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Post by Raven on Dec 16, 2022 22:53:31 GMT -5
Nine peered to Ezra as he mocked her – Don’t tell my sister you have a date [/i]. She stepped over to him with her brows pulled tightly together. With an incredibly swift grasp she gripped the hair on the back of his head and tilted his head backward slightly. In an instant her fangs appear and she nearly hissed at him with a hint of rage. “You think it is a game, do you?” she questioned. She swiftly shoved his head forward while letting go and her booted steps lead her towards the door. “Get the results” and she was gone.
***
When she finished the letter – Nine stepped outside of her room and managed to find the entrance of the grand estate. When she stepped outside she was approached by a man. He wore a cloak just like she and he cleared his throat as he approached.
“Expecting me?” Nine questioned with a raised brow.
“As your Handler, I am always keeping an eye on your 9T” the man approached. He was a very tall black muscular man, a bald head that reflected the moonlight perfectly. He had a chiseled jaw and cheekbones that could slice stone if he wished it.
Nine handed the letter over to him, to which he turned it about in his hands and nodded. “Walk with me” he demanded and he led her forward towards the Gardens of the estate.
Nine followed beside him, her hands clasped behind her back as they strode in silence. The man gave a sigh finally and glanced to her “You have had concerning thoughts…” he spoke and glanced to her briefly. That was his gift – he was attuned to her, he could feel her emotions and even dive into her mind from afar. Though she had been working on blocking him out as much as she could… he would find a hole.
“Nothing to be worried about…” Nine glanced to him. “All from my personas….” She sucked in a breath.
“Did she visit you?” he questioned.
“She did, with a fit of rage. I did not expect…”
“The history of Angileen and Evelyn is deeper than you can imagine. They are the founders of what we are today…. And no doubt that the ideals of Vampire Society have morphed from their young vision… You must be very careful not to anger your spirit, or Evelyn…” he stopped and looked to her with serious eyes.
“I understand” Nine spoke and pressed her lips together. “Alpha-T, what can you tell me of their relationship? I need to know if I am to be in this position…”
Alpha-T turned and led her down a series of bushes that lined guided their direction upon the gravel pathway. “I cannot say the ins and outs of their dynamic, only that what they had was in secret. Dr Xavius… was unkind of Angileen, and used her to torture Evelyn. In the end… Angileen died a horrible death. A final kidnapping – Xavius pulled apart piece by piece, Xavius would send Evelyn the pieces – trying to coerce her to return. Angileen would heal, and he would do it again. Until eventually.. Angileen died” he shook his head. “Evelyn no doubt blames herself for the torture and death of Angileen, so – you must be careful… You may trigger her trauma” he raised a brow to her.
“Here, your bag – I will check on you in a weeks time…” he then turned away, leaving her in the midst of the gardens.
Nine watched him leave – a large duffel bag in hand. She glanced to it and then walked up the pathway to return back to her room. When she entered – she unzipped the bag to reveal a wooden box. Careful fingers pulled the box from the suitcase and opened the claps that held it together. Within it were pouches of blood. And on the side were several vials – for her transformations. She plucked a pouch and twisted the cap off the top and sucked down the morsel of flavor. “Who might you be today?” she questioned and stepped towards the mirror.
Her image faded and she turned into a teenage boy, though he was taller than she. Thin but with a handsome jaw – though young, in his eyes and face. He would grow to be handsome, if he made it that far. She sighed softly and the guise disappeared. More and more they were sending the blood of the young. The Association believed this blood was stronger, more pure and fitting… but she knew little of the conditions in which they retrieved it. She imagined he was in some statis – held unconscious and unaware, drained as swiftly as he could create. His life would be short, once he became too old – they would kill him. She had heard that these morsels were bred – drained since a young babe. Whispers of how they never experienced a life, so there was no life stolen from them… a thought that was more twisted than she could imagine.
They steal the youth, drain them, turn them into machines. She wondered if they had drained her like that when she was young, before she became a warrior? How many people drank her blood? She placed two hands on the desk before her and let out a deep sigh.
She would spend the night meditating and clearing her mind. Forcing herself to sift through whatever emotions she experienced and rebalance herself. Retune herself to the emotionless warrior she was trained to be. Sleep overcame her, a dreamless and dull sleep, and morning came even swifter.
