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Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Fri Dec 14, 2012 3:25 am | |
| Chapter XVI – Gift of the Nemes
“There will be those who contest this. There will be those who want to either take this from you, if not wishing to strike this from your head, and destroy it, along with what we build. But we will not let them take what is ours, so easily. They have their kingdom, and we will fight to build ours from the ashes left behind by their burning ruins.” Kamena yelled, her voice echoing through the room. Holding the crown in her hand, she smiled at Damon, who knelt before her. “Accepting this, will name you as my king. As such, you adhere to my goal. No detraction, no doubts, but merely a wish to achieve our goal.”
He couldn't help but smile. “You ask me to become your king. To help you destroy an Empire, and build our own.” Standing, he snarled. “Then I am afraid I cannot allow someone so foolish to give me what they wish. However...” He grabbed the crown from her hands. “I will become what I am, by my own hands.”
Turning to the crowd, he snarled deeply. “You want your king, the one who is to bring those of your blood, greatness? To remove the shadow of the Camarilla from the city you call your own? Then look upon me, and see what you want, realized. “ Placing the crown on his head, he raised his arms. The cheers were deafening.
“I will shed the blood many in the past have refused. As your king, I shall do what even SHE-” He pointed at Kamena, without turning to face her. “-refuses to do.”
“What are you talking about?”
Damon sighed. “You want to rule. You ask for greatness, for your name to be uttered by those of your clan, and others, perhaps long after you have faced your final death. However, instead of what you want, what about our true goal?”
Kamena frowned. “Set? Why should I spread darkness for him? Why should I build an Empire for him, when I may get nothing in return?”
He smiled, snarling. Grabbing her by the neck, he laughed. Placing his hand on her belt, he licked her face. “This is why you are a fool. You are weak. You want nothing but the glory for yourself.” Reaching his hand lower, she shivered. “Yes, that is it. Made a plaything with out a touch of dead flesh.” He ran a nail against her neck, drawing blood. “I ask you, what happens if I drink your blood, my sire? Do I get more powerful? Do I become even more of a slave to your will? I would bet the former.”
“You insufferable-”
“SILENCE. I won't be used by you anymore. But that doesn't mean I intend on killing you. No, that would be a waste, just like humans. But I would imagine that your taste, is all the sweeter – even if the container, isn't to my liking.” Pining her to the floor, he snarled, baring his fangs. Biting into her neck, he drew blood. Unlike the rest, it had a taste to it that bred more that satisfaction. It had the air of power to it, and behind it, the voice in his head raged with a snarl that was quite excited.
Dropping her to the floor, he snarled. Turning to the crowd, he saw some of them with displeased faces. “Ah, I see you don't understand. She is what you chose to serve? The one who you would give your lives for? If so, pathetic.”
Before anyone got the chance to speak, he laughed. “What do you expect? Me to take a throne only? Is that what you expect from those above you? To lack the balls to do what they want? Sorry, but that isn't me.” Pointing at them, he kept his snarling face. “If any of you wish to display the same willingness, then please, stand and make yourself known. If not - KEEP SILENT.”
Turning back to Kamena, he smiled. “Whatever you expected, understand that I have no wish to act like your grandiose goals are my own. Why? Because you act as a child, who only wants to strike back at the one who wronged them – a narrow and limited goal, if you can achieve it. If you can, I do not know, nor care.”
Barely making the effort to stand, she snarled. “You dare defy me? ME, who made you?”
He scoffed. “You demand respect, since you shed your blood for me – when I never asked. Had you left me as I was – dead, might I add – I would not have to contend with you now. However, you must understand, that since I have eternity, at least potentially, then I choose to pursue my own goals. At this point, they do not coincide with yours. Sorry, my Sire. Follow your goals, if you still have the metaphorical balls to do so. I take my leave of this charade. Think I'll keep this though.” He tapped on the Nemes as he turned, pushing his way through the crowd.
“You take one footstep back here, and I will show you the dawn!” Kamena yelled.
He stopped near the stone door. Without turning he laughed. “Then I will have to kill you somewhere else, if you are so foolish enough to leave this Temple.”
Outside, he stared up into the sky. The moon was full, and it seemed to have a red ring around it. If it was only to his sight, or to that any that decided to view it this night, he wasn't concerned. However, he did wonder what should be done. Here he was, a purveyor of darkness, a fanged serpent, and someone who had no idea of what he should do.
Just as he made to move, he heard a faint scream. Although probably inaudible to those walking the streets around him, he couldn't help but be interested. Mostly since it came from the Temple he had just left.
With a shrug, he started to walk away, before he heard his name. Doubtless, he didn't have to see her to guess who it was.
“Damon?” Karin said has she came up behind him.
Turning, he felt annoyed – a fact which his tone made quite obvious. “What do you want?”
She turned red. “You know want I want. I really don't care if you don't want me. It isn't just your blood that makes me want you, either. “
He sighed. “Fine. But what was that scream?”
She sighed. “It was...Kamena. Once you left the room, she seemed furious. Rather than sleeping it off, or indulging herself with some blood, she found herself barraged with questions, mostly about you. She then...killed every single one who asked a question, Kindred or no. The few that stayed silent watched as she drained her ghouls to death, then left the room as she seemed to calm down. I...I left when she killed the first one, not wanting her to do the same to me.”
He couldn't hold back his laughter. “So she slaughters her kind, and the ghouls in her service, and she believes herself a compitant ruler? My balls.”
“So I can...come with you?” Her eyes seemed to water a bit, once again looking like a puppy.
“I said fine, didn't I? But I really don't know where...we are supposed to go.”
“Well, I do know a place...it isn't the best for someone in high-school, but I figure...given what we are...” She took a small card from her coat pocket. “It's here.”
Taking it, he looked it over. “A...brothel? Are you joking – wait. I suppose I could get some blood there, since I am thirsty. You don't have any money, do you?”
She sighed. “I know you might not care, but Kamena doesn't have much use for money. Still, I looked around while you slept this morning. The others didn't really have the...well, guts, at least, to look around. But I did find a stash of money. Not...too much, but I'd imagine that it would be enough for a night on the town, some clothes, and perhaps a bit of affluence when it comes to entering this place.”
Although the trip was uneventful, neither of them was asking for something to happen. Even though the streets were familiar to him, he still found it different. Death does change things, namely if it doesn't turn out to be as final, as it seems.
“So how much do you know?”
She nearly dropped her bag. “Um...about Vampires? Well, likely a little more than I've heard you and Kamena talk about, or what the others have said. In truth. I don't think it is that different from the stories, at least, save for the fact that Vampires can be, different. How, I'm not entirely sure. I don't know how much more I know to know, but I don't doubt I might learn more soon.”
He sighed. “She really hasn't told me much, save for the supposed grandeur that is my clan. I don't buy it like she does, and she is a damn fool if she thinks I can be that narrow minded. Being gay does that to you, you just can't think of things like a straight line, or black and white.”
Her cheeks flushed red. “I...no never-mind. Don't you want to go in?”
He nodded, and turned his head towards the building in-front of them. It wasn't at all obvious, since it seemed more like an old-fashioned bordello, in that it seemed more like a bar on the outside, than someplace where men paid to get lucky.
Entering into the lobby, they were met by a deathly pale woman, who held what looked like a list on a clipboard. “How are you tonight-” She looked Damon up and down. “Oh, I see. Looking for a little blood eh? Well we can certainly cater to that, although I wonder why you want to pay for it, when you have a ghoul standing right next to you.”
He sighed. “I'm...new, and I would rather not have to take it too far and kill her. Good enough?”
The woman shrugged. “Fine then. I'll get you two a room, some food, and someone to drink. That is, if you have the cash for it?”
Karin grabbed a stack out of her black bag. “This should cover it.”
The woman's eyes nearly bulged. “That will...certainly....cover it! You can call me Rose.” She took the cash from Karin, quickly thumbing through the stack of bills. “In fact, With that much, I'll give you a deluxe room, and a pair of humans with some rich blood, which you can either feed on that, or take them at your pleasure. Although...any preferences?”
Damon seemed to act as if he did, but his face did not show it. “Call it odd if you want, but any guys you have, bit feminine.”
Rose didn't say anything more, instead she grabbed a key from a wall, handing it to Damon. With this, she ran back inside, and seemed to disappear. They were left to find the room on their own, but it seemed simple enough.
Only a minute of searching, and they found the room. The door was made from ebony, and the handle was polished chrome. Inside, it was the same story. Every piece of furniture was made from the same ebony wood, and anything metal was polished chrome. The bed-sheets were black-velvet, with two pillows in silver silk. The room itself was dark, but tastefully. The few lights were white, not the usual yellow.
“Not bad. I've heard this place is a hotel too, although it depends on if your willing to pay for it. I don't know if what we paid is enough, but we do have more if you wish to stay.”
Sitting in one of the leather chairs, he sighed. “I don't know. In truth, I don't know if you heard, but my sister was embraced as well. I don't know by who, and I really don't care. But what I do want to know, is if she still cares.” Placing the crown on the table next to him, he watched with some delight as two delicious looking teenagers entered the room, both of them showing what might be far too much skin, but he could hardly complain.
“I see I will not be disappointed.”
His thoughts drifted to stories of Greece as the night dragged on. Perhaps this was not as grandiose, nor was it a party of thousands, but it felt as such. The pulse of life from the blood, added to by the feeling of warm flesh against his dead skin. Before, it would be the touch that came first, and the feelings from that. But now, it was the blood that was nearly his sole concern, and the touch was nothing more than an afterthought, something done to heighten the experience.
The idea that this could become boring was almost impossible to consider. With satisfaction of his lust, for both blood and touch, it did dawn on him that this was it. A reflection of what it once was, with the addition of something that took center stage as his desire, leaving everything else as no more than an extra, something which can be missed without much care.
To think that he could get depressed like this, was almost comical. Even if it made sense, the fact that there was no going back, no way to feel as before. But why should he? The baring of his fangs, the piercing of skin, the flood of blood in his mouth, and the ecstasy was nearly the same as before, without many of the pitfalls. What did he truly have to worry about? If he was damned, he was going to live as he wanted, and indulge himself in the pleasures the world would offer, as he wanted
“Say you find your sister again. What is it you plan to do?” Karin asked him.
He sighed. “I don't know, like I said. I know nothing of what she is involved in, or who she is with. For all I know, she could be dead by now, and Kamena was just lying to me.”
Karin shook her head. “No, it isn't that at all.”
Damon's head turned to face her with a speed that would've broken a human's neck. “What do you know?”
“Not very much. I heard Kamena talking, and it was mostly about your sister, along with someone called 'Nemu', who she was cursing. Seems he pissed her off in some way, and most of her words were pretty much that she would like nothing better than to kill him. Seems this guy has known her for quite some time, and has been something of a disappointment to her since they first met. I gathered that he isn't her childe, as he doesn't look at all like her, or like you.”
“What do you mean? What did he look like?”
She sighed. “Well, his skin was dark, and smooth, which is quite like Kamena's, but his hair is a vibrant shade of red. Seems normal enough, but then there are the horns sticking out of his head.”
Sitting up, he tried to think, but only one question was pervasive. “Did she say anything about where he might be?”
Karin rubbed her head, in a manner that Damon had to admit, was rather cute. “Well, she mentioned this estate just outside of town, called 'Oscuro'. But as far as it seems, she plans on doing something drastic soon, although it seems to be in a building downtown. It doesn't seem like she cares about the estate, or the people within it.” | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Sat Mar 23, 2013 5:47 am | |
| Chapter XVII – Good Night, Sweet Prince
“I suppose you are wondering how I did it, aren't you? The harm in telling you is very little, given that when this night is over, the Prince of London will be mere ashes, and the Camarilla he serves, will fall – not to it's knees, but into a hole, where all the rest shall follow. You know this ploy, and you know how well it works.” She traced Darrien's jawline with her finger.
“You expect me to grovel, snake? On my knees, my face pressed against your navel, and you expect me to humiliate myself further by asking you – or rather your loins, to spare me? I am a lunatic – not a fool. Although you can consider me curious, given that you stand in my office, having killed most of my staff.”
Kamena smiled, then laughed. “You never did have some other Vampire to protect you, and this was one obstacle that I not not have to contend with. Many of the Vampires were easy to either fool, or they were not ready to face someone like myself, or any others you see here. They now lie in ashes on your still gleaming floors, a fate which you shall soon share.”
She sighed. “But you are not fearful of death, like many kindred, who chose to be embraced, rather than wait to die. I do not know the reason you were embraced, but I doubt it relates to an escape from mortal death.”
“You would like to hear the reason, wouldn't you? But I won't give you the satisfaction. Kill me if you must, but you will not have that answer from me. You may learn it later, but for now, I will be nothing but silent.”
She sighed. “You take me too seriously, Prince. I do not care why you died once, but as for the second, and final time...” Her grin changed to a smile as she pulled a knife from the inside of her leg, drawing her tongue from her mouth, as it licked the cold metal. “You aren't going to laugh? So then the phrase will not wring true...”
Walking behind him, she placed her arms around him as she sunk to her knees, her arms around his chest. Slowly sliding the sharp edge of the blade against his neck, she smiled. “Good night, sweet Prince. May flights of demons violate you into eternal torment, denying you rest.”
