Personification Life - IC Part VIII [open]

[Primordial Luxa]

Insidious was not in the bed, but there was a very obvious imprint from where she had slept and It seemed as though she had wandered off to other areas of her person quarters. The blood Arthur was smelling seemed to be seeping from underneath the bed and if he dared look he would find the bodies of several horrific clowns missing their throats. There was traces of movement throughout the room as small unseen creatures moved out of the corner of his eyes and someone was singing from down the hallway.

Always curious, Arthur looked under the bed, unnerved by the fact that there were clowns there. Not by the fact that they were dead or missing their throats, but the fact that the corpses belonged to clowns. He didn't even want to venture into the chain of events that would have put that many clowns there, he just a desire to destroy them with fire, so much fire. It wasn't fueled by fear, but rather instinctual hatred, and the fact that is was one of few things he found creepy.

Getting up, he ignored the movement of the unseen creatures, even though he could sense them right out of the range of his dampened senses. He moved towards the singing, hoping to find Insidious. He figured he'd find his clothes sooner or later.

He finds Insidious in her kitchen making coffee while humming “Away in a madhouse”quietly. She notices him and hands him a cup with the elder sign on it while smiling. “Morning” she says happily from across the counter “how’d you sleep”

[Swith Witherward]

"It always seems like my roommates end up keeping the place or trying to kill me. Agreed, no roommates." He concurred as he took seat in the cab. He wasn't bothered about the weather, in fact he found it's pitter-patter rhythm soothing, and the promise of the pleasant smell that would come after it stopped.

"A letter might work, I was thinking of sending someone to one of their dinner parties nobody attends to ask for Bob and they bring him to us. But your idea sounds better and less risky." Fortu agreed as the rode. He wondered why he couldn't think of simple things like that. He worked hard to curb his convoluted design instincts, but the mindlessly simple till was something that he could barely formulate naturally.

"They have dinner parties?" The tone of her voice held disappointment. "They never invited me. I would have loved to have gone. Gretta and I could have chatted while you and Neil talked shop. It's too bad they think you're dead. Otherwise, we would have them over for cocktails. I love hosting cocktail parties. Damn it."

She crossed her legs and watched the rain streak down the passenger window. It was reminiscent of tears. "You know, if they'd stopped being so sketchy, they'd find that humanity would welcome them. They seem like good people despite their desire to take over the world. They are good people, both of them. The world has turned them paranoid. That's the only explanation. Sure, they were paranoid before, but all the other shit didn't help. It's just not right."

Inspiration struck her and she twisted on the seat to face him. "There's no way they'd recognize us. None. Not even Bob would recognize our scents. Why don't we stop by with a casserole and bottle of wine? We could say we recently moved in and saw their house and thought it was lovely. We'll make up new names to give them, since we need those for an apartment anyway. We can pose as a newlywed couple. You could be an accountant... a tax code sort of accountant... and I'd be a school teacher. What's more disarming than that? What do you think?"

[The New Velociraptor Empire]

He finds Insidious in her kitchen making coffee while humming “Away in a madhouse”quietly. She notices him and hands him a cup with the elder sign on it while smiling. “Morning” she says happily from across the counter “how’d you sleep”

"Pleasantly, not entirely unlike passing out." Arthur replied and took the cup. He took a sobering drink as his painkillers began to wear off.

"That was exhilarating last night. Although, I don't remember the clowns, and I suppose I don't want to remember that part...at least they're dead. I hope." he went on taking another drink as he felt the blood cling to his skin as it dried.

"Say, do you remember were my clothes are?" He added.

"They have dinner parties?" The tone of her voice held disappointment. "They never invited me. I would have loved to have gone. Gretta and I could have chatted while you and Neil talked shop. It's too bad they think you're dead. Otherwise, we would have them over for cocktails. I love hosting cocktail parties. Damn it."

She crossed her legs and watched the rain streak down the passenger window. It was reminiscent of tears. "You know, if they'd stopped being so sketchy, they'd find that humanity would welcome them. They seem like good people despite their desire to take over the world. They are good people, both of them. The world has turned them paranoid. That's the only explanation. Sure, they were paranoid before, but all the other shit didn't help. It's just not right."

Inspiration struck her and she twisted on the seat to face him. "There's no way they'd recognize us. None. Not even Bob would recognize our scents. Why don't we stop by with a casserole and bottle of wine? We could say we recently moved in and saw their house and thought it was lovely. We'll make up new names to give them, since we need those for an apartment anyway. We can pose as a newlywed couple. You could be an accountant... a tax code sort of accountant... and I'd be a school teacher. What's more disarming than that? What do you think?"

"It is a shame, they invited the world but nobody came. And the cocktail parties would have been fun, at least until they start making improvised explosives." Fortu agreed and listened. he nodded accordingly and was intrigued by her suggestion to create new identities.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. A bit dangerous, but as long as we say we are from the apartment they won't dare to harm us." He replied remembering how their habits had changed out of fear and cautiousness.