Nine stood in the mirror before her and she brushed her short black hair. One side was buzzed rather short, though now it was growing just slightly. She pulled her cloak on to finish her uniform and stepped out of the room. She stood in the hallway as she heard Ezra and Evelyn speak – she pressed her lips together as the door opened once more and Evelyn stepped forward. She did not say a word to the woman, she allowed her her peace…
Nine stepped into the Kitchen – eyes observing the grandeur of the size. A large and beautiful island of granite sat in the middle… She peered to Ezra and lifted a brow. “You have the results?” she questioned. “What did you determine?” she questioned as she approached the island. She stepped before the glass of blood and glanced to it. She then peered to Ezra and waited for his answer…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 17, 2022 0:15:00 GMT -5
Ezra winced as she gripped onto his hair and pulled his head back. His eyes gazed into hers as she showed her fangs and her rage seeped from her. As she shoved his head forward an amused chuckle came over his lips. He glanced after her as she left the room, his hand idly rubbed the back of his head. “Sure thing.” He spoke as he returned his attention to the items before him.
**
As Evelyn passed Nine in the hallway her stormy hues gazed to the woman a moment – her lips parted as if she were going to speak. Her face showed the pain she felt in her heart. The way her brows rose slightly at the sight of Nine. The way her jaw tightened slightly and her breath caught in her chest. Nine’s handler had told her to be careful...though had the damage already been done? Evelyn hesitated in her step, her eyes once again met Nine’s as she drew in another breath that trembled. Would she speak? The concentration on Evelyn’s face remained before she merely continued passed Nine and into her office without so much as a hello.
**
Ezra twisted his glass within his fingertips, his lips pressed together. He stared to the glass that his sister had barely touched. Just a few sips and then she left the room. As he heard footsteps approach his pale hues lifted up and he offered a warm smile when he saw Nine. “Good morning.” He spoke and then frowned slightly when she asked for the results. “Right here.” He tapped the folder that was on the island. “Would you like a glass?” He questioned as he lifted his glass of blood – it was nearly empty. “Fresh from the blood bank in town.” He smiled. “Much more sustainable and humane than what most choose to do.” He chuckled lightly and then sighed.
“Results.” He spoke as he set his glass down. Ezra pushed his hair from his eyes as he flipped open the folder. “The wine glass first.” He spoke. “It is quite interesting. A very unique mixing of chemicals. Possibly to try to mask the scent I imagine.” He grasped a piece of paper and slid it across the granite countertop to her. “It was a mix of a hypnotic called Talpen root – quite an expensive thing. But it would have surely wreaked havoc on my sister...the way a vampire would metabolize this would be incredibly slow. It would stay in our body for days...and the amount that was in here was enough for a large creature….like a bear for instance.” He raised a brow slightly, “This guy didn’t want her coherent at all for quite some time.”
Ezra then pointed to the next paragraph on the page. “There was also a strong sedative in it – something to make her sleep. The amount on that wasn’t nearly as high as the hypnotic.” He pointed to the last item on the report. “Then this I found interesting. It had a benzo in it – a medication that is usually used for anxiety...it would have made her incredibly calm, this was a relatively moderate dose.” He lifted his eyes to look to Evelyn. “I imagine that this guy didn’t want her to know much of what was going on – but he wanted her to be calm enough and sleepy enough to cooperate with him no matter what his plans were for her.”
He finished off his glass and looked to the residual bit of blood in it that clung to the sides. “Evelyn isn’t one to get into poor situations. She’s smart. That’s why her and I have been alive for so long when nearly all of the other ancestors have been killed or otherwise...” He shrugged.
Ezra then slid a packet across the table to her. Information on the man from his hair. “He has quite an interesting record. He’s a werewolf for one.” He wrinkled his nose slightly. “I’m surprised that he was at the art gallery. They usually aren’t so bold. But I can tell you this – if you suspect Xavius to be working with a lycan.” He paused to chuckle. “I wouldn’t count all of your eggs in that basket. He despises them.” He looked down to the page. “Genroe Willhelm. He has quite the record. I have my own algorithm as well, but the thumb drive you gave me certainly helps.” He grinned. “From what I can tell he is about 200 years old or so. He has plenty of charges of assault, theft, minor things such as that. He’s been bailed out nearly every time he has been in jail. So I imagine his pack resides here in the city if not close to it.” He drew in a breath. “What I cannot imagine is what a lycan would be doing with such a drug and what does he want with my sister?” He pressed his lips together. “Sure we’ve had plenty of death threats over the years – assassins, hunters, other clans, lycans….you name it...but I’ve never seen something like this. He wanted her alive.”