Forcefully dragging the blade against his neck, the blood poured like a waterfall, but only for a few seconds. Standing, she scowled, watching as he smiled at her. Throwing the knife to the ground, she pulled the sword from the side of her belt, flourishing it as she planted her foot on his back, forcing him to the ground face first. With nothing but anger in her sickly green eyes, she swung the blade at his neck, watching with glee as the blade cut through his flesh, and bone, severing it from his body.
Stepping off the now headless body, she started laughing, as it burst into embers, the clothing becoming nothing more than scraps of cloth in the ashes. Sheathing her sword, her head arched back, her continuing laughter echoing around the room. “There are no words for this. I feel a freedom I have never felt, since my only direction now, is one I will set. No more will I cower in the shadow of your masque.”
“Is that true? You believe that with one single death, no mater the importance, you have won? Oh, his staff might not matter very much, but you do have to understand that you have been played this entire time.”
Kamena snarled, hearing the voice which seemed to arc through the air like a poisonous gas. “You pestilent ass. You think being here, of all places, matters? The Prince of this city is dead, and the first step has been climbed. You think anything you say is going to change things?”
Nemu leaned against the door frame. “Perhaps not. But there is one thing I can tell you, which will do much to shock, and not just you, Marisha.” His grin changed to a smirk. “Darrien, although capable as a Prince, has not held the seat for that long. Rather than wanting the seat, he chose to remain close to the power, but never painting the target on himself. However, you could say that this situation came about, because of us.”
She snarled again. “I suppose you mean to explain that?”
He nodded. “I knew what you wanted, given those nights I spent with you. I found your words interesting, namely since I have understood something simple, since my embrace. Which is, that there are forces in this world, which if you deign to fight them, you will lose. Not because you can't win, but because they have won, before you made your first move – perhaps before you started playing. In this case, your first move, was embracing Elizabeth's brother, and long before, the Prince had already made the move which set up your loss.”
She laughed. “Maybe he rigged this building with explosives, maybe he did some other incomprehensible thing which I don't have any care to mention, it does not matter. He is dead, and the Camarilla will die it's death soon enough, and he can do nothing to stop it.”
With a smile, Nemu bared his mouthful of fangs. “You don't really understand my meaning, do you? Then perhaps, I should not stand in the way of the truth. Maybe at the end of this petty squabble, I'll see you again – and be able to have my way with you one last time, before you die.”
Stepping aside, he waved as his body disappeared into the darkness. Behind him, stood a single woman, her cold blue eyes staring at Kamena. Around these eyes, the pale face was unblemished, perfect. Her hair was black, her eyes surrounded by black eyeliner, and her dark red lips curled around a snarling smile.
“If you were looking for a Prince, you merely killed a placeholder – I.e a decoy. I will not lie, and say I did not care about him, but this is an outcome that we both were prepared for. Some of the details were not planned, but the variances are not impossible to overcome.” She sighed as she walked through the door frame. “Perhaps, at least for the sake of understanding on your part, I will introduce myself. Lady Anne Bowesley, or Queen Anne if you will. Should you not, it only means you die sooner.”
Kamena snarled. “MITHRAS. So, you are the demon spawn of that bastard. How long and why did you have his d-”
Throwing a knife at Kamena, it hit her square in the forehead. “Silence. You should know that I hated him just as much. The very idea, that I was just 'holding' his throne – absolute bullshit. When I heard of his death, you have no idea how many clamored for my throne. But he is not my sire, who tried a foolish measure to gain power, which I can see why Mithras did not abide it. Darrien was the only one who offered his support of my rule, even more so when your scheme was revealed. But it is much worse than that, isn't it? Perhaps it would not be as severe, if it was just a Prince you killed – although most would take it as such, myself included. It would simply mean final death. But considering you also used the blood of a Primogen to Sire, and now we have ample grounds for something far worse.”
Pulling the knife from her head, Kamena snarled. “You think I'm going to let you end this here? This entire charade is far from over.”
Anne smiled. “Oh? You mean to jump out such a window? By all means. I'd have the mess cleaned up and and witnesses silenced within an hour, if not less. Also, I'll do you a courtesy, sending your ashes to the slums where you came from – and then I'll have it all torn down so the memory of you, fades to obscurity.”
“You think I cannot kill you as well? One more pile of ashes will not brother me.”
Anne smiled. “You could certainly TRY. But as it always is, I have planned for this. On every rooftop which has a view of that window, snipers, each able to place a round though the smallest inch of your body. Also, I have several other means of protection, which aren't limited to my own abilities. Though I will make mention of the fact, that if you make one step towards me, you will fall before you take another. So, either run for that window, and hope you are lucky enough to reach the ground before you die, or face your death, right here and now. Either way, DO IT.”
As she expected, Anne watched as Kamena and her compatriots ran for the window, each of them diving through the glass with anger on their face. Let it be. Having the foe be angry upon besting them is to be expected. Still, she wondered where this would lead. Turning her head, she walked toward Darrien's ashes. Kneeling, she sighed. “I am sorry. But we both knew what she planned, and having such a thing happen, is unthinkable.”
Standing, she turned around, just as Makrev walked off the elevator. His face immediately looked rather shocked, and he hurried his pace towards her. “Anne? What exactly....Ah.”
“Save your pity Makrev, you know just as well as I do that this was planned for. We just didn't know when she would do this. Still, we do know that all she seeks now is my death, which as you well know, isn't easy.”
He shook his head. “No, I understand. Although, you have been told about the situation in detail, have you not?”
Taking a seat in the desk chair, she sighed. “Admittedly, I find it interesting that I am getting most of it from a Tzimisce, but given what I know of him, he is not only loyal to those he counts as friends, along with the same for his country, but he at least has respect for the Camarilla, if nothing else. He has told me everything, and I find it interesting that this snake was able to crawl her way around for so long. His mention of their past relationship, and his confidence to the end that it will not make any difference to him, if he is the one to kill her. This aside, I find it interesting the fledgling he mentioned, wasn't with her tonight. Why I cannot say, and Nemu wasn't aware either – save for his mention of knowing that this 'Damon' was rather like himself, in that they both possess an, admiration for the masculine form. How that applies, I do not know, but if this plays out how I suspect it will, I will either be forced to kill Damon, and draw the ire of Elizabeth in the process, which admittedly isn't something I really care about, or something will give me cause to spare him. In truth, I have no care about that, and hell, even the Salubri that Darrien consorted with will not be my concern either, even if Morgana would say otherwise.”
Makrev sighed. “I will defer to your judgment, but perhaps there is a need for careful consideration. We do not yet know what Damon is like, although it can be inferred that he isn't the figurehead that Kamena might've intended him to be. It may be that he has left London, or he just does not know what he should do at this point, if he indeed did leave Kamena's haven. But either way, I will refrain from having an opinion at this point, as there is little need on this issue.”
With a nod, Anne smiled. “Hmm...perhaps that is the better option. In some respects, I could see Morgana contesting this choice, even if, in truth, it is one I have not truly made as of yet. However, I'm sure she will come around, since that is the usual with her. I'm quite sure Alice or the others will abide this, especially since they were so sympathetic with your little dilemma concerning Elizabeth.”
She sat back in her chair. “About that – I feel exactly as Darrien did. Although it is true your new...well, in a sense...childe was sired without permission, it was not you who wished for it, even if you accept her as if you had. A rare circumstance, but one that I don't believe deserves punishment. As I understand it, you are doing the same job with her, as you did with Kami. This might be similar to what Darrien told you, but with my words, it is final.”
His face contorting with what would've been a blush, Makrev nodded. “I thank you for that. Just as before, I couldn't help but think for a moment that you wouldn't act with leniency, but I appreciate the fact that you have.”
Reaching her hand under the desk, her finger found a small button. Pressing this, a set of metal shades covered the windows, safeguarding the office against the sun. “What bothers me, is that I do not know for sure what Kamena plans to do next. Perhaps I have rattled her, in that she now knows that trying to kill me is a fool's errand, and she won't do anything so bold again. But that doesn't change the fact that she will do something else, and even if Nemu had ideas on this subject, he couldn't know for sure. As much as I would rather not trust him, my options are limited, as you well know.”
Makrev sighed. “I...well, I cannot say I feel the same, but from what I have heard, he isn't one to act in such a way. He may be rebellious, but only against those who view him as a subordinate – in which case, he both loses respect for the person, and will not do anything they say. Understandable, if nothing else.”
With a nod, Anne sat up. “I can't say I really doubt him, but it is a trite concern, in comparison to Kamena. It does not change much, as she has done enough to warrant nearly all of my attention. A notable feat, but one that will end up being more infamous, than anything. I would decide on a Blood Hunt, but that would be too easy. I want the satisfaction of seeing the look on her face when she fails, even if I do not land the killing blow. I will be there when she dies, and that is a certainty.” | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:38 pm | |
| Chapter XVIII – Reunion In Death
“Do you really think that this is a good idea? We have no clue if anyone is going to take offense with us, and hell, why wouldn't they have a reason to kill us?”
Karin sighed. “You say that like I am suicidal. I don't know if that is the case, but I would think that your connection with Elizabeth might cause them to at least listen to you, if nothing else. I mean, what do you expect them to do? Stake you and leave you out for the dawn? What have you done to deserve that?”
Damon looked cross. “If it is anything they might just have a such a punishment for, I don't know. But all I worry about, is obvious. I might not care for this 'Camarilla', but I'd rather not have them antiquating me with the dawn, because I paid one of them a visit.”
“You say that as if you are not expected, young snake. But understand that you are, and in the event that you chose to come here, I am the one to greet you, not the dawn.”
Turning around, Damon watched as a figure walked between the large gates as they opened, stopping just as they were bathed in the light of the nearby streetlight. His mind raced, wondering exactly what kind of greeting this kindred planned on. However, in a few seconds, the appearance seemed somewhat familiar. “You're Nemu, aren't you?”
The kindred smiled, his mouth full of fanged teeth. “Indeed. I see that I must have done something right, if Kamena blabbed about me in such a way. She is so much like a child in that regard, even if she can in many ways, not be considered such. However, you being here means that I understand far more than she thinks, and if you were expecting an unkind welcome, you are quite mistaken. It may be true that, like myself, it will be uneasy, but you do have family here, if nothing else. Perhaps it is a bond begotten by death, but it will likely still exist, nonetheless.”
“So you mean to tell me that I am going to be just welcomed here, and not looked at like some sort of a liability?” Damon's anger was obvious.
Nemu sighed. “What is it that you expect? You really wish for problems, don't you? But I understand. None of your...preferences, will be held in regards to your stay here. What will be, is your role in this drama, and if you decide to go along with what you will likely be told. You may not have to toe a line, as some may expect you to do, but some level of cooperation will be beneficial to you, and your lovely ghoul.”
Karin blushed, but Damon still seemed on edge. “Still, I am here for more than that, as you are no doubt aware.”
With a smile, Nemu turned, walking towards the large house. “Then cross the threshold of Oscuro, and reacquaint yourself with Elizabeth.”
Reluctant as he was, Damon still went along with it. Looking to Karin for anything other than cooperation was rather foolish, especially since she didn't seem to be worried at all. A thought crossed his mind that such a thing might mean something, but it could also be her lack of information on the subject, and her rational mind. But he found it hard to rationalize Vampires, especially since he had been one for quite some time, perhaps over a year or more, and knew nothing about it.
His thoughts about the estate were very simple, even if much about it was obvious. Why it was named as such, he had no reason to ask, but what seemed more important, is the fact that it was furnished in such a way, that he could perhaps envision the queen herself sitting comfortably in nearly any of the cushioned chairs, or on any of the white leather sofas. While most of the rooms were rather dark, many of the walls being dark colors, and sparsely lit, the furniture contrasted this, the materials mostly being white or silver.
As they walked through the large entrance hall, Damon couldn't help but stare at a rather finely dressed kindred, who wore mostly white, save for his boots, belt, and the leather collar on his long jacket. His face was pale, and statuesque, while his pale blue eyes were piercing. The hair that framed his face was well kept, with not a single strand of hair out of place.
“Damon, is it? Well, as unconventional as some kindred would take this, I am not like them. I welcome you to my estate, and if you wish to stay, then any benefit I can offer, is yours.”
Damon sighed. “And you would be?”
The dark-haired kindred smiled. “Makrev. As you might already know, I am the one who...technically sired Elizabeth, even if Kamena had her fangs in it, where I only had my blood.”
“What exactly are you expecting? That I have a problem with any of that? I don't care about what you or Kamena have done. So my sister is a Vampire, just like me. I don't have any problem with that.”
Makrev shrugged. “Well, not exactly like you. But I'd imagine you are already somewhat aware of the differences Vampires can have, so I won't explain. If nothing else, she is more like me, but nonetheless, she is still the same as ever, even if it can be said that I did not know much, if anything about her before her embrace.”
Damon shrugged. “Different or not, she is my sister.” He sighed, just as he turned his head, watching Elizabeth walk in the entrance hall from what looked like a sitting room.
