro needed Jesus; something along the lines of Jesus being only a symbol of what goodness could be, but nothing more concrete than that. But she felt that she would be ostracized for her belief, and besides, who was she to speak the truth to these people? She was part-seraph, but she didn’t have to disclose the secrets of angels to these close-minded folk who would never have believed her anyway.

She beckoned to Taro from the door, and at that moment spotted a small seagull flying towards her. “Well,” she said to her small companion. “You are certainly a mischievous sort.” While she was waiting for Taro, Imi chattered quickly, filling December in on the events that had just taken place. The mercenary’s eyes darkened.

“What an idiot,” she muttered, for once not referring to Fortuné, but to Rosaline. “I suppose I’ll have to go over there to make sure the two vamps are okay. She probably riled them up like nothing else. And we can’t have two riled-up vamps in the morning.” She let out a sigh and looked back at Taro and Dog. The only difficulty now was to visit Fortuné and Zayn without letting Taro accompany her or know where she was going.

[Mama Z]

'Save me.' Was the last thing she had whispered before her running footsteps followed after. Silence quickly elapsed and Zayn was staring at his younger blood relative. It's hard, it was always hard even when it seemed so easy. 'Im sorry Fortune,' he said as a last result, trying to figure out a way to comfort him. But how can you comfort someone when you hardly know them? He shifted gently, then turned, starting to head back into their dwelling.

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