"What should our new names be? Arron? James? Martin? What about last name?" He brainstormed. After a few moments of thought he suggested the first thing to come to mind, a couch manufacturer, "How about Davenport?" he suggested overly excited at bland names. But Bland Names were normal and comfortable, and this time he could choose his title "Fortu" had been named by others, but he felt like a man should choose his own name.

[Swith Witherward]

"It is a shame, they invited the world but nobody came. And the cocktail parties would have been fun, at least until they start making improvised explosives." Fortu agreed and listened. he nodded accordingly and was intrigued by her suggestion to create new identities.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. A bit dangerous, but as long as we say we are from the apartment they won't dare to harm us." He replied remembering how their habits had changed out of fear and cautiousness.

"What should our new names be? Arron? James? Martin? What about last name?" He brainstormed. After a few moments of thought he suggested the first thing to come to mind, a couch manufacturer, "How about Davenport?" he suggested overly excited at bland names. But Bland Names were normal and comfortable, and this time he could choose his title "Fortu" had been named by others, but he felt like a man should choose his own name.

"Oh, the Davenports! I love it," Monique nodded her head rapidly. "That's perfect. It seems so suburbia yet we could say we were originally from the Hamptons."

Excitement brewing, she gave their first names some thought. "Avoid Martin. That would ring a bell. You need something more vanilla. What about Caroline for me? That just sounds so plain. Caroline Davenport. It seems right out of the post war era."

[The BranRiech]

OOC: please capture my posts when you reply. I'm usually doing a million other things online, and I can't always recall what I last posted for you if it's been more than an hour or isn't on the same page.
IC:

"I am William," he unfolded his napkin. "William Thompson. We give up our names when we join, so I'm known as Will now."

He settled the napkin on his lap and sampled the stew. "S'not bad. Needs some salt. Don't ask what the meat is."

His eyebrow raised and he added, "You're not a damn vegan like the Urranese, are you? We can get you proper food if you can't eat this rubbish. It's no trouble. What do you normally eat?"

"Oh? Nah, the Stew's fine. I'm used to the tastes, don't worry." Yuna gestured the it was indeed quite good tasting to her. Of course the girl didn't want to ruin it by asking what the meat was, although because she was told, she didn't want to know even more now.

"What's an Urranese?"

While she asked, she was taking in the idea of giving up a name. How could someone do that?

[Cerillium]

Minerva's hand paused over the clutch. "Bane? Are you serious? That's all we need. A god damned godkiller. With all we have going on?! Honestly!"

She wrenched the car into gear a bit forcefully and snorted. "We need to confirm that he's here. I'll have my lads go to ground. If he is here, we need to alert the gods, godlings and other supernaturals. Even the Luxans should be made aware of him."

The cultist leader was not a happy camper as they pulled onto the rain-soaked streets. She drove in silence, mulling over the ill tidings. The pouring rain matched the heavy feel in her chest.

Klaus said nothing. Minerva had voiced his own concerns. Hearing them only cemented his feelings. He didn't speak again until they pulled into the building's parking garage.

"My men will go to ground as well. We'll have less to worry about regarding Atosh. He'll pack up and take a holiday once the news reaches him. Too much chance of being exposed by Bane. Fritz is already looking into it and we have communication channels open between us."

He sighed and rubbed his eyes with his fingertips. "We need to tell the others, I agree. Your people are on better terms with them. I'll leave that to you. Meanwhile, I'll position extra forces around the building and places of business operated by known supernaturals.

"Minerva, I don't want you playing hero. I don't want you investigating this. Leave it to Fritz; he's dealt with him before. It would be more beneficial if your lads' energy was spent protecting the individuals. Giovenith and Kei are outright targets but Bane won't think twice about exterminating one of those ponies or going for a Luxan. Hans is close to Chrys and he can inform the Conservators through her."

He turned to look at Sophie in the backseat. The child was fast asleep with her cherub face tilted downward. "Things will be better once we reach the island. He can't pass. There's no place for him to hide there. We just need to get them through part of November and then we can breathe a sigh, ja? But don't let Sophie out of your sight. I'll assign Hans to her for when we can't be with her to protect her. Bane will go for loved ones to use as a lure."

---

Hans rolled off his tiny bed and hit the floor. He lay there groaning for a few moments. He wasn't drunk anymore but he was miserable. It was a while later that he emerged from his room and cut in line for the shower (his privilege as Klaus' second in command.)

His shadow emerged from the inn an hour later. He slunk along the sidewalk, flitting from shadow to shadow until he reached the lobby doors. He wasn't certain if Chrys wanted to see him; he felt he'd stepped across the line in their conversation last night. Still, Klaus had issued orders and he would follow through.