“Makrev? What exactly is...” She tried looking directly at Makrev, but she found herself staring at Damon. “Damon? What the..”
Doing everything but blush, Damon smiled, closing the distance. “Hi, sis.” Almost as if he was compelled to do so, he placed his arms around her. “I don't know if I can say sorry for being sick like that, but I am. I wish we didn't have to meet again like this, but if you don't have any problems with it, I am willing to get rid of mine.”
Looking at him in the eye, she seemed on the verge of tears, but held it back. “I don't hate you for anything. But who...?”
He sighed, letting her go. “Kamena. Her plan was likely what you already know, but it involved me, helping her out. I wouldn't do it, and I left. If anything, I'd rather exist like this, knowing that she is dead. As for what happened before she embraced me, I can't say. I don't really care, to be honest. If I find out, fine.”
She looked at Makrev. “What exactly do you plan on....”
He shook his head. “This is something I would not want to come between. In my recent conversation with the Prince, it was agreed that Damon is not an affront to the Masquerade, even if that has yet to be seen. Personally, I doubt it will be. As he was embraced by an independent clan, it cannot exactly be said that he was embraced without permission, even if there are those who would disagree. Fortunately, any that would, lacks any standing with the Prince.” Makrev shifted his focus to Damon. “If you so wish, you may stay here. Think of yourself as a guest, and like your sister, I will provide whatever it is you need – within reason, of course.”
Damon sighed, and realized only now that he felt like yawning, he didn't. “Strange. Anyway, think I can...take a shower?”
Makrev said nothing, but Liz nodded. “Come on, I'll show you where it is.”
Following her up the stairs, he caught up with her at the top. “So, you mind filling me in on a few things?”
As they walked, she told him everything, save for what she herself didn't know. Much of it he took in stride, his face barely changing, even as she mentioned Nemu killing Ishizu, or when she briefly spoke of Kami. Just as they stopped at the bathroom door, he sighed. “Damn, sis. Here I thought being locked in a box for over a year was interesting.”
“I really don't want to know what that is like.” Opening the door, she ushered him inside.
Although most of it was the common tile that you'd expect out of a bathroom, it was...huge. The entire floor seemed to be made for bathing, since it stepped down from the door, and it had chrome drains everywhere. There were walled off showers, and a few personal tubs. The counter held three sinks, and the mirror just behind it was just about as large as a coffin. Damon almost felt like his jaw hit the floor, as impossible as that might be.
“Yeah, I had the same reaction. I'd guess most of this is because Makrev's wife, when he was human, was from Japan – although I don't know if they had restrooms like this in the twenties. Although he did mention a trip there a few years ago, plus the renovations that were done just after he came back.” She shrugged. “By the way...”
“...What's with that girl that came with you?” She asked, with a telling grin on her face.
He couldn't blush, once again. “A friend from school. But seriously, I do not know why she is following me. She knows about me, damn near everything, and she still follows. I mean, she might be ghouled by my blood, but that wasn't my doing.”
There was a smirk on her face, but he couldn't tell why. “Ah. Never-mind then. Just asking, really. Although...” She pushed him up against the sink. “...I did think you were to busy juggling balls to even think about girls, but I suppose I might be wrong about that. We both know you loved to hear about what happened to me at school.”
He sighed. “What do you even...”
Running her knee up against the inside of his leg, she placed her hand on his neck. “I wonder how that felt, pleasing yourself at the thought of your sister being...raped? But it can't really be called that, given how much I acted like a slut. That asshole might've been popular, and certainly not my boyfriend, but he was possessive of me after one date. I mention a single time that I don't want to go somewhere after school, and he drags me into the bathroom...ooh, am I getting you all hot and bothered?”
“Actually no...” He looked her in the eye.
Snarling, she smiled, raising her knee to his crotch, rubbing it. “You liar. I heard you rubbing one out after you heard about it. That I didn't even resist him, and instead took charge, how I WANTED him to take me like that.”
Damon smiled. “What, you want me to lie about it? Seems you aren't even mentioning how we both went at each other a few nights after, like fucking rabbits. You think it matters that I prefer guys? Or that now, we don't even care about chasing ass or pussy, only blood? Of course not.”
Smiling, she lowered her leg. “Fine. But you have got me curious about what you taste like. Maybe we should try each other some time, just like before. Only...it will feel much better, of that I can assure you.”
“I can't argue with that. Although, unless you plan on stripping and taking a shower with me, think you can leave?”
Liz snorted. “Still feeling the fire, eh? I can't blame you. Although...so am I. Careful on what you do about that.” She sighed. “Everything you need should be in here, so...oh, just watch the toilet. Although such a sensation shouldn't at all be a problem for you. Later, onii-chan.” She walked to the door as she spoke, closing the door being her as she left the bathroom.
Blinking, he looked around. “Onii-chan? What the hell does she think this is? Japan?” Shaking his head, he undressed himself, placing his clothes in a small basket, hoping it was the right place.
Choosing one of the shower stalls, he stepped in, turning on the water. The feeling of it on his skin was pretty much the same, save for the fact that Kamena had mentioned briefly that doing such a thing was close to pointless. Never-mind that she had a fetish for bathing in scented oils, but that wasn't his thing.
Sighing, he stuck his head under the water. “So what if I did. That's in the past, in another life, actually. Still, she always was like that. I wouldn't be surprised if she was fucking every guy around here. I would be too, if I was interested.” With a shrug, he smiled. “One hell of a way to reunite with my sister. Pity we both had to die for it to happen. Still, not the worst way to die.” | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Tue Apr 30, 2013 11:21 pm | |
| Chapter XIX – Wherefore art thou...Bridget?
“Will you please, just shut up? You keep mentioning it like it really matters, when we both know it does not. After all, if it was your problem, I would be interested in you. Which if you understand, I am not. So if you please...?”
Damon sighed, as he watched his fellow schoolmate simply snicker. “Well, just answer the damn question. Are you a faggot, or not?”
He couldn't help but feel even more annoyed, but then he smiled. “You really want to know? Then bend over, and let's find out. But if you aren't inclined to do so, fuck off.”
Walking away, he ignored the stares, and the chiding statements. He was resolved on the issue, and thus it was no longer a debate for him. Pity it wasn't the same for others, and they constantly dredged up the issue of whether or not it was right, and thus once again, he fell back into that quick, yet lingering depression that only logic erased.
Grabbing his bag, he slung it over his shoulder as he walked out of the classroom. It might be the perfect set up, even if it never was. Have a central location for people who can be massively conflicted about every fucking issue under the sun and not, and you have a bubbling pit of insanity. Even if it made sense, how does it make sense for a girl to know who it is that she wants to be her boyfriend, if not more, and yet, she has another guy who is more of a rebound, that makes her confused. The way he saw it, take the one you like, and shut up. Although, that is likely the problem – his perspective. He had long since given up trying to figure out how women thought, even if the logic versus emotion thing was the most obvious, and made the most sense. Still, he understood guys, and thus, a perfect match.
Leaving the building, he felt the same sort of freedom he always did, knowing that he wouldn't have to return for another two days. The casual things people made at school, friends for instance, was something that he never cared for. He had made a few, but most of them were casual, and not at all like his sister was. Meaning, no one he could really count on. If any of them were like that, it wasn't around him.
Elizabeth was a rather unique example, even if she would hit every check on a list for what makes one a tomboy, save for the fact that she didn't mind wearing a dress or skirts, but that didn't stop her from wearing whatever the hell she wanted to. Their mother did find it annoying when she jokingly mentions wearing his clothes, which he knew she wasn't lying about. They were similar in size, but her fascination wasn't wearing them out, oh no. He'd just walk in on her wearing them or putting his clothes on, which he felt was quite the inverse, from what would be expected. Although, it can be said that the expected did happen, but she wasn't the type to cover herself and start screaming. She would either just keep doing as she was, give him a good look, or actually ask for his opinion. He didn't mind doing so, but he never seriously considered wearing anything of her's, even if she kept mentioning that he'd look good in some of her clothes.
Stopping at the gate, he took a candy bar from his bag. Opening it, he stuck one end in his mouth, and pulled off the wrapper. Throwing the paper into a nearby bin, he looked around. “Yeah, like that is going to happen. She looks good in anything.” With a sigh, he went to take a step, before his name was called.
“Damon!”
Turning around, he found himself puzzled as he watched a girl run towards him, that seemed...different. He couldn't place it, but it seemed trivial. She wore the normal female uniform, only it seemed rather loose. On her face was a smile, which he had to admit, was rather cute.
“Going to rail on me too? I'm just not interested, so....”
She shook her head. “No, I don't care. Those assholes don't understand, and it would take more than anyone has to make them understand. Oh, I'm Karin.”
He snorted. “I'd try beating it into them, but that wouldn't be any fun. I suppose I've been lucky. They expect me to be a spineless coward, but then they find that I'm willing to beat the shit out of them. That just leaves their insults, which only means they are wasting their breath.”
Karin's stare was grating, almost like she hung on every word. “So, you want to go somewhere? I'll treat you to something.”
Damon shook his head. “Sorry, but I've already got plans. It's my sister's birthday, and I'll be with my family most of the weekend.” He rubbed his neck. “Eh...maybe some other time?”
Karin simply smiled, getting uncomfortably close to him. She almost draped herself around him, pushing him against the wall. Pressing her body up against his, she licked his ear. “I'll keep you to that, Damon.”
~
Shaking his head, he sighed. Another drift, as it seems. Still, in thinking of it, it seemed much clearer than before, and certain details were nagging him. Chief among them being that this was the last day he'd remembered being able to function in such a way, as he wouldn't be even walking by Sunday night. Hell, the fact that he remembered the look on his mother's face as he'd fainted that morning, was almost too much to bear. The fact that he had been sick wasn't unknown to anyone, but for some time, it seemed that he had pulled through it, although there were days where he didn't feel too hot. Both his mother, and Elizabeth doted on him. Any day that had him staying home from school, usually started with his sister waking him up, and realizing how bad he felt. She'd do no more than have his mother check, who never forced him to go.
The dinner that Friday night was full of happiness, which he couldn't bare to forget. Liz had just turned twenty, and she'd started at the university a year or two before. She wasn't the die-hard school type, so the dinner wasn't loaded with her friends, only a few members of the family that could attend, and it certainly wasn't a very grandiose affair either. Their mother had asked, but she wanted something simple, as usual, even if it was a high-class restaurant she'd chosen. Still, he had ideas of something better, since his birthday was the day after, since he came a bit late, at least a while after her. That didn't stop their mother from having a single party for them both, so long as that was okay with them. He had no issue with it, and the most Liz ever brought up were simple affairs, even when the parties were more complex as children.
But that Sunday morning was different. Damon had woken up feeling a little sick, but nothing major. He simply took the medicine, and pulled himself out of bed. From that point, he felt fine. What awaited him and Liz downstairs, was a finely prepared breakfast, and some quality time with family. Until he had nearly finished, and he spat up blood into what was left.
Then he has to watch it. The looks of his sister, and his mother, as he heaved blood onto the table, along with down his front, and subsequently blacks out. The feeling, even in thinking of it, was horrifying. The next thing he remembered, was waking up in the hospital, about three days later, as he was told, feeling as if he'd nearly been diced up, which wasn't the case, as much as it seemed so. The only one in the room was his sister, and she nearly couldn't bare to speak. All he asked was how bad it was, and she showed him a mirror.
Admittedly, he didn't look that bad. But he was pale enough that he looked damn near dead, and he could barely raise his head off the pillow. Even small movements, seemed almost impossible. He had felt fear before. But this was different. It wasn't like taking crap from those assholes, this was like they held a gun to his head, having already shot him once. He did nothing but shed tears at that moment, especially since it was only minutes later were a doctor came in, his words consisting of a rather cold, “I'm sorry, son”.
The first moment that he thought of dying, came right after that. The abyss taking him, the void of blackness which seemed to be unending. What would be next? In truth, he didn't give a damn. So what if his wish to love someone was 'wrong'. If it would be hell, he would rather it, than having to 'repent' for something, that was likely to be nothing more than men who simply decided it was a 'sin'.
Shaking his head once again, he looked down. Pooling in the water below him, were drops of blood. He snarled, the idea of him still being sick was impossible. With a sigh, he wiped his face.
Catching a look at his hand, the flesh was tinted red, with blood. He couldn't help but laugh. “Born in blood, and thus you will cry as such...among other things.” He smiled, cleaning his face and hands off. He hoped it wouldn't cause a bigger issue, although of what sort he couldn't begin to guess.
Hearing the door open, he couldn't help but feel puzzled. It was unlikely that some other occupant of the mansion had entered so easily, especially since anyone who entered would quickly learn that the room was, somewhat occupied, even if it was large enough for a few others. Still, he only listened as the person seemed to start undressing. Through the glass, he could only see an outline, which was interesting in itself.
“Sorry for intruding Damon, but I wouldn't mind taking one too. Hopefully, you don't mind some company in here.”
Karin's voice entered his ears, and surely, he had no problem with it. However, something seemed wrong. Watching the shadow, the figure didn't suggest female at all. Now that he thought about it, just like that day outside school, her outfit had been loose, even if it wasn't the school uniform. In fact, the shadow lacked a detail he would've expected, and possessed one that suggested one thing.