Ezra pressed his lips together slightly for a moment as he seemed to think. His smile was gone from his features – he was completely serious now. Not the joking boy that he usually seemed to play. “I would...tread lightly with Eve this morning...she uh...” He looked to the glass. “She wouldn’t eat...that’s not like her...” He lifted his eyes and looked to Nine again. “I’m not sure what you two talked about over drinks...I tried to talk to her but I didn’t get far.” He pressed his lips together a moment. “I know it isn’t your job. Your job is to keep her safe – that is why I requested a member of the Blood Association...I heard about the hunter in town...and well...I don’t want to lose my sister...” He stood and walked over to the sink to wash his glass. “I’m sure she’s in her office. She will have to go to the gallery today to get the paintings for delivery. I expect you’ll go with her. I can’t imagine that Genroe is pleased that his little stunt failed. So I could see him using something more...conventional….” He paused as he heard the front door open and close.
Ezra furrowed his brows – a sigh came over his lips. “Evelyn?” He questioned as he set his glass down in the drainer. He walked down the hallway and pushed the door open that was ajar. He gazed to the two gorgeous paintings. The scent of wet paint still filled the room. He crossed his arms over his chest as he looked over the work.
**
Evelyn walked through the gorgeous gardens of her estate. She pushed the doors open to the large greenhouse and walked inside to the warm humid environment. Exotic colorful flowers surrounded her. Some of the flowers were favorites of Angileen. It was truly the only reason she kept most of the plants that she did. They reminded her of Angileen. She weaved through the green house before she sat before a fountain that trickled softly. She sat upon a bench and gazed into the waters – koi fish swam about happily beneath the surface and under lily pads. Her stormy hues watched them as her mind continued to race.
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Post by Raven on Dec 17, 2022 0:42:09 GMT -5
Nine peered to Ezra and she nodded to his offering of a fresh glass. She watched him pour the glass and hand it to her as they peered over the documents. She opened the folder and glanced at the breakdown of the components. “I see…” she pressed her lips to the rim of the glass and took a healthy sip. She knew immediately she was sipping on the good stuff – blood also that was offered, which always tasted different – sweeter.
“I had a feeling it was something, the name Genroe is extremely out dated” she glanced at his profile that was printed up as well. The image of him – all of the arrest records. He had not aged a minute. “Lycan...." it had been some time since she had delt with a Lycan. She would need to retrieve some supplies from the base then, as the Lycan would know the scent of Evelyn on her, she could not risk that.
“Often times Lycans act as mercenaries… he may not even know who he is working for… though time will tell” she closed the folder and nodded. “Thank you, and well done” she turned her gaze to him and then she let out a sigh.
“As for… Evelyn and myself. I am a descendant of Angileen. That should explain enough” she grit her teeth and then glanced towards the door. Ezra lead her forward and they entered her office – her eyes peered over the art. The painting of Angileen – a beautiful depiction of her, as stunning as an angel herself. She let out a soft sigh and then glanced to Ezra “We have work to do…” she spoke and then walked towards the large window of the room.
She glanced out the window to see the door to the Greenhouse close in the distance of the gardens. “See if you can find anything on any Lycan gatherings, packs, the like… I’ll handle… her” she finally left the office and her boots lead her down into the familiar Gardens. She slowed her pace as she approached the greenhouse – an uncomfortable wave crept within her chest. She forced her self to look beyond it – maintaining her composure, she opened the door to enter the musky warm room.
Nine peered to the beautiful flowers that sat in grand pots and lifted beds. Colorful hues of every variety reached out to her. She paused before a pink lily and she cupped the petal briefly. She followed along until she stood behind Evelyn, before the small pond.
“She came to me last night, the first time in years…” Nine broke the silence, she crossed her arms and stared at the scene before her. Like out of a book – the greenhouse was too beautiful, and so was this woman sitting before the pond. Thoughts that were not hers, she knew it. “She was… livid” she let out a soft chuckle and then paced to the front.
“I am sorry. It was foolish of me – emotions stir within me that I am not accustomed to. I thought maybe…” she shook her head, not even sure what she was thinking in that moment. She stared down into the pool – looking over a large white Koi that poked its head upwards, and then curved away.