The cultist avoided Ogoti and the residents and presented himself at the time cops' door. He knocked. Was she even home?

---

There were several seedy hotels in the industrial district. Bane chose the cheapest one. He offered a strung-out hooker $50 for a fuck and, once serviced, he shattered her from the mortal plain. A penny saved is a penny earned.

The city was rich in supernatural filth. The stench of it rose like rotted sewage and insulted his nostrils as he gazed out of his window. It was dwindling in spots however. The Chaos fuckwhistles must have gotten word of his arrival and gone to ground. So be it. There were other pantheons to slaughter. He might start with Pearlelei's weak brat. Might. He'd need to feed first and there were smaller things to pick off to meet those needs.

The last vestiges of his wings folded behind him as nothing more than black mist.

Soon.

---

Ogoti finished his coffee and rose from Thriller's Thinking Bench. He hadn't any patients thus no need to unlock the clinic. He toyed with the idea of visiting Dora but figured she needed her time with Katya.

He'd just resolved to take a nap with the lobby doors opened. Hans passed through followed a moment later by a shorter figure in red robes. The young man turned his face towards Ogoti and bowed.

"Good morning, Grandfather," Marcus addressed him by his honorary.

"Good morning, Marcus. Home for a change?"

"Yes sir," the lad smiled. "Thought I'd see if my dad was home. I guess he is?"

Ogoti chucked. "Your father is never home these days. Come, we'll root up breakfast upstairs."

He gestured to the stairs leading to the communal kitchen and the boy followed. He'd never been invited to eat by a god, least of all Ogoti. He supposed it was alright and the Omnissiah wouldn't mind too much.

[The BranRiech]

In the dining room was a familiar prince, though familiar neither to Ogoti or Marcus. He was listlessly eating at a small bowl of cereal, a lifeless look in his eyes. What did he have to live for anymore if Yuna was gone? She was probably being used for some freak's pleasure or something. If he knew he'd lose her, he would have fought to the death for her.

All in all, the Chrys statue didn't improve his mood at all, just giving him something nice to wake up to, in his recent string of depression.

He continued sipping at his food, looking up at the people who'd recently entered.

[The Abel Imaginarium]

Iridescent

A young white-haired man wearing a tilted headband that hid his right eye and a black balaclava that covered his mouth till the bridge of his nose, sauntered into the lobby of the apartment block nonchalantly.

In his gloved right hand was an unknown novel which he was holding & reading with a mild casual expression that betrayed no intense enthusiasm, whilst his left hand was tucked deep into his left pocket with ease & integrity.

18 year old Abel Lee had arrived within the city of Beilefield not more than 3 hours ago. The first thing he did upon his arrival from the train station was to find a Korean food outlet in order to satisfy his usual appetite for Jajangmyun (black bean) noodles. Fortunately for him, there was one, and after eating 5 bowls of his favourite delicacy, he decided to wander about the area for awhile and explore the place. He did just that for about one hour and then only began his casual journey towards the apartment block which naturally took him another hour of course.

As Abel got closer to the reception desk, he took the liberty to lift his head up and look around for a moment. Seeing nobody yet, he shrugged his shoulders with a soft "hmph" and lazily leaned against a wall before continuing to read.

[Cerillium]

Iridescent

A young white-haired man wearing a tilted headband that hid his right eye and a black balaclava that covered his mouth till the bridge of his nose, sauntered into the lobby of the apartment block nonchalantly.

In his gloved right hand was an unknown novel which he was holding & reading with a mild casual expression that betrayed no intense enthusiasm, whilst his left hand was tucked deep into his left pocket with ease & integrity.

18 year old Abel Lee had arrived within the city of Beilefield not more than 3 hours ago. The first thing he did upon his arrival from the train station was to find a Korean food outlet in order to satisfy his usual appetite for Jajangmyun (black bean) noodles. Fortunately for him, there was one, and after eating 5 bowls of his favourite delicacy, he decided to wander about the area for awhile and explore the place. He did just that for about one hour and then only began his casual journey towards the apartment block which naturally took him another hour of course.

As Abel got closer to the reception desk, he took the liberty to lift his head up and look around for a moment. Seeing nobody yet, he shrugged his shoulders with a soft "hmph" and lazily leaned against a wall before continuing to read.

"New tenant?"

There was a man in the chair behind the reception desk. He hadn't been there a moment before. He looked at Abel through round, wire-frame glasses. His grey wool uniform stood out in sharp contrast with the surrounding area. He was an SS officer at first glance yet the Schutzstaffel emblems had been replaced with an odd glyph.

"You just missink zee rain," he gestured to the glass lobby doors where the rain once again began to fall at a heavy rate. "It vill do zis all day. Big schtorm."

He slid a piece of paper towards Abel as well as a ball point pen. It was a standard lease agreement.