“If you are looking, then you already know. Although, I intend on giving you a much better view.” She said, the sound of her walking across the tiled floor as she spoke, being all that he could think about.
Sliding the door aside, she smiled at him. Of course, the idea of referring to her as such, was foolish. Drinking her in, he smiled. “So, what exactly do I call you?”
“I'm...Reyes.” The boy smiled. “I know what you might be thinking, but I'd imagine I've just eased your mind, and in a way, made you understand. As for the ruse, well, I liked the girl's uniform better, and it stuck with me. I never expected it to go that far, even as I accepted everything – but it was more my way of hiding what I was, since I didn't feel that I could be as bold as you. Hell, If I'd never met you, I would've never changed my mind about that. Still, that isn't what this is about.”
Damon kept smiling. “Whatever it is about, I want to hear more.”
Reyes smiled, stepping into the shower. Coming very close to Damon, he softly touched the pale flesh. “Colder than I remember, but I'm okay with that. Much about you has changed, but only the surface. Everything I loved about you, remains. Still, we made a promise, remember? I don't care about dinner, but I would love to be on your menu.”
Placing his hands around Reyes' neck, he locked their lips. The touch was different, his flesh only slightly responding to the touch. Even as dead as he was, he still felt, and that was all he needed. To think he had existed for so long with someone he could only feel comfortable with, only to find that they were someone he could truly open up to.
Pulling his lips away, Reyes smiled. “I hated hiding myself from you. The looks from the Vampires downstairs, they all knew, somehow. Liz, Nemu, they both were fascinated. Kamena didn't give a damn, and barely cared when I almost begged her to take me. I know how it sounds, but it was all to get close to you. Now that I'm here, I only feel I can get closer.”
Damon looked puzzled. “What do you...”
Touching Damon's face, Reyes smiled. “Many things can be said about it, and I'm probably not the first. But you do know, that if we are truthful, what you must do?”
He couldn’t help but look shocked. “You mean...you want me to...”
Reyes nodded, smiling. “I know you can't just do it now. That would just set far too many people against us. But if it is at all possible, I want it. I thought and said the same thing to that bitch, but when I did, it didn't have the same weight, as telling it to you. But, I would gladly die for you, if only so I can stay with you. If I have to wait, I don't care. Right now, I feel safer than I ever have, in the arms of a Vampire.”
Damon smiled, then snorted. “Nice dime novel speech. But this isn't meant to be that cheesy. Bloody perhaps, if you don't mind.”
“I already said I didn't, though it's obvious why you'd act like that.” Reyes sighed. “But I don't want to just be bitten. I want you, and then you can bite me.” | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Tue Jun 04, 2013 4:45 am | |
| Chapter XX – COMPACTUS – Agreement of The Snake and the Fiend
“It is certainly unusual for someone like yourself to have wished for an audience with me, however, given the assistance you have already provided, I am willing to listen, if nothing else.”
Anne sat back in her chair, crossing her legs underneath the desk. She found it curious that Nemu had asked to speak with her, and it wasn't just him. Upon arrival, it seemed that Elizabeth's brother had also accompanied him. This did send her guards into a bit of a scuffle, perhaps to a rather drastic degree, but no harm was done, as per her simple utterance of the word “Stop.” She was still wary of this “Damon”, and was only willing to trust him for the moment.
“I certainly understand, although I feel that the deal I agreed to with Darrien may not have been upheld with his death, and your subsequent retaking of the position of Prince. I do not know if you were informed of these terms, but I would ask that if you have heard anything of my reputation, it is well earned. Meaning, that I do just as I say. If you can see such things, I have never went so far as to resort to what we both understand, is forbidden.” Nemu made no effort to sit as he spoke.
She smiled. “If you were to do so, I may have the consideration to allow such a thing. But it seems that you have no interest in doing so, and thus, it would be pointless. Still, I am aware of your deal with Darrien, and as I recall, it only dealt with the death of Ishizu, which you have been successful in completing.” She placed her hand over her mouth, but quickly removed it. “Ah, but wait. He did mention that you would have no qualms against dealing with Kamena as well, given your history. Nothing I will judge you for, but if you wish to do so, I would certainly allow that. I do have doubts that you would fail, since your record does precede you, even if there may be others like yourself, with one that stretches further back. There are differences, but I'm sure you are well aware of them.”
Nemu smiled. “Certainly. My goal would be riding your city of this...snake, if for no other reason that she exists as a thorn in my side, as well.”
Anne seemed rather puzzled, her nodding aside. “Tell me, Tzimisce, why is it, that you seem to ardently support the Camarilla, if not simply allying yourself with it, at times? From what I have heard, you have no love for the Sabbat, and if nothing else, you view many of your own clan's ideals as foolish. Care to enlighten me?”
“My reasons are simple. My sire never had any love for the Sabbat, nor the Camarilla, but I feel that there are certain things in existence, which fighting is a foolish endeavor. The Sabbat, are too zealous for my liking, while the Camarilla, while perhaps far too entrenched in the Jyhad for my liking as well, I consider it to be, if nothing else, the lesser of two evils. Which may be an opinion that some within the Camarilla share, it being a necessary evil.” Nemu grinned. “While I cannot bring myself to be on a leash, I do not mind a certain, equal relationship with those I work with, even if I do not have any wish to have the same power that you hold. With my work, if nothing else, I would prefer the understanding that it is a contract that both I, and my employer have agreed to, and save for unforeseeable consequences, nothing will be changed. Such as, in the current situation, I plan to find Kamena, drink her blood, and then kill her. With or without help from those I have made allies, if not friends with, in your city.”
Anne seemed to be thinking, her fingers rubbing her chin. With a smile, she nodded. “If that is indeed what you wish to do, then so be it. For what she has done, I wish to see the Setite as no more than ashes, and if you wish to accomplish this goal for me, you may drink her blood with impunity. In fact, if you see fit to diablerize her, then do so. If you do not, her final death is all I ask for.”
Keeping his grin, Nemu nodded. “Perhaps. But there is an angle of this that I did not intend when speaking with Darrien upon my arrival. That being, Damon here. While I certainly have the wish to kill her, he does as well. However, what he intends to ask for, although I cannot say for certain what it is, requires your...council.”
With a smile, Anne waved Damon forward. “Then, what is it that you wish to ask me, young snake?”
Approaching her desk, Damon sighed. “I care little for any traditions of my clan. If that marks me as an outcast of them, I don't care. I didn't have religion as a human, if only because that 'faith' said I was to burn in hell for my sins, as if I cared. But at this point, I would not wish to shift my beliefs from God to Set, or anyone else. If it is respect for you, and the traditions of the Camarilla that is required of me, I will gladly give that freely. But no more.”
Her smile didn't change, only it widened, baring her fangs. “Then, I see no reason to kill you...yet. If you have no love for gods, but respect for me and what I represent, I will spare you that fate. However, you have a request. That would be?”
Taking time to explain his ordeal with Kamena, Damon noticed that Anne seemed to be hardly surprised with such events. Though she seemed to somewhat question how his Sire had manipulated things so far, the detail of what happened between his time in the hospital, and his waking up in Kamena's haven, was broken, much of it unknown to him. His telling of the ghouls Kamena had made from his blood, barely made Anne flinch, even when Damon mentioned that one of them had accompanied him to Makrev's estate, although upon mentioning that 'Karin' was actually Reyes, a male, she did briefly have a look of shock, but she shrugged it off quickly.
Damon looked straight at Anne, his eyes focused. “If I help Nemu deal with Kamena, I only want one thing. I understand that it may be too bold a request for one such as myself, but I make it all the same. I don't intend on turning myself or anyone against your will, and if at all possible, I will do what I can to be sure that no incidents, can be blamed on myself or...” He trailed off.
Anne laughed. “So then, if I can venture a guess, you are asking for the permission to embrace this, 'Reyes', provided you are able to successfully kill Kamena.” She smiled. “Given the situation, there are those that doubt you even able to adhere to the traditions of the Camarilla, and are of the belief that no matter what you believe, no matter what it is you plan to do, my course of action should only be to kill you, for varying reasons. With that in mind, I will make you this proposal, in light of your request.”
She stood, walking around her desk. Standing in front of Damon, she grabbed an ornate knife from her desk, placing it at his throat. “You may embrace him at any time – however, should you choose to do it before Kamena is dealt with, and you so chose to not kill the Setite, then I will kill both of you - no matter how far you might decide to run. If you embrace the boy, and both of you die in the process of killing your Sire, then the Camarilla has it's ashes. This aside, if Kamena is successfully killed, no matter when you embrace, then you will have no charges against you, provided that you and your new childe adhere to the rules of the Camarilla.”
Damon gulped. “As you wish, My Prince. I do not intend to run from this. Kamena caused my death, twice over, and I will not let her live much longer, nor will I live in a world that she inhabits. Knowing she is responsible for not only my death, but that of my sister as well.”
Dropping the knife back on her desk, Anne grabbed Damon's hand, using her other to wave Nemu over. Taking the Tzimisce's hand, she smiled. “Then as it stands, we are in accordance. We now have our roles for the coming nights, and failure, as you both are no doubt aware, is an outcome in which only I will survive. If you fail, I will squash Kamena like the beetle that she is, and burn whatever is left of her and her clan in this city, if the remnants do not wish to comply.”
After a few other exchanged words, mostly relating to other matters, though still having some relation to the reason for their visit, both Nemu and Damon left. Anne couldn't help but wonder if her choices were right, but even if there were not, she would eventually make them so. If she so wished to make such a deal with a fledgling, who would stop her? The most the detractors would do, as usual, is complain with their flourishes, even if they made little sense, and did nothing to stabilize the situation.
Leaning back in her chair, she watched a glassy blur appear in the corner of her eye. Rather than being alarmed, she sighed. “To what do I owe this pleasure...Annabelle?”
Appearing out of seemingly nowhere, Annabelle smiled. Her clothing was rather messy, although still spotless, as usual, though it was more the “just rolled out of bed after sex” sort. She sat herself on a nearby chair, draping her legs over the armrest, and laying her neck on the other.
“You ask if your choices are correct. Those around you understand less than you, and as such, they speak with a tongue that is honeyed – pity you have no taste for it.”
Anne sat up. “You don't mean to suggest that some are planning betrayal, are you?”
“No, not betrayal. Save for their words, they wish to follow yours, so long as your speech being in line with their interests. They understand that you cannot be manipulated, so they hope beyond such that you can be won over with logic, even if yours already makes sense, while theirs lack coins.”
With a smile, Anne stretched. “I see. Perhaps not as far as you, but far enough. There is a reason that I enjoy your council, I just wish you would take my proposal for appointment to the position of Primogen. Still, it is your choice.”
Standing, Annabelle smiled. “I desire no elaborate seat, nor any pedestals to stand upon, or a tower to look over a city. I have what I have, as do you. On this head, there will be no targets.”
~
“So, any plans for tonight?” Nemu stopped Damon as they left the building.
With a sigh, Damon laughed. “What do you mean? Are you planning to show yourself to me or something?”
His mouth parting into a fanged smile, Nemu snickered. “Well, there are many places I have tried to get myself into, although I have never lowered myself to forcing the issue. Still, unlike some of my past exploits, there are only pure intentions behind my words. As you have already seen it, this life is tenuous, and ever-changing – at least to the perspective that, one century is never the same as the last. If this 'Gehenna' is mere bullshit, then it may prove to be...interesting, and as such, I would intent to see that through to the end, if there is one. But more to the point, this night, is all that is important. I think, at least for us Vampires, it is better to live like there is no end, even if one comes upon just that the next night. But I don't intend on simply telling you my perspective. I intend to show you – as you expected, but there are certain places which one only goes, if wanted.”
Within the hour, they both found themselves in what seemed to be a dark night club, and it proved to be just that. Blood was on offer, and certainly not served in glasses. The humans were all willing, all wanting to feel the embrace of a Vampire, at least when it came to the touch of dead flesh, and the feeling of pleasure during the kiss. The only rule was obvious – don't kill them. Damon had no problem with this, and Nemu wasn't complaining either.
Running his hand down the chest of the woman in his lap, Nemu licked the wound his fangs had made. Drawing her scent into his nostrils, he snarled, his lips forming a wide smile. “I'm glad you indulged yourself in the coke. That tingle in your blood is unmistakeable.” Placing his hand on her chest, he tightly gripped her. “Pity I don't really miss this warmth, but on occasion, we all do. Still, at the moment, love, I am full.”
Sliding her out of his lap, Nemu carefully laid her on the seat beside him. Damon was staring at him, even has he drew blood from the neck of a feminine, yet still obviously male teenager, wearing what looked like a school uniform.
Removing his fangs, Damon licked his lips. “From what I've heard, your clan isn't the type for morality. That doesn't seem to apply to you.”
With a smile, Nemu licked his lips clean. “Perhaps not, but I tend to not think like most members of my clan. I have no need for an 'alien' look, care little for the Sabbat, and I certainly do not need a castle, or any other type of dwelling, made from flesh. I am who I wish, and nothing else. I would think that the clan elders would have an issue with me, but it is close to a hundred years since my embrace, and I haven't heard a raspy voice mentioning such yet. I doubt it will happen. Mostly since I am sure there are other examples, far worse than myself.”