“The man who attempted your life is a Lycan… which is interesting…” she bit her lip slightly. “Despite all things, I will remain true to my role, and my job. Ezra mentioned you will need to travel to the Gallery, I would like to accompany you..” she paused and looked to her, her dull eyes softening to Evelyn’s broken composure…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 17, 2022 1:45:45 GMT -5
Ezra smiled as he offered the glass of blood to her – they got fresh blood from the donors of the city blood banks. Another perk of living in such a large city. He chuckled to her comment, “Ah yes, Genroe is a dated name. But then again so is my name.” He raised a brow slightly and then shrugged. He listened to her next comment and then gave only a slight nod. “This is true, but I do imagine that there might be more to this than we know...I hope that your meeting with him on Friday gets answers...you’ll need to be careful.” He warned and then smirked. “Though I am more than confident that you don’t need such warnings.”
It was then that she dropped an important bit of information. A descendent of Angileen. His lips parted slightly. “Oh...” The only word that made it over his lips. No. She didn’t need to explain any more than that. “I see...” He rose from his chair and moved through the house with Nine in tow. He glanced to her from the beautiful paintings. “I’ll gather you information on the packs in the city that our coven is aware of and I’ll do a little more digging as well...I need to make sure that the Shadow Pact has not come to our city. If you even have an inkling of the terrible things that the Blood Association does for survival...” He shook his head. “The Shadow Pact is far worse...and Lycans.” He wrinkled his nose slightly again.
Ezra paused and drew in a breath, “Do...be careful, Nine...Eve is my little sister after all.” He had a warm smile on his lips. “If anything...” He turned and stepped to the desk. He grasped something from a trinket box. It was a necklace. A beautiful crafted necklace that held a glowing blue pendant. “If she doesn’t seem to calm – just offer her this. She hasn’t worn it in years, but it was the only thing that got her through the days after Angileen...after she died...” He sucked in a breath. “It is a bit of spirit magic, a calming stone. But it is infused with just a few drops of Angileen’s blood. That is what causes it to glow to this day.” He offered the explanation. “Good luck.” He held the necklace to Nine and gave a weak smile. His eyes drifted back to the painting. “It looks just like her. Hm?” He commented softly.
**
Evelyn didn’t budge as she heard the familiar sound of the door as it moved upon its hinges. Then the soft plod of footsteps as someone approached, Nine. She knew it wasn’t her brother just based on the the style of the gait. As the silence was broken her stormy hues found the woman – she looked at her, her expression unmoving. She watched as the chuckle that Nine let out curved up her lips- the way it caused her shoulders to bounce slightly. Her brows tugged together which created a crease between them. Foolish. Perhaps. But to see Angileen again. To hear her voice. To truly hear her voice. Evelyn’s breath shuddered.
Her eyes tracked away and to the white koi within the pond, “That is Phen. He’s about 25 years old.” Her voice was soft as she spoke. She didn’t speak back to Nine’s previous comments. But her eyes found the woman once again when she spoke of the Lycan. A bit of curiosity filtered into her expression. She watched as the woman nervously bit her lip. It felt as though glass separated them – yet she was right there. Her eyes traced over the expressions that Nine showed. The soft eyes that the woman looked to her with.
“Of course.” She spoke as she stood and flattened the front of her clothing. “You have a job to do. I suppose. Don’t you?” She seemed to be doing everything she possibly could to remain composed. Her eyes looked away from Nine several times. She couldn’t hold her in her gaze. She stepped forward and stood just a few feet from Nine, her stormy hues finally found the woman once again. “I accept your apology. You didn’t know.” She spoke before she walked forward. “We should get to the gallery.” She continued forward and walked from the greenhouse. The air outside was crisp and cool compared to that of the greenhouse. She pulled her keys from her pocket and climbed into her car. It rumbled to life and she waited for Nine. Evelyn drove in silence as they made their way into the heart of the city. She moved through the traffic with ease and eventually she pulled into a parking spot behind the gallery.
Evelyn turned off the car and paused a moment, she glanced to Nine a moment and her brows creased once again. Her breath held in her chest as she gazed to the woman. She then turned and climbed from the care without another word. She had her hands in the pockets of her jacket that sways to her footsteps. As they rounded the corner she gazed to a young woman that peered into the gallery curiously. Evelyn was normally the type that would chat and entertain. But she simply walked to the door and began to unlock it.
“Excuse me.” The young woman asked, her voice soft. Her eyes glanced to Nine and she looked her up and down, the woman swallowed