[The Abel Imaginarium]

Iridescent

"Oh?"

Abel looked across at the strange man with a slight look of surprise as he closed his novel with a snap.

"Wierd......I didn't see him there a moment ago," he thought to himself as he advanced closer towards the desk. "Must be feeling a little tired afterall."

"Yeah hi..." Abel said out loud as he stood infront of the Nazi-dressed receptionist. "I assume I'm just suppose to sign this paper before getting the key right?"

Reading over the lease briefly, he took the ball pen up and wrote his signature on it before passing it back to the elderly man.

"Thanks.....by the way I didn't catch what your name was?"

[Cerillium]

Iridescent

"Oh?"

Abel looked across at the strange man with a slight look of surprise as he closed his novel with a snap.

"Wierd......I didn't see him there a moment ago," he thought to himself as he advanced closer towards the desk. "Must be feeling a little tired afterall."

"Yeah hi..." Abel said out loud as he stood infront of the Nazi-dressed receptionist. "I assume I'm just suppose to sign this paper before getting the key right?"

Reading over the lease briefly, he took the ball pen up and wrote his signature on it before passing it back to the elderly man.

"Thanks.....by the way I didn't catch what your name was?"

"Rudolf," he replied with a smile. He was rather liking this desk job. Actually, it was better than patrolling outside in the cold.

He slipped the signed lease into a box behind him and a golden key appeared on the counter in front of Abel.

Rudolf turned back around, still smiling. "Put zee key in zee door. You are 8A. Zee lift will take you to zat floor. Alzo, a communal dinink room und kitchen up zee schtairs you can use. Und also a rec room und library. People gazzer zere."

The odd cultist (for that's what he was) gave Abel a kindly look but his eyes seemed to look into the being's very core. He lowered his voice and added, "Und vee haff a hunter in town. God killer. Be on guard, ja? Don't mess vis 'im. Vee are lettink people know. Oh! Almost forget!"

Papers shifted and fell as he rifled through them. He produced a small flyer. "Zis is about zee area. Market District. Downtown area. Zings to do und see. Vee have American Zanksgifink dinner next month in communal dinink room. Zee health clinic ist free. Ogoti bring you back if you die, ja? Und if you want good food und drink, go to the Chaos Restaurant. No magic inzide zere, no fightink. Neutral ground. Best beer in all of Bielefeld. Best saki, too."

[Primordial Luxa]

He finds Insidious in her kitchen making coffee while humming “Away in a madhouse”quietly. She notices him and hands him a cup with the elder sign on it while smiling. “Morning” she says happily from across the counter “how’d you sleep”

"Pleasantly, not entirely unlike passing out." Arthur replied and took the cup. He took a sobering drink as his painkillers began to wear off.

"That was exhilarating last night. Although, I don't remember the clowns, and I suppose I don't want to remember that part...at least they're dead. I hope." he went on taking another drink as he felt the blood cling to his skin as it dried.

"Say, do you remember were my clothes are?" He added.

"They have dinner parties?" The tone of her voice held disappointment. "They never invited me. I would have loved to have gone. Gretta and I could have chatted while you and Neil talked shop. It's too bad they think you're dead. Otherwise, we would have them over for cocktails. I love hosting cocktail parties. Damn it."

She crossed her legs and watched the rain streak down the passenger window. It was reminiscent of tears. "You know, if they'd stopped being so sketchy, they'd find that humanity would welcome them. They seem like good people despite their desire to take over the world. They are good people, both of them. The world has turned them paranoid. That's the only explanation. Sure, they were paranoid before, but all the other shit didn't help. It's just not right."

Inspiration struck her and she twisted on the seat to face him. "There's no way they'd recognize us. None. Not even Bob would recognize our scents. Why don't we stop by with a casserole and bottle of wine? We could say we recently moved in and saw their house and thought it was lovely. We'll make up new names to give them, since we need those for an apartment anyway. We can pose as a newlywed couple. You could be an accountant... a tax code sort of accountant... and I'd be a school teacher. What's more disarming than that? What do you think?"

"It is a shame, they invited the world but nobody came. And the cocktail parties would have been fun, at least until they start making improvised explosives." Fortu agreed and listened. he nodded accordingly and was intrigued by her suggestion to create new identities.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. A bit dangerous, but as long as we say we are from the apartment they won't dare to harm us." He replied remembering how their habits had changed out of fear and cautiousness.

"What should our new names be? Arron? James? Martin? What about last name?" He brainstormed. After a few moments of thought he suggested the first thing to come to mind, a couch manufacturer, "How about Davenport?" he suggested overly excited at bland names. But Bland Names were normal and comfortable, and this time he could choose his title "Fortu" had been named by others, but he felt like a man should choose his own name.