With a sigh, Damon smiled. “I get it. You sure do talk quite a bit, don't you? Anyway, I don't think I'd be the best example of my clan, although I doubt that is implicitly what is wanted from me, if anything is. Still, the only thing I don't understand, is why Kamena is so bent on all of this. She has a position of power already, even if it might not be the same as the one Anne holds, and for Kamena, there aren't many more steps upwards she can take, at least not easily.”
With a nod, Nemu kept his smile. “That is the main problem. Perhaps I did not see it very well upon first meeting her, I realized it quite soon after. Meaning in the moments I spent wrapped in the arms of her naked body, her speech flowing into my ears – words that were of want, of action. Even if I had not been a Vampire for very long at that point, I still understood that this was foolish. Faith, my Sire, knew quite a bit about the Camarilla, even if she didn't support it at all, save for having a few...friends, that do. By the time I was involved with Kamena, I knew enough to know that, unless you can bring something akin to a miracle, fighting the Camarilla would be damn near the lunacy it would take to fight Caine, and believe me, it is not the same kind of lunacy that the average, or not so average Malkavian would possess.”
Damon smirked, letting out a quick laugh. “What, so the revelation is that, Kamena is no more than a power hungry bitch? What kind of twist is that? I'd think that is obvious by now.”
Nemu shook his head. “No, there is more to it than that. Not very much, but there is more. What does it involve? I'm not entirely sure yet. I'm at a point where, I would rather not, learn what the truth is, but rather drain and kill her, without a single word. But if I must have that understanding, then so be it. Anyway - “ A smile stretched across his face. “ - Maybe it requires what neither of us, nor anyone we are allies with, would know. Still, for the moment, forget the bullshit, and enjoy the atmosphere...” | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Wed Jun 12, 2013 6:08 am | |
| Chapter XXI – In Medias Res
Katrina sighed. Nothing about the situation was to her liking, and even if it was true that the Prince, at least the real one, as it seemed, wasn't calling the hounds for a blood hunt, at least not one that named her as a target - that still didn't make her feel safe. Morgana's words, even if they might've been hollow, at least at that moment, they now weighed on her like the light of the sun. The Primogen, and all of the other Tremere in the city might be after her, and the idea of what Darrien had said standing with them at this point, seemed impossible. Still, she had work to do, as always.
“Claire, are you sure this report is right? Did you give him the medicine, as per his treatment?”
The woman before her sighed. “Yes. He was somewhat reluctant, but he took it. Are there any problems?”
Katrina shook her head. “No, there shouldn't be. He should be able to start recovery in a few days, and perhaps leave within two weeks, maybe three.” She put the clipboard down. With a smile to Claire, she left the office, the nurse following her until they hit the nursing station, where Katrina headed outside.
She was used to the night shift, even if it was the only one she could work. She fondly remembered her time as a nurse all those years ago, before she was embraced. Now, she only had the inclination to help people, mostly in the same way as before. It couldn't be said that she was exactly a saint, even if it hurt her to watch many patients die, knowing she could have saved them. However, if she did so, it would draw exactly the kind of attention that she could not deal with. If not simply Tremere, or hunters, the media would be bad enough. Her thinking was, that it would be one thing to be a Saint. It is another matter to be hailed as one.
Returning to her office, she sat down, her head falling onto the desk. Even after working for only four hours, she felt the same sort of fatigue that plagued her work as a human. Perhaps it was only mental, but that still didn't change the way she felt about it. Dealing with numerous patients, some trivial cases, others being the sort that have either extended stays, or very short ones, where they never leave the hospital, while knowing they are.
Standing, she walked over to the filing cabinets. Opening the top, she rifled through them, until a familiar name made her stop. Instantly, she felt the tears well. Grabbing the vanilla folder, she returned to her desk, setting it down – nearly throwing everything else on her desk to the floor, save for her computer. Opening the folder, his name became even more apparent – Damon Cross.
Reading through his treatment, her eyes widened. “What...in...the hell?”
“Only just figured it out now, did you? It's no surprise, although, I wonder why you chose to cry so much over this one loss, even when, deep down...you KNEW he wasn't dead.”
Slamming her fist onto the desk, she sighed as she saw the slight crack. The treatment wasn't exactly wrong. The problem, as it seems, was that he had either a far worse case of the disease that the medicine she had created was able to cure, or something was wrong with the last batch he was given, and instead of slowly curing his illness, it made it even worse.
Turning to her computer, she pulled up the information from the burial. Most of it seemed correct, save for one thing. The boy was indeed given the usual ceremony, having been buried at the local cemetery. However, there was a problem. There were no records of prepping the body for it, many of the usual steps involved, having been simply not done. She knew the entire process, and much of it, save for the body being placed in the coffin and buried at the close of the ceremony, every other step involved, besides dressing it up nicely, had been skipped.
“This doesn't make any sense.” She sighed.
Looking up, she suddenly noticed the room getting dark, far more than it should be. Standing, she noticed a large snake looking right at her, a laughing grin on it's face. The snake smiled, as it seemed to morph into a more human shape, although what the snake became, wasn't human.
With a smile, Kamena laughed. “Only now, do you understand. You regarded his...'death'...as a failure, believing it to be all your fault. Well, perhaps not. However, you must understand, that everything is indeed correct in those files. That is, aside for the fact that Damon is not dead...well, not like you expected upon hearing of his passing, anyway.”
Her eyes bulging, Katrina sighed. “So you went through the...very elaborate, as it seems, process of making his entire fucking family believe he was dead, all the while you had embraced him?”
The snake nodded. “Indeed. What I did not expect, is how he would act after I woke him up. Keeping him in that box for a year did nothing, as it seems. I do wonder now what I expected from someone like him, but in truth, that matters very little. Even his sister doesn't care about being embraced, and the Prince didn't even raise any concern over it, save for marking me for death. Heh, not likely.”
Katrina looked shocked “If the Prince and the Camarilla want you dead, then you can leave.”
“Ah, that is right. The local Tremere would like nothing better than to have a Salubri to kill, if not a beautiful, pale, and dead body like yours, for their experiments. As if I care. At this point, whatever bullshit issues you have with me, I do not care.”
“Then why in the FUCK are you here?”
Kamena smiled, baring fangs. “You could say it was just to get a few facts out in the open, but it is for much more. Our past dealings aside, I have an offer, to make you.”
Katrina sat down, with a scowl on her face. “I'll listen, but I will not promise I will agree to it.”
“My goal is to take this city for my clan. Wiping the Camarilla from it, is only the first step. When I do so, I will also purge those usurpers from my city as well. As such, if you chose to accept my offer, this city will be save haven for you. In return for this, I ask only one thing.”
“IF I agree, what is it that you want?” Katrina crossed her arms.
Walking up to the desk, Kamena sat her nearly naked behind on it. “You want to know, do you? Well, let's just say, that I have come to collect on a debt, although as I said, not as you might expect. There are many ways that I can extract my payment, even if mortal currency is not involved.”
Katrina snarled. “If you mean that I should help you further, then you can blow it out your ass. It is enough that I've been exposed by your bullshit, and I will not cover myself with it any further.”
Standing, Kamena smiled. “You are nothing more, than an act. You slave yourself out to these humans, using the medicines, procedures and treatments that they themselves created, to try and save those you can. It breaks your dead heart to watch them die, especially when you know your power is what could save them – but if you used it enough, then you would not be able to keep yourself hidden for very long. Did you ever think, that it is because of me, that for the last ten years, you have been able to stay here? If it wasn't for me, the Tremere would likely have you in...Vienna, is it?”
With a snarl, Katrina stood up with a force that nearly knocked over her desk. “Then I shall ask you one more time. Right here and now, WHAT IN THE FUCK, do you want?”
Keeping her smile, the snake didn't flinch. “I want you to do as you are told. I could EASILY have everything about you, become public knowledge for the Tremere, and see where that leaves you. However, you already understand this, don't you?”
“But what I want from you is simple. You will..” Kamena stopped, looking around the room as if she saw a rat.
“You tempt fate, poison snake.”
“Who in the hell are you?”
Nothing but the sound of laughter could be heard. “Maybe, I'm simply in your head. A voice given to allow your fears to be made obvious. But in truth, they have been to the start, at least to you. Those around you, they either do not care, or they cannot claim such fears.”
Kamena snarled. “Then tell me, as I already asked, who are you?”
A glassy blur become quite obvious, as seemingly nothing grabbed a hold of Kamena's neck. “You trifle with black gates, you deign to kill the dog that guards them. You, the lowly snake. Lacking in true motivation, you simply choose revenge, for the one that chose to give blood to the animal in the filth. But you care more for the fact that, no matter how prestigious you can be, there are heights you can never aspire to. In your future, as you see it, there are no crowns, there are no servants, and there is no admiration for your rule. You simply subsist within a mockery of an ancient culture, whilst you seek the darkness that your clan loves to spread. But you are different, wanting instead to discard Set for yourself, thinking that every obstacle in your way, will shatter in your presence.”
The blur faded, leaving what almost seemed to be a mirror image in Kamena's eyes, until the differences became obvious. The woman before her had a dark, yet pale skin tone, a pair of mismatched eyes, and her hair was short, one side hanging down as far as her chin, the hair itself almost covering her left eye. The other side was braided, the lines starting at her hairline, and continuing to the back of her head.
Her clothing was rather simple, being a simple leather jacket, which only went as far as to cover her breasts, the lower part of her torso being uncovered, save for the fishnet shirt she wore under the jacket. Around her waist was a leather skirt, with at least two belts at her waist.
“However, you seek a name, Anguis. I may be the bell that rings in the night, sending echoes of death across the tides of time. But these hands have never been bloodied, save for when the bell that is my voice, does not ring.”
Kamena snarled “Then what is it that you want, Malkavian? To kill me?”
Annabelle smiled. “The voice speaks, but this night, I do not seek to spill blood. Nor will you, you pestilence. But what I have for you, is this. Words that might be betrayal, but they do not seek to favor you. They favor me, and whomever I give my loyalty to.”
Tracing Kamena's jawline, Annabelle planted a kiss on Kamena's lips. “You, shall fail. Drained completely by the two souls which you regard as your biggest failures – both of them overcoming the obstacles in their way, the last of them at the end of this drama, being you. Sorry to spoil it for you, but it should be obvious to you already.”
Dropping Kamena to the floor, Annabelle backed up slightly. “But if you would falter, you should understand this. I know the desire that lies deeper than your heart. You gave it away as most women do, and still, even after he has chosen to scorn you in every way possible, you still long for his touch. The moment when, he will embrace you in his arms once again, your differences settled, that the world around you becomes irrelevant. You may yet have this, but it will not be as you hope it to be.”
Looking up, her stare seeming rather defeated, she sighed. “So I must fail. Why should I believe you?”
Raising her arms, Annabelle laughed. “I could be lying. I could be telling you this, only for you to face a completely different ending. I won't tell, so you must blindly go into the future, and see what transpires. Perhaps you will win, but not because you are the evil one. We are all Vampires, but you are simply more willing to do what the rest of us have decided, lacks in worth.”
“I should kill you right here, right now.”
Her stare turning serious, Annabelle snarled. “You've said that before. You've killed before. The boy you embraced. His sister you forced the embrace upon with blue blood. The girl you've manipulated since her own embrace, making her believe that you killed the man who embraced her, when it was you all along – and then you allowed her to die by the fangs and blade of your lover . Many times you have said that with truth, but as with the rest of your clan, in saying it to me, or anyone like me, you are a liar.” | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Fri Nov 08, 2013 12:42 am | |
| Chapter XXII – Dancing with Snakes
With a laugh, Nemu looked up at the night sky. The same as always, but it was still different. Many aspects of this world, he had stared at from the moment he was able, and yet, they were always different. Mostly, because how he looked at it, how doing so felt. Still, it didn't change the fact that he could not change how his feelings towards her felt, even if had been some time since he was able to feel her touch. Did he want it? Perhaps, but not in the same way he once did.
After that night, he would spent many more sleepless, his mind focusing on her. Her body, her face, and the way she had touched him. Even if the desire wasn't physically there, it still existed. The idea of forgetting those feelings, was damn near unthinkable. But even as he thought of this, it was all tainted, because she had goals and ambitions that she wished to give to him. He would not allow her to feed him this bullshit, and thus, he chose to mostly, live alone.
It wasn't until she blackmailed a Priest of the clan, to supposedly embrace a young woman that Kamena fancied, when she herself would embrace the girl - that he really chose to go against her. Using this as an excuse to kill the Priest, she kept up the lie that Ishizu's sire had been killed. A pity, since it was this fact that finally broke Ishizu, and why she was truly limp in his arms as he drained the blood from her body. Perhaps the stake was a factor, but her words beforehand, 'Take my blood, my soul, just do not allow me to exist under her lie any longer.', were sincere enough that she didn't resist very much, even if she chose to scream as he penetrated her flesh with the silver spike, the screams dying as she settled into the peaceful repose of death.
But after Kamena embraced Ishizu, they were still distant. Although he never could fathom a reason, Ishizu went to the States, and he followed. Although unable to find her at first, a chance meeting with an interesting Malkavian lead him right to her. She put up a clever ruse, but it wasn't at all something that this lunatic couldn't see through. It certainly wasn't a fact that the local Prince was unaware of, since Ishizu was kept at arms length, if not further away, in most cases. Although more open minded than most Princes, the idea of any Kindred treating a Setite, at least one whose allegiances are yet unproven, would be an extraordinary level of foolishness.
Sitting up, he smiled. “I can see it now, Marisha. Do you think I intended on any of this? Perhaps if you had chosen as I, perhaps things would be different. But then, acting as such is what you are expected to do.”
“A snake will always slither, even when there is no reason. Even when one has legs.”
Looking up, he kept his smile. Once again, he stared into the face of that doll. Only this time, it was standing directly in front of him. “I'd chose to jump, but I don't consider you all that frightening.”
“I would certainly not ask you to, since that isn't what I would do to friends.” The doll smiled.
Leaning back, Nemu sighed. “So what is it this time?”
The doll cracked a smile, the sides of it's mouth stretching beyond the limits of the human jaw. “The pieces have nearly all fallen into place. What is left? Well, do you ask, my fiendish friend?”
Laughing, Nemu nodded. “It may be tempting fate, but somehow I doubt that you would tell me I'll be the one to face final death when this is over.”
The doll kept it's smile, crossing his arms. “Blood will be shared between lovers, making a new corpse. It's blood running with envious love, it shall fall into the arms of the self-obsessed lover, who chooses to wrongly give hate to the undead heart that she birthed into the world. This hate shall consume her, alongside the hatred from the one she loves – both shall consume her essence.”
“Exactly like I expected then. However-” Nemu stopped. Looking past the doll, he smiled. “To what to I owe the pleasure, you snakes?”
“We may not truly believe in the aims that Priestess Kamena holds. But she has marked you, not for death, but to be captured. If you will not accompany us without trouble, we will make you.”
Laughing, Nemu stood. “You think you can cart me away, with ease? I doubt that. In fact, the only one that will drift away from here would be you, and I think the wind will be able to take care of that.”
The doll laughed. “Stuck to the throne, it seems. As such, the snake sends others to do what she cannot. “ Raising his hand, the doll's eyes widened. His mouth parted into an impossible smile, as he walked toward the group of Setites. “A favor for you, my fiendish friend.” Kneeling before the Vampires, the boy smiled. “I commend thy souls to the underworld, in hopes that you may be pissed on by Set himself, for your foolishness.”
In an instant, the doll's hand emitted a mass of shadows, which grew large enough to cover both him and the Setites. The screams were nearly deafening, but as far as Nemu could tell, they were still muffled to human ears. Beyond that, whatever was happening there, he couldn't tell.
“So you lay claim to more power than your allies, for the moment. So sorry not to see that sooner.”
As she shadows dissipated, the doll was still kneeling where it was, while the group of Setites was reduced to only one. The rest were piles of ashes on the ground, save for two that were now no more than corpses. The remaining Setite snarled.
“You are no more than a puppet, used by another mind. Useful, certainly. But a trick which I saw through the moment you spoke. Time to cut the strings.” The Setite placed a ornate gold revolver to the doll's head. “Do you have any more to say, puppet?”
With a smile, the doll laughed. “It will get you nothing. What's left of this, will be very little of note, while your ashes shall be pissed on.”
The Setite laughed. “Nice idea. Perhaps I'll do just that to yours, and then the fiend's, once I'm done here.” With a smile, he pulled the trigger. With the shot, the doll fell to the ground, lifeless.
Standing, Nemu smiled. “I wonder, I have no contract to take your life, but I feel it necessary. However, if I am to do so, I need a name. If you would be so kind?”
Replacing the revolver in his jacket, he smiled. “Amenes. Not my name as a human, but we both understand that concept.”
With a snarl, Nemu laughed. “Then, let's get this over with. But you need to understand. You have made a mistake. In due time, you shall understand why.”
Amenes shrugged. “Perhaps I will. But no matter what happens, I truly do not care. It is true that we both have loyalties, but obviously, it cannot be in each other. Mine may be different than yours, as it can be said that I believe Kamena is foolish. But I would serve her, if it means that I can take her place in the future. If I cannot, either because I face final death this night, or if the Prince you've allied yourself with chooses to mark those of my clan for death in this city, so be it. It only means that I do not have to listen to Kamena any further.”
“I chose to listen to her once. I would say more about that, but I'm sure that she has either blabbed about it, or I have simply explained it far too much. Still, I understand. Tonight, one of us dies. I'd mention making a wager, but then, what is the point? Neither of us has something that the other is unwilling to give up. Lives, blood, etc. So, rather than this pointless babble, why don't we settle this – not like men, obviously, since that is a forgone conclusion – but rather like MONSTERS.” His voice went deep and raspy for the last word.
~
With a luscious red smile, a rather large animal nearby sat in the grass, watching the fight that unfolded before it's eyes. A soft sound emitted from it's muzzle, sounding like laughter, but it was far too foreign to human ears, should they hear it. Setting it's head down on it's paws, the beast saw no reason to intervene in the fight – unless it got closer.
“Why are you so invested in this, mum?”
A smaller animal approached, laying down near the larger one. Their bodies touching, the smaller one curled up, it's mouth emitting a low growl, almost like it was going to fall asleep, but it kept it's eyes open.
“I've been out of this for too long. No longer.”
“Fine then. I sure hope you don't intend on just sitting here. You know I'm a little restless.”
The larger animal, obviously a fox, once again seemed to laugh. “You have always been that way, Shokkosu. I can hardly say it surprises me by now.”
Shokkosu's muzzle smiled. “That's why I was embraced, I guess. I was all to willing to please you, and if I had to join you to do that, well, you know I didn't mind you getting me away from those...
Alice licked his muzzle. “Yes, I know. Feeling a bit nostalgic? Still, that is to be expected. Perhaps an offhand mention, but fitting none the less.”
“You planning on helping him, or just waiting to see what happens?”
She laughed again. “I don't know. What do you say?”
Shokkosu smiled, his muzzle emitting the same kind of laughter that she was. “What does a fox say?”
Alice didn't answer directly, instead, she started laughing. “I say...”
She stood, looking up towards the sky. With a very loud howl, she shook herself, snarling. “We bite off the head of that snake.”
~
Nemu laughed. “This is it? This is all you have? Well, what was I worrying about, then?”
Amenes sighed, his knees hitting the ground, his hand still clutching his blade. “Not much more than I could expect, really.” He sighed, wiping the blood from his mouth. “Little does she know, I didn't accept her bullshit to fight for her – even if she made me do so afterward. Maybe you understand – I wanted to study history, but that opportunity was dashed by that damned sickness. The fame I gained I didn't want, but my work at one of the local colleges was well known. Not much of a surprise that a Vampire would wish to seek my knowledge, even if it had nothing to do with Vampires. She didn't care.”
“So she offered you the embrace, as a way to avoid death? You must be a fool. I'd say why, but you know this by now.”
Spitting blood onto the ground, he laughed. “She expected me to help her get what she wanted. But when I didn't show any interest in helping her, she was angry at first but soon moved on to someone else. She kept me around, obviously. I was merely one of her conquests, which she sat in the halls of her haven like living trophies.”
“Makes me glad I didn't buy into any of her bullshit. Not that it mattered, since she couldn't really corrupt me. Briefly, perhaps, she did. But then she spoke words that I spat back at her. I wish now that I left her for ashes that night.” Nemu smiled as he heard a loud howl. “You haven't noticed that we have an...audience, have you?”
Amenes snorted, shaking his head. “I've been more preoccupied with you. Still, I've felt that we weren't alone. Does it really matter? You think, at this point, I care if it is you, or someone else that kills me?”
“I see not. So that means you have some kind of death wish, snake?” Alice stepped out of the trees, her long kimono flowing in the light breeze behind her.
Smiling, the snake sighed. “The Gangrel Primogen. A surprise, certainly, but you know...it's actually a welcome one – even if this can be likened to bad joke. A snake, a fox, and a monster...” Spitting up more blood, he snarled. “Dammit...to think I just cared enough...All she cared about was her bitch of a Sire, how Mithras, or whoever the fuck was Prince then, killed her. I never cared about that. Kamena was just blind enough to THINK I did.”
Nemu snorted. “That is how she is. So long as she believes someone will cooperate, and they seem to when it counts, it doesn't matter to her if they are displeased with the situation. Even when I told her to fuck off, she still tried to plead with me. Hell, even in that cemetery, she still acted like I'd go along with her. HAH.”
Alice snarled. “Nice story. Anything else to say?”
Shaking his head, Amenes let go of his weapon. “As if I want to waste my breath on that bitch any more. Get on with it, if you please.”
Nemu shrugged. “So, you want him or should I finish him off?”
“Given that your efforts have set this scene...” She briefly started at Amenes, who seemed to be trying to fight off going into frenzy. “...you should close the curtain.”
With a nod, he licked his fangs. “Then, so I shall.”
Kneeling next to Amenes, he laughed. “I view her blood as poison. No offense to you, but I don't want any of it, even from her childer. I plan to make only one exception in the future, when I kill her.” Standing, he flourished his blade. “Curtains, scholar.”
Swiping his blade across the snake's neck, the head barely moved, before it and the body it was previously attached to, burst into embers. Taking a cloth from his pocket, Nemu slid it up the length of his sword, cleaning the blade of blood. Throwing the cloth into the pyre, he smiled.
“Too bad these snakes can be akin to Hydra in this city. Always two more to kill.” Sliding the length of his sword across the sheath, he slowly slid it into it, causing a slight 'click' once it was fully inside. “So, how much longer do you think this is going to go on for?”
Alice shrugged. “I can't say. I know Anne is getting restless, which I am sure you have seen. This dance isn't going to go on much longer, else the Queen stops it personally.” | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:52 am | |
| Chapter XXIII – Speak Thine Name
Closing the door behind him, Damon couldn't help but feel almost as if asking was part of some larger plan, but it really wasn't. As simple as it was, he had taken some time to return to the estate, and even now, only a very short distance between him and Reyes, he was lingering near the front door. Why, exactly, he didn't know. There wasn't much of a reason to hesitate, Reyes had long since expressed his want, and with Anne accepting his request, nothing was likely to stop the embrace.
With a sigh, he removed his jacket, hanging it up in the closet in the entrance hall. Just as he walked out of it, Kami walked by, a sly smile on his face.
“I take it that Anne has...accepted?”
Damon nodded. “Not easily. She said I could, but I have to deal with Kamena, to make it official. If I don't, then she gets to kill me.”
Kami smiled, drawing air into his mouth. “Tense. Any plans?”
“Eh...not really. I wasn't exactly planning on doing it so soon, but there isn't anything in the way of it.”
The boy laughed. “Then go ride the horse, if nothing is stopping you.” He walked away, laughing as he realized what he just said.
Smiling and nodding briefly, he crossed the room, ascending the stairs. Once he reached the door handle, it seemed somewhat final. Touching it, and entering the room meant that he himself would end the life of another, and bring them into a completely different one. Still, even as the thought crossed his mind, several times in fact, it was pointless to give it any weight. If there was anything left for Reyes to experience as a human, he would not. The final experience as a human he would have, would be death.
Touching his hand to the metal, he turned it, opening the door. Closing it behind him, he stared at the bed. Reyes lay sleeping, his fair skinned and lithe body snuggled into the black silken sheets. His clothing was somewhat revealing, showing of most of his chest, and the silk trousers were either pulled down on his waist, or they were made to be worn that way.
Unbuttoning his shirt, he threw it in a nearby chair, turning to the mirror hanging on the closet door. With a laugh, he noticed the tray on the table. The sight of it wasn't unusual, but given the time, it was different. As much as he knew, the obvious was, that he did not care.
Sitting on the bed, he grabbed the stereo remote, putting on something fitting for the situation. With a smile that he could almost feel bleed onto his face, he climbed into the bed, softly planting a kiss on Reyes' cheek, while laying next to him. “Sorry to wake you.”
With a smile, Reyes opened his eyes. “Don't be. I was awake, and watching you undress. I've been waiting for you – I know what she said.” He touched Damon's face. “I meant what I said in the shower, so there is nothing in the way anymore.” Pulling him closer, the two kissed, Reyes sticking his tongue into Damon's mouth. It was nothing new, although this time, it seemed to be a bit more about jealousy. It wasn't so much a slathering of tongues, but rather Reyes' feeling around for Damon's fangs.
“No need to feel so jealous. You will have you own, soon enough.” Damon sat up, as Reyes did the same. “Are you sure you are ready for-”
Placing a finger on Damon's lips, Reyes climbed into his lap. “I want everything. You, and your fangs inside of me, as I drink your blood. I want to feel and be like you.”
~
“You're on thin fucking ice now. Cry, scream, beg all you like – none of it is going to matter.”