“Good to hear” she replied pleasantly her skin turning a deep white and it was now that Arthur would see that she was literally drenched in blood. She began playing with a series of hololiths that covered the kitchen surfaces while talking to him “Yeah…I don’t remember the clowns myself either. But I do remember convincing you to burn your clothes” she says laughing at the memory.

[The Abel Imaginarium]

"Rudolf," he replied with a smile. He was rather liking this desk job. Actually, it was better than patrolling outside in the cold.

He slipped the signed lease into a box behind him and a golden key appeared on the counter in front of Abel.

Rudolf turned back around, still smiling. "Put zee key in zee door. You are 8A. Zee lift will take you to zat floor. Alzo, a communal dinink room und kitchen up zee schtairs you can use. Und also a rec room und library. People gazzer zere."

The odd cultist (for that's what he was) gave Abel a kindly look but his eyes seemed to look into the being's very core. He lowered his voice and added, "Und vee haff a hunter in town. God killer. Be on guard, ja? Don't mess vis 'im. Vee are lettink people know. Oh! Almost forget!"

Papers shifted and fell as he rifled through them. He produced a small flyer. "Zis is about zee area. Market District. Downtown area. Zings to do und see. Vee have American Zanksgifink dinner next month in communal dinink room. Zee health clinic ist free. Ogoti bring you back if you die, ja? Und if you want good food und drink, go to the Chaos Restaurant. No magic inzide zere, no fightink. Neutral ground. Best beer in all of Bielefeld. Best saki, too."

Iridescent

The 18 year old's right eye widened a little in surprise when he heard this. Secretly in his mind he was beginning to think that the old men was alittle soft in the head.

Clearing his throat, Abel casually took the key as he replied, "Ah right.....thanks for the pointers I guess. I'm not looking for any trouble so you don't have to worry. As for the places, I will probably take a look at some of them tomorrow or when I feel like it. They sound interesting enough to be checked out. Also........I'll be expecting a couple of boxes tomorrow containing some personal belonging from my last home. Please be kind enough to inform me when they arrive or just sending the guys up to my apartment would be better actually."

With a hidden friendly grin, Abel tipped his headband at the receptionist and proceeded to the lift before pressing the number floor button and going up. Arriving at his destination, he exited the elevator, walked on until he found the room door with number 8A imprinted on it.......placed the key in, unlocked the door and went inside before closing it behind him.

[Cerillium]

Ogoti rummaged up frozen waffles and orange juice. He buttered them and brought them to Marcus. The boy had selected a table to one side of the dining room.

There wasn't much conversation between them. Marcus was starving and tucked in to his breakfast. It didn't mater that they were warmed in a toaster. He relished the flavor all the same.

(ooc: brief post to establish they arrived since Bran's character noticed them.)

[Giovenith]

"Eh? NO! I will not put human blood anywhere near my mouth!" She looked horrified but then calmed down and relaxed a bit. "I'm sorry but no, it's just one of my policies, I do not drink the blood of sentient creatures." she said with a nod.

"Oh, okie dokie then," Giovenith dismissed the idea, and began to try and brainstorm for other options. They could always just find other animals in the woods or something, but even so, Giovenith always felt a little bad about killing a woodland creature. They were just so small and helpless, all they wanted was to live their lives much like herself, it didn't seem fair when she dwelt on it.

The idea disturbed her, so she let her eyes wander around the room. Several more people had joined her and Blossom, including a rather forlorn-looking Drova, Mister Ogoti, and Miss Naomi and Mister Ceril's son. Since this was a communal spot, Giovenith figured it would probably be best to remove her popsicle stick/glue messes as soon as she could.

"What do you usually feed from?" she asked Blossom whilst looking around, trying to obtain more information for an idea.

[Urran]

"Pigeons, goats, cows, sheep, chickens. you know, bard yard stuff." Blossom said with a nod. She hoped that Gio wasn't too disturbed by the idea.

[Urran]

"Yes...I do know," Ray finished off the conversation about the security company and decided instead to focus on what was at hand. Of course, he would also leave one final note. "I'll talk to him at a later point today or so. I'll give him time to work on his stuff."

"Although walking around in the rain might be interesting for me, considering I now have to deal with real fur. I don't think it should be too bad, but I'll still wear a jacket of some kind. Just let me wash up real quick, alright?", Ray passed the comment as he hurried off to the bathroom to quickly wash his hands of the scent of gunpowder and grease. It was quick, and so he then returned to grab a hooded leather jacket for emergency's case and was now ready to head off.

"Sounds good, Ray. And I'm sure Albert will appreciate the time to himself to work." Jacob nodded, and adjusted his jacket a little bit. His tail continued waving as well, not letting up in the slightest from its rapid tempo. He looked quite excited to head out and have a sort of guy's day with his friends. While he thought it might be fun to invite other people, It would probably be the best to limit it to only a few. Otherwise it might get too difficult to keep everyone together. Or something to that effect.