Smiling, he bared his fangs. “All those bloody insults, all the pandering to your ego – never thought it would come to this, did you? Beaten and bloodied, by the boy who you saw fit to sink so low, the idea of being male was close to repulsive? But the pride was still present, and thus, I kept my dick, but hid it behind the panties and the skirt. Why? It's my pride. Why rid myself of that? Doesn't matter if I went for the trap route, as some took that very well. Even most of those teachers didn't give a damn, most of them falling for it. Pity some were interested, because I wasn't. Who would be, in a bunch of old perverts?”
Grabbing the last of the boys by the neck, Reyes snarled. “How, does it feel? To completely lack any kind of power? You have muscle, but in comparison...there is none. I could have my way with you, satisfying both my appetite and my body. It would be a nice send off, and perhaps more of a merciful end than you deserve. What do you say?”
With a smile, Reyes' mouth stretched open in laughter. “Ah, you've found fear – and the tape certainly does wonders to shut someone like you up. I could choose to corrupt you – to bend you to my will. But then, you are...disgusting. Enough that, to do any more than kill you, would be nothing more than a chore. Thus...you have chosen your fate, even if, perhaps, it started some time ago.”
Sinking his fangs into flesh, the satisfaction seemed the same as any orgasm, only this time, it would not fade. The fucks who had, for a time, shaped his life, had lost their own. A pity, perhaps, but it would be insane to think someone would miss them. He certainly would not.
“You do not seek to corrupt...but you can. To change your wishes, may indeed be folly, but there are various ways to spread darkness – you chose your sort. Still, you can be of use, to me. You are of my blood, and that is enough.”
Standing, Reyes licked blood from the wound, his elation becoming nearly palpable. With a smile, he dropped the corpse, stepping over it as his tongue ran over his lips, and his teeth. Looking over his work, he felt no change. No remorse, for those who had, even for a brief, yet changing moment, made his life hell. Made him look at his body like a aberration, like something he should be ashamed of. Even if he quickly questioned why, the damage was done. Now, he thought, none of it mattered. At least, none of the anger, as the sight of their corpses made that fade away.
“YES. You drink the power of darkness, you revel in this bloodshed. But there is more, child.”
The voice he heard was like a poison, spreading itself through his body. But rather than pain, it was like a vibration, which only caused pleasure. His smile only became wider, even when he turned his head, to see a figure standing in the darkness, a pair of red eyes, and the shine of it's body giving it away.
In an instant, everything changed. The ground became a deep red sand, which Reyes could suddenly feel beneath his uncovered feet. The sidewalks, the trees, and everything else seemed to disappear, leaving nothing but a vast desert, save for what looked like an ancient city in the distance. The dark sky suddenly lit up in cold tones, yet the most prevalent color, was red.
Looking at himself, he was not wearing his usual clothes. Most of his body was uncovered, which he could feel himself adjusting to, but it was pleasing. Around his waist was a belted skirt, with an eye shape at the front, and a cross-like symbol dangling from it, although the top was a loop, rather than a straight line. Around his shoulders was a mantle, with a similar eye shape over his chest, and various jewels. His wrists had bracers around them, covering his lower arms, and they were covered with jewels as well.
“You see, do you not? You have the chance to cast off the legacy that leads to preparation for death. Rather, you may be prepared for something else entirely, by me.”
The figure was closer now, and it could be seen much more clearly. It's body was taller than Reyes', and much more muscular. It's skin was a deep red, and it's face, was like that of a dog, but much thinner towards the muzzle. In truth, it did not look much like a dog at all, the more he looked at it. It's eyes were a soft gold, and staring directly at Reyes.
“Who are you?” His question seemed almost pointless, but upon speaking it, the...creature smiled.
“I? I am your forefather...the one who began the legacy that will run in your veins.” He reached for Reyes with a pair of clawed hands, the smile on it's face growing wider. “I AM SET.”
“Who....Oh!” He started to question, but then Set grabbed him by the neck, lifting him from the sand.
“Your lack of knowledge is of no consequence. I believe you may resist, but then, there would be no point. Now...” He pulled Reyes close. “...the chains of Osiris, the bondage to legacy by my own son, are no longer upon you. You shall take MY legacy, and become one of my blood, of my children.” Putting Reyes down, Set's smile returned.
“What do you want?”
“I already have what I want – you. You have made your choice, and thus, you are mine. All that is left...” Grabbing the top of Reyes' head, Set smiled as he forced the boy to look downwards. He watched as a certain, interest seemed to enter the boy's eyes, his kneeling not at all forced. “It is a free offer – a nectar of the finest crimson for you. Surely this is something you are no stranger to...”
A fanged smile ran across Set's thin, canine-like face. “Consume from me, and you shall forever find pleasure...”
~
Opening his eyes, he realized that his head was laying on Damon's chest. Although nothing new, before he would always have to cringe upon waking up, as he suddenly felt a rather cold body laying next to him. But now, the feeling was absent. Curious, he traced his tongue around his teeth, finding two obstructions on the top set. As much as it didn't seem real, it was hard to forget what had happened.
Sitting up, he stretched a bit, pulling the sheets off of himself, but leaving them on Damon. Moving to the edge of the bed, he thought that this was nothing like the movies, but then again, considering some of them, he was glad of it.
Standing, he moved over to the desk, staring at the glass decanter, sitting in an ice bucket. It sat on a silver tray, with at least two scotch glasses beside it. The decanter itself was filled with blood, which he stared at like a frat boy eying up a bottle of some “club swill”, or so he'd heard Makrev call the stuff once. For him, though, it was more like something divine, something that would do far more than bring enjoyment. It would bring feelings, emotions, and a satisfaction that he had yet to know. It was obvious that the first taste would be far better than drinking Damon's blood, although that was satisfying in a different way.
Filling a glass half way, he picked it up, swirling the thick liquid. It seemed odd to consider where it once was, and what it would be used for. Every obvious thought ran though his mind, and while for some, it would take a nearly immeasurable amount of convincing, he needed none. It was something he wanted to commit to, if it meant escape from the bullshit that had been his life, and a connection to someone he found feelings for so long ago.
Tipping the glass to his lips, he could not help but smile as it poured down his throat. Through this, he snarled. The sound of it, the feeling, he could hardly help but feel pleasure beyond even his most drugged up, fucked up round of sex. He almost felt like his veins lit on fire, as if every cell, down to the atoms, was being pleasured in the most deviant of ways.
Setting the glass down, he sat in one of the chairs. The feeling was not quick to go away, but it seemed to slowly fade. From what he had been told, drugged up humans would be an interest, but the blood itself seemed to work fine. His only worry was the possibility that he'd have to give up sex completely. Makrev laughed when he mentioned it, but quickly mentioned that it was still possible, if a bit different.
Placing a hand on his stomach, it seemed to be true. His breathing seemed slower, although calling it that seemed wrong. The flow of his blood felt slower too, even if the rush of it falling down his throat made it feel as before. Sliding his hand lower, he snorted as he remembered the time in the bathroom, shaving all the bloody hair off, even if he was lucky enough not to have any on his legs. Much as he had thought about it before, he worried about something going wrong. Actually, the one who turned him on to doing it was Liz, and she was all to happy about getting into his pants, even if it was not really for sex. She could not help feeling him up, admiring everything she saw, which would be everything. He had to laugh for a moment when he realized that she somehow shaved out the word “Boi” in cursive, before she shaved that off too.
She mentioned to him that she would have a little more fun with him, but she would save that for Damon to take care of. But she did take the time to shower with him, which was more 'helping' on her part, acting like a mother taking care of her child in such a way. He didn't mind, since she wasn't overbearing or judgmental, which he had enough of before. Still, this helped him a bit, since it seemed that Liz was, okay with him. So now it was a handful of people that accepted him, and thinking of it like that made it worse, as it was not how he really intended it. Not back in school, and certainly not now.
Looking around, he started laughing softly. While he did have certain, ideas, they were not likely to be as violent, as his dream was. If it was even a dream at all, he couldn't tell. Somehow, only the last part of it seemed real, while the rest was nothing more than a dream. He would like to know if someone knew what it was, or if Damon had seen something similar. Kamena might be a source of information, but that seemed unlikely.
“You are conflicted, young snake. You doubt, even if it is slowly fading from your grasping hands. Why are you holding into it?”
Turning his head, he could not help but stare at what he saw. It wasn't attraction, but awe. He could have mistook her for a Setite, given her appearance, but she did not seem so. Rather, she seemed to be something else. Whatever it was, he could not tell. The only obvious thing, was her eyes. The left was pure white, save for the black ring that encircled her iris, and her right was a cold, piercing violet.
“I think someone mentioned you...Annabelle, right?”
She nodded, as she slowly walked towards him. “Yes, and I know much about you. You seem a follower, someone who stands by, but does not ever lead. This is false. You want to stand up for yourself, alongside the strong ones you have come to know. However, thus far, you have not had the chance.”
Reyes sighed. “I do. But what if I...”
With a smile, she laughed. “You worry, if your dream will come true. If you will carry out your revenge, as you wish.” Instead of answering further, she pulled one of the other chairs, and sat down. “That is your choice. The future holds much for you, but if it holds a bloody penance for those who wronged you, it depends on if you act to bring such a thing about.”
“You want me to choose? You want me to decide for myself if I wish to go after those assholes?”
She didn't nod. “My intent, is not to make you chose. You could easily do nothing, and things may proceed without you needing to do so. However, the issue may be forced, in which case, the choice would fall to you. It is not about casting blame, since I have already said that I agree with your feelings.”
Setting the glass down, he laughed. “Maybe I will. I don't know. I wouldn't want to force Damon to do it, since it is my problem...one he never had.”
“Why would you think that choice, is a problem?”
He looked up at her.”Why wouldn't it be? Maybe they just didn't understand, maybe they didn't like it. Either way, I would have been fine if they just left me alone. But they had to speak. They had to care just enough, that I...could say nothing. I could only...hide.”
She stood, grabbing him around the waist, pulling him close. Placing her hands on his cheeks, she gently caressed them. “You have a voice. You stand in a place where many have, but all of them did one very simple thing. They found their voice. If you must snarl, if you must yell, then do so. Even if it is only your actions that speak for you, then it is enough.”
“So I just...say it? I just admit it?”
She shook her head. “No, you have already become content. You have accepted his affections, and he, yours. But that is not the problem. You worry about how that changes, now that you have accepted his blood.”
“Does it?” His eyes started to well up in red, as he spoke.
Looking into his eyes, she smiled. “If you can still speak, no. Accept what you love, accept what you are, and you, at least, will find truth. Should others find it, then they are wiser for it, since they chose to listen, and perhaps, understand.”
Sitting him back down, she nodded as she walked toward the door. His mind was racing, trying to take what she had said in. It was true, since only now he remembered what was said of her. Still, one thing was unclear.
“I know how this sounds, but...is it a happy ending, or will this end badly?” He wiped his face with the wet towel that sat near the ice bucket.
She turned, smiling. “A loved one will be lost. But you need not worry.”
Last edited by Maxus Corvin on Thu Nov 05, 2015 6:06 am; edited 1 time in total | |
| | | Maxus Corvin Methuselah
Posts : 478 Join date : 2010-10-03 Age : 32 Location : Normandy SR-2
| Subject: Re: VtM: Moonlight Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:52 am | |
| Chapter XXIV – Desire to Get...Wet?
“So you continue to act the part of a fool. Perhaps you might not be to blame for embracing Elizabeth without the proper permissions, but to ALLOW a Setite to freely come and go within your haven?”
Watching as Morgana slowly walked around the edge of the pool, he knew that she somehow felt betrayed, concerning almost everything that he and Anne were doing. Not that it really mattered, since none of it really affected her, but that was not her problem. She seemed much like the humans who would cause controversy about movies, music, or video games, when they know very little about the subject, and their real concern is not the revelation of a problem, but rather the demonization of a medium, either due to the slow fade of their interest, or due to their dislike, if not hatred of the new forms of entertainment.
But with Morgana, her concern was with tradition, which he could respect – to a point. Even so, he could not agree that in this instance, the facts were simple. Were it any of the Camarilla clans that sired without permission, a pass may be given, but there would still be those who clamor for punishment, even if they can agree that the new Kindred and their Sire can still be of use to the Camarilla. She would not care about use, but only about the committed crime.
Makrev sighed. “Of course. Given the situation, I feel it is only appropriate. Just the same as I would welcome the company of Alice, yourself, or even Shokkosu-” He pointed at the other end of the pool, where Shokkosu was swimming.”-I see no reason to do anything else. You may be heartless, but I am not. After all, Damon has proven to the Prince that he does not have any wish to go against her, the Camarilla, or any other Kindred in this city – save for Kamena, of course. The only way he might clash with other Kindred, would be with his ideology. Which, unless other kindred see a problem with the proclivity for his own gender, then I do not see any problems coming out of this. Given that there are Kindred, Ventrue, and otherwise, who have far more... deviant interests.”
Morgana snarled. “He should be so lucky.”
With a smile, he sat up. “Well, there is also the fact that Anne has given him permission to Embrace, provided that he deals with Kamena – although she wasn't very specific as to when he should or can, just that he does as he was instructed.”
“SHE DID WHAT!?”
Makrev sighed. “How often do you have delusions that you are Prince of this city, MORGANA? I don't believe that you really need to be reminded that you are a Tremere Primogen and Regent, and nothing more. The future may hold more for you, but you tend to do nothing more than anger others with your zeal. This aside, it is done. I haven't known Anne to change her mind so easily, if at all.”
“Delusions? Is that what you have chosen to call my differing opinion? If it were my choice, I would have staked the boy the moment he was captured, extracted any and all information from him, and then left him for the next dawn to deal with.”
Makrev stood. “Do I need to remind you, to SHUT UP. If so, then understand that this attitude of yours needs to change. But then, I can see why you might be so zealous, given the insanity that must plague your mind, being so close to the Tremere elders. Utterly unable to go against them, save for when they allow it – although I doubt they ever do. That aside, I know the little secret you've hidden for some time, even if most either don't care, or simply don't know.”
“What exactly is it, that you think you know?”
He smiled. “You know the rumors. Though the are certainly stifled in many ways, there are still those that talk – and are willing, given the right payment. They vary, from you perhaps being a Baali, which I would find unlikely, given your devotion to the clan, and very little I have seen you do would subvert it's interests, and of course, there is the curiosity that lies with your trip to America. For some reason, before the Country even had its revolution, you traveled there. Not only that, but you brought back with you a childe – daughter of someone given both fame, and infamy. One little known, in fact. Some even suggest, that perhaps you, where behind the events in Salem, that year.”
She smiled. “If I was, who do you think it matters to?”
Makrev shrugged. “If it mattered to Etrius, or Merrlinda, I am sure they would have intervened then, especially the latter. I heard that even Merrlinda took a childe from the Colonies during the Revolution, although that seems less suspect.”
“Yes, she did. Have you considered that much of what transpired there, was not my doing? Rather, my goal was to start our clan's base of power in the Colonies, although it was not as successful as I hoped. I insisted for it, and Merrlinda and Etrius agreed. If you were looking for my secret, it is only that my failure in that endeavor lead to Merrlinda herself taking up that cause, gaining herself a powerful and willing childe, alongside defining the clan's presence in the new world, as the Country fought to exist.”
He nodded. “Not what I was expecting, but then, some rumors tend to be worse, and sometimes, nothing but lies. Still, you should understand that Anne's decision is not the problem you believe it to be.”
“Perhaps it is not. But do you really think-”
Makrev snarled. “Why do I have to consider every fucking choice Anne makes? You should know already that, thus far, she has made no decisions that directly affect me, save for her allowing Elizabeth's embrace, as unconventional as it was. I may support her choices, even if that may be no more than the fact that I have chosen to not contest them.”
She sighed. Rather than saying anything, she turned to leave. “Then perhaps my role in this, is over – at least, for the moment. If I have no stake in this, however, then my support will not be given, should the end of this be a confrontation. Unless Anne herself asks, then I will continue to deal with my own affairs, and nothing else.” She waved, and left the room.
With a smile, Makrev laid back in his chair, not surprised by the sight of Shokkosu laughing at what he heard of the conversation. Laughing himself, he smiled. “What else is there to say, really?”
Taking a filled wine glass from the nearby table, he sipped it, watching as Damon entered the room. He couldn't help but crack a smile, his lips never leaving the rim of the glass, since he could tell that something had changed. The look on Damon's face said as much, and what had, was obvious.
~
Taking a seat in the chair near Liz, Damon sighed. Turning his head towards her, his eyes nearly bulged. The sight of her in that black bikini interested him, his preferences be damned. The top piece had a fanged skull on the fabric covering her breasts, and the bottom had the same decal, only this one had blood dripping from the fangs.
Pushing her sunglasses up, she smiled. “Drink it in, Onii-chan. In fact, want a taste?”
A smile stretching across his face, he licked his lips. “You have no idea. Fun as that was, it made me feel even more drained than havin' a wank. Never-mind anything else.”
“What have you...oh you naughty boy.”
He sighed. “So we fucked. You think I give a damn if you know?”
Liz shook her head. “I would not call it a secret, although I doubt anyone here cares. Your balls are easy to bust, in both ways.”
Damon smiled. “Just as long as it is either jokes, or feels damn good, yeah.”
She sighed. “Even if it is painful, you know they would grow back. So you don't have to worry about growing a pair.”
“Right – I still would rather them not crushed or ripped off. About that taste-”
Standing, she placed her legs over his chair, and sat her butt on his legs. “Aw, did you think I was joking?” She placed her hands on his chest, running them up to his chin. “I am not that kind of tease. In fact, I do not like teasing. I prefer giving what is wanted, not faking someone out. If I want to give it, that is.”
“I am not going to complain, if you do.” He pulled her closer, her crotch stopping over his. “Like old times, eh sis?”
Kissing his cheek, she smiled. “Yes, and now we don't have our parents to get pissed – or anyone else. Now, I do not care. We've both went through what might as well be hell to get here, and before we face more, I don't care if someone gives a fuck that we enjoy ourselves like this. Although...”
Shaking his head, Damon kissed her lips deeply, placing his arms around her back. “No, he won't care. If he comes in, I'm sure he would just join in. Then, I doubt you will care either.”
She both nodded, and smiled. “Well, I certainly would not. Actually, he was the one who...asked me to help him shave. You see what he's got? The whole snake thing fits for him, probably a Cobra. I should get him a necklace or something...maybe a nice pair of panties with a...well, you know.”
He had to laugh. “You know, I don't think anyone else could say 'My sister is a slut', the same way I could. Mostly because I'd be damn serious about it, and obviously not ashamed of it.”
Liz licked his cheek, smiling. “The last thing we are, would be role models. So we are fucked up. We also drink human blood. Which do you think is worse?”
Damon shrugged. “Some would say the 'fucking' part – just like how most don't care if a movie is violent, unless someone is naked at some point . I don't really care. I died for this, and I will fight and fuck to keep it.”
“You know, I like how you describe that. Pity many Vampires do not understand such things.”
Both of them turned to see Shokkosu holding onto the edge of the pool, his hair dripping wet. Damon smiled. “Better like that, than anything else.
With a nod, he smiled, showing off his teeth, each set a row of fangs. “You could say sex is where my life really started, and ended. They only gave a damn about me once I was willing, and when I really mattered to someone, my life ended.”
Liz slipped off Damon, standing. “You mean, Alice, right?”
Keeping his smile, Shokkosu nodded. “You would think, or rather, some would think that spending five years in a Meji-era brothel, one of the last of it's kind, would be more damaging. To others, perhaps. But for me, I chose the one thing that most do not want – acceptance. Not the famous syndrome, but I chose to give myself to the feeling, and not those who employed me.”
Damon sat up, stretching. “Was Alice there to...well, you know....?”
Shokkosu pulled himself out of the water, revealing the fact that he was clad only in a one-piece bathing suit, only it seemed that it was actually two, since the top was more like a sleeveless shirt, and it covered the top of the speedo-like bottom. “Yes. Not exactly her first choice, but given my...promiscuity, or rather how I did not have preconceptions she saw in every other that she encountered during her visit, she agreed. However, it was not purely for that alone.”
~
Staring at the beautiful woman, he could do little. Laid out on the bed like an empress, she beckoned to him, her very gaze doing more to move him than her words. Every thought that he would usually have was absent, and all he could focus on was her.
“How...can I...plea...”
She stopped him as he spoke, climbing into the bed next to her. Her own words were enough to freeze him, more so than the touch of her naked body. “What I am looking for, I already have.”
Holding him close to her chest, she sniffed his hair. Her hands caressed his back, sending a charge through his body. “I can feel it, you know. Even with your acceptance, there is still something wrong. A worry that things can change, and not in a way that favors you. You have strength, but the doubts you have will greatly diminish it when truly needed.”
He looked at her. The room was not cold, the summer night being quite muggy, and yet, she seemed to feel as the cold in a fresh snowfall. “Why are you so cold, Alice?”
“Perhaps you already know. I am not human, but not something any local legends will help explain. They would only confuse, or consider me worse than I am. But know that I do not seek to harm you, at least not in the same way as, they, would.”
Shokkosu sounded puzzled when he spoke. “They?”
Alice softly rubbed his head. “Perhaps you have seen them. Arrogant, self-centered, and empty. Obsessed with finding their purpose. A matter of perspective, but from my own, I can have nothing but a poisonous loathing for them.”
“So you are...a monster?”
“Monsters do not feel. They do not care. They wish to survive. About you, about myself, I care. Enough that I would seek to give you power of your own.” She sat up, still holding him tight to her chest.
“You may not wish to leave here, but I can offer you much more than this place.”
He smiled. Even with what she was telling him, even with her cold embrace, he still felt somehow warm, safe. What she promised seemed to be something he wished to feel. “And...in return...?”
She kissed his forehead. “Forgive me, but for this, you will face what brings fear into the hearts of men...” Moving her head to his shoulder, she placed her mouth on his neck, slowly sinking her fangs into his skin. “....you will die.”
He felt the sharp pain of something stabbing into his flesh, along with the pulsing motions from the woman's neck against his. The pain of the bite was momentary, soon replaced by an intense pleasure, which made it seem an encounter like any other, as his body reacted the same way. The only difference was the position, and the fact that very few had control over him as this woman seemed to. Not only was she in control, but she made him feel as if such a thing was fine.
Laying him down on the pillows, she once again kissed his forehead, her lips stained with blood, a dribble of it sliding down the side of her chin. Inhaling his scent, she placed her hand on the underside of her breast, slowly running her thumb across the flesh just above her nipple. The wound it created quickly bled, dripping to the point where it started to fall into his face. She laughed, placing her nipple before his mouth.
In this instant, a long forgotten emotion dredged itself to the surface. Long separated from his mother, this longing was one that he would have once considered childish, something he had no wish to feel again. But here, now, it seemed right to give in. To feed.
Watching him take the supple flesh into his mouth, feeling the muscles in his mouth tense, drawing in the blood, she moaned. “Yes....drink from me, and I will show you forever.”
~
Shokkosu laughed. “Her next move after my embrace, was for me to feed. Oh, how they acted. Every single one of the men who saw me either reacted in fear, or they acted as my employer, thinking I was still playing by their rules. Ever so sweet, however, was the one who so casually pulled me into the profession. How she screamed upon seeing me. I still remember the feeling of her body against mine, how she acted when I touched her, and how it felt when I was gulping down her blood.”
Liz snorted. “You realize that you are drooling, right?”
Wiping his mouth, he chuckled. “Sorry. It is a, rather vivid memory. You could say it, turns me on, in a way.” He reached down to his swimsuit, adjusting the front.
“Did Alice get the scar before or after this?” Liz asked, her face softly flushing red.
Shokkosu snarled. “Before. Unlike how it may seem, she was not the only one to get one, either.”
He turned around, grabbing the back of his suit, pulling up the 'shirt'. From his shoulder-blades to the middle of his back, a large, bat-like scar was etched, the edges looking burned. Rather than the face looking like that of a bat, it looked like it was a fox with bat-like wings. “They did not hold me long, as I would not be held. Them doing this, did not help their case. Once free, I drained two of them to death, which was both a meal I savored while I drank, and reviled the possibility of being tainted by it, once I finished.”
Damon shrugged. “The way it sounds, I would rather not meet one of these things.”
“Their words would sting, before their blades.” He sighed. “I killed a fair few, along with Alice. It was ten years after my embrace that we finally left that country, and....well, I can only say that a more recent visit was much more pleasant.”
Sitting back on the same chair she had been on previously, Liz sighed. “Better a row with a Setite, than with one of those things. Eh, I guess even this problem is just as bad.”
“Not incorrect, but Kamena is, if nothing else, predictable. If only because this story is not new, as most, and may very well end soon.”
Damon and Liz turned their head, both surprised to see Annabelle lounging on the chair closest to Liz, but she was laying on it with her feet on the head rest, her hands holding a graphic novel, which to Damon, it looked as if she was reading backwards. The cover displayed someone with blonde, spiky hair, wearing a long red trench-coat. Shokkosu only smiled, as it seemed he was already aware that she was there.
“I would certainly hope so. I would love to get that bitch off my ass, and out of my head.”
Liz snorted at Damon's comment. “You know she did bite me, right? But I can say that same thing.” She snorted again, realizing that she should know the same thing happened to him as well. With a sigh, she shrugged.
Annabelle smiled, easily righting herself in the chair, and closing her book, a finger stuck in the pages. “You may wash yourselves free of the bloodshed you have faced previously, and breathe, for a time. But soon, the bell rings, and it begins again. This time, the ring will be constant, but perhaps, short.”
Standing, Damon sighed. Walking over to Annabelle, he watched her stand with a smile as he grabbed her by the neck. “Everything I've heard you say, it has been nothing more than vague allusions and riddles. Can you speak plainly for once?”
She did not flinch, nor lose her smile. “I see. You want the truth? Your sire has been betrayed, many times over. She has felt every negative emotion known to kindred and kin, but her action does not speak for growth, but of a child that wishes for petty revenge.”
“What will she do?” Damon lowered his hand.
“She will take what you love to where the doctor finds his darkness, and there shall she find her own end.” Annabelle softly ran her hand down Damon's cheek. “Soon you shall meet the fiend, and we shall see if the night will prove your love true.” | |
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