"So, are you both ready to go? And I'm guessing we are just going to wander around until we find something we want to do or someplace to eat at?" Jacob questioned, scooting over towards the front door. "Or something like that, I'm assuming? Unless you have a place we could eat in mind, Ray. Then we could just directly head there."

"Food is food." said Yoshi with a nod. He was good with wherever. He was just happy to be spending time with his friend

[The New Velociraptor Empire]

"Oh, the Davenports! I love it," Monique nodded her head rapidly. "That's perfect. It seems so suburbia yet we could say we were originally from the Hamptons."

Excitement brewing, she gave their first names some thought. "Avoid Martin. That would ring a bell. You need something more vanilla. What about Caroline for me? That just sounds so plain. Caroline Davenport. It seems right out of the post war era."

"Jonathan and Caroline Davenport, sounds like a completely normal friendly couple next door." Fortu agreed cheerfully excited. He was excited over the idea of at least pretending to be normal. What he was happier about was that Monique was comfortable enough to think of them as newlyweds. He hadn't proposed, and was nervous at the thought of it, but he found comfort as well in the notion. Even if it was a thin facade, this would be one he would enjoy.

“Good to hear” she replied pleasantly her skin turning a deep white and it was now that Arthur would see that she was literally drenched in blood. She began playing with a series of hololiths that covered the kitchen surfaces while talking to him “Yeah…I don’t remember the clowns myself either. But I do remember convincing you to burn your clothes” she says laughing at the memory.

Arthur laughed along with her at the reminder and wrapped his arm free of the mug (the raptor one) around her blood-spattered waist. "Ah, no matter I have dozens of identical versions." He said unconcerned at the loss, it was just clothes after all. "So what are you doing there?" he asked while gesturing to the hololiths with the mug. He guessed it was an advanced interface of some kind.

[Primordial Luxa]

"Oh, the Davenports! I love it," Monique nodded her head rapidly. "That's perfect. It seems so suburbia yet we could say we were originally from the Hamptons."

Excitement brewing, she gave their first names some thought. "Avoid Martin. That would ring a bell. You need something more vanilla. What about Caroline for me? That just sounds so plain. Caroline Davenport. It seems right out of the post war era."

"Jonathan and Caroline Davenport, sounds like a completely normal friendly couple next door." Fortu agreed cheerfully excited. He was excited over the idea of at least pretending to be normal. What he was happier about was that Monique was comfortable enough to think of them as newlyweds. He hadn't proposed, and was nervous at the thought of it, but he found comfort as well in the notion. Even if it was a thin facade, this would be one he would enjoy.

“Good to hear” she replied pleasantly her skin turning a deep white and it was now that Arthur would see that she was literally drenched in blood. She began playing with a series of hololiths that covered the kitchen surfaces while talking to him “Yeah…I don’t remember the clowns myself either. But I do remember convincing you to burn your clothes” she says laughing at the memory.

Arthur laughed along with her at the reminder and wrapped his arm free of the mug (the raptor one) around her blood-spattered waist. "Ah, no matter I have dozens of identical versions." He said unconcerned at the loss, it was just clothes after all. "So what are you doing there?" he asked while gesturing to the hololiths with the mug. He guessed it was an advanced interface of some kind.

She turned back to him with a smile "Just checking some updates. Primordial puts a lot of time into writing up incredibly detailed and dull reports about you lot and the city. I find it best to humor him" Their a small buzzing from behind as the now familiar nanite tendrils coil down into the room to start creating breakfast.

[Giovenith]

"Pigeons, goats, cows, sheep, chickens. you know, bard yard stuff." Blossom said with a nod. She hoped that Gio wasn't too disturbed by the idea.

"I don't think we have any of those," admitted Giovenith, scratching her head and looking down in confusion. "And I doubt we could find a farm nearby, either, and even if, they might not let you touch the animals.... Oh! What about buying some beef from the grocery store or something?" That seemed like a good compromise, they could buy it really, really rare.

[Urran]

"We could catch a whole bunch if pigeons." Blossom suggested. Of course she wasn't entirely sure if Gio would be okay with killing a whole bunch of pigeons or watching her kill them. But they were just pigeons and they weren't very bright.

[Swith Witherward]

"Oh? Nah, the Stew's fine. I'm used to the tastes, don't worry." Yuna gestured the it was indeed quite good tasting to her. Of course the girl didn't want to ruin it by asking what the meat was, although because she was told, she didn't want to know even more now.

"What's an Urranese?"

While she asked, she was taking in the idea of giving up a name. How could someone do that?

Will regarded Yuna over the edge of his glass. "Urranese? People from the country of Urran. Vegans, the lot of them. They don't drink alcohol. It's like a Mormon's wet dream there, only they're sort of like Japan in that they're polite. Then again, Japanese are racist fucks who smile and bow at you while telling themselves you're inferior. Urranese aren't like that, and I don't think they're Buddhist but I could be wrong. What I know would fill a teaspoon. The Boss didn't say much when she got back."

He sipped his beverage and set it on the table, leaned back in his chair and thumped his boots on the wooden surface next to his plate. "That Yoshi fellow is Urranese. Don't know if you've seen him. They're colorful bastards with colorful eyes. He wears a kimono and shuffles around. Fucking wanker, if you ask me. Quells at everything. Boss sees his potential though. She's not going to be happy when she hears he was pulling godly rank on that Octavian fellow. That's just taboo. They got into a fight, you see. Yoshi and Octavian. Your brother and Dimitrius were there watching, and I turned up. Nasty row, bad for both sides.

"Anyway, are you legal? You know, age of consent and that kind of shit? If you aren't, I can lock you back in your room. If you are, some of the lads are having a gathering. There's going to be the usual amount of alcohol and drugs, but also story telling and sparring. You might learn something, if you choose to stay sober."

Klaus said nothing. Minerva had voiced his own concerns. Hearing them only cemented his feelings. He didn't speak again until they pulled into the building's parking garage.

"My men will go to ground as well. We'll have less to worry about regarding Atosh. He'll pack up and take a holiday once the news reaches him. Too much chance of being exposed by Bane. Fritz is already looking into it and we have communication channels open between us."

He sighed and rubbed his eyes with his fingertips. "We need to tell the others, I agree. Your people are on better terms with them. I'll leave that to you. Meanwhile, I'll position extra forces around the building and places of business operated by known supernaturals.

"Minerva, I don't want you playing hero. I don't want you investigating this. Leave it to Fritz; he's dealt with him before. It would be more beneficial if your lads' energy was spent protecting the individuals. Giovenith and Kei are outright targets but Bane won't think twice about exterminating one of those ponies or going for a Luxan. Hans is close to Chrys and he can inform the Conservators through her."

He turned to look at Sophie in the backseat. The child was fast asleep with her cherub face tilted downward. "Things will be better once we reach the island. He can't pass. There's no place for him to hide there. We just need to get them through part of November and then we can breathe a sigh, ja? But don't let Sophie out of your sight. I'll assign Hans to her for when we can't be with her to protect her. Bane will go for loved ones to use as a lure."

The thought of Bane touching Sophie sickened Minerva. She pinched her eyes closed to blot out the image.

"I have no intention of going anywhere near that twisted bastard," she growled. She could still clearly recall her last encounter with him. He'd simply stepped out of time with her and torn her legs off, using her own shattered femurs to crucify her to a cargo container before spacing it. Minerva winced again and pushed the memory from her mind.

"Right, let's get this little ankle biter to the couch so she can nap. I'll have the lads unload the car. Your Minerva, my dear, needs to pay some social calls. Some of us work for a living you know."

She kissed Klaus' cheek and handed the keys to him.

"Jonathan and Caroline Davenport, sounds like a completely normal friendly couple next door." Fortu agreed cheerfully excited. He was excited over the idea of at least pretending to be normal. What he was happier about was that Monique was comfortable enough to think of them as newlyweds. He hadn't proposed, and was nervous at the thought of it, but he found comfort as well in the notion. Even if it was a thin facade, this would be one he would enjoy.

Monique nodded eagerly. The whole idea was mindbogglingly delightful. "I like that. It's too perfect! I'm much happier being able to choose my own name rather than a damn wordplay on my construct number. I suppose I can still call you Fortu, when we're alone?"

And here the writer actually chuckled. She was reminded of a vintage ad she'd run across and, for whatever strange reason, could picture Fortu smoking a pipe in his den while Monique bustled about the kitchen, a happy housewife humming as she put together cake batter. Because Davenport. And the South Hamptons. So there.

None of these thoughts were actually going through Monique's mind. She wasn't around for the Leave it to Beaver era. She was, however, subconsciously tapping into what many of her species though of when they tried to visualize "married couples". The entire concept, so absolutely foreign to Monique, was beautifully heartwarming, almost to the point where she'd forgotten that they were planning a cover rather than actually planning their lives. It was a few moments before she allowed herself to realize that it was a cover. This only brought a harsh tinge of sadness to the whole mess, as she didn't think Fortu would have any desire in getting married.

Peanuts, she scoffed to herself. He's liberated from the raptor nonsense and I'm free to choose my identity. I'm Mrs. Davenport now. She'd be happy to stay under that identity as well. She didn't dare voice that to Fortu, however. It wouldn't be fair to ask him to give up who he was. She kissed his cheek instead, and then leaned her head against his chest as the cab continued to wend its way through the rain.

[The BranRiech]

"I can enjoy a drink or two, but if by legal, you mean sex, then no." Yuna shook her head, not in the slightest-bit dissapointed if she couldn't go. She wanted to though, to meet the people she figured she'd be working with for the foreseeable future.

"Are they Humans?" She asked, of the Urranese people. They sounded like pansies, but then again, her people would never win a physical confrontation with one. Hell, anyone could beat a Pyersai in a straight-up brawl, but that's what made them excel in ambush warfare. Yuna even, had received training in several different ways to kill people.

--

Kei nodded. At least he'd gotten the reference.

[Tiltjuice]

"Chrys went with us to the bar that time," Miskai replied. "But why a cane? That's odd. We haven't yet understood the Bonsai Tree for Mr. Klaus. The purposes of bonsai are primarily contemplation for those who look upon them and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity for those who grow and maintain them, in my culture. Japanese tradition says the bonsai represents the three virtues or shin-zen-bi, which translates into "truth," "goodness" and "beauty. They came from China originally, I believe. Why give such a thing to a former Nazi? He knew he would kill it with lack of attention and so it was donated to the local conservatory."

Misaki's eyes roamed the ocean's horizon. The heavy rains obscured it but she could make out the sounds from the lighthouse nearby and the bells clanging on ships in the harbor. She attempted to determine what significance a cane would have but she didn't know Chrys well enough to see if it could fit her quirks and traits in any way.

"Mr. Luce, we should canvass the building. We should ask people what they've been given, both by the first salesman and the new one. Maybe we should ask them if they know anything about that first salesman, also? If this is the first either of us are hearing of a reward then perhaps the others haven't even heard yet? It means legwork. Meditation relieves questions but often doesn't lead to accurate answers.

"It is a puzzle, isn't it? This company's motives?" Luce replied thoughtfully, as he took in the information about the bonsai tree. "And we should, indeed, go back to the building. As well, when we're done, it might be worthwhile to meet with some of the others, of both our groups, to discuss what information we gather."

He stood and then offered his hand to help Misaki up. The clouds and rain were poetic, in very many different directions. There was - he stopped himself there; and there was the manifestation of uncertainty; and so many other things. Despite that, he shoved aside all of his negative feelings. There was work to do, as the clanging bells reminded him. Even the sailors knew this, as they went about their business, disregarding the weather.

---

Hans rolled off his tiny bed and hit the floor. He lay there groaning for a few moments. He wasn't drunk anymore but he was miserable. It was a while later that he emerged from his room and cut in line for the shower (his privilege as Klaus' second in command.)

His shadow emerged from the inn an hour later. He slunk along the sidewalk, flitting from shadow to shadow until he reached the lobby doors. He wasn't certain if Chrys wanted to see him; he felt he'd stepped across the line in their conversation last night. Still, Klaus had issued orders and he would follow through.

The cultist avoided Ogoti and the residents and presented himself at the time cops' door. He knocked. Was she even home?

As the knock sounded, the muted sound of a TV from inside cut off. A series of footfalls echoed as rubber sandals slapped against tile, and then the door opened.

Chrys blinked up in slight surprise. "Hello Hans!" she chimed. "What can I do for you today? Did you want to go to Chaos again?"

---

"Um, okay...here you are.", Katya handed the tea to Dora. Something seemed off about her, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe she was thinking about he same thing that Katya was?

"So, how have you been? Have you been good with your friends and family?"

It seemed like a simple question, but it had a different meaning to Katya.

..................

"I'd love a new friend. Besides, I don't even know the city's parts where I live.", Torii laughed. "I never was a city person. I grew up in the country, the desert, anywhere wild."

"Oh, my "old style"?"

She thought about how to explain herself.

"I guess I used to be more vocal, more adventurous. I was shy, but I followed myself. Now? I guess that with the new city, the other people adapting and all, new families and relationships, I just don't have a lot of freedom or time for others anymore. I get in trouble, or others don't have time, and my girlfriend still isn't around all the time...sometimes, I get a bit lonely, but I gotta get back into that style."

"We're all on decent terms," Dora replied. "You're pretty much up to date on what I've been doing. Change of pace, in terms of a job. Personal life, we've gone over several times. Not going to touch that one, unless you want to. How about you? Anything changing, or about to change?"

*****

Tasia nodded quickly. "Oh, trust me, I get that too. That's just not right that your girlfriend is never around," she said, curling her hand lightly around Torii's forearm. "I'm sure there's plenty of people who have time to interact with us..." she trailed off, giving Torii a measuring look.

"What kind of adventures are you most interested in?"

[Torsiedelle]

"No, I'm okay wit not talking about it.", Katya quickly, and somewhat sternly, said. "So, you like the tea? I can make more."

.....

"Well", Torii shrugged, "Exploring, climbing stuff, maybe the shooting range. I like random stuff."

Torii shifted a bit when Tasia touched her. The other women really was nice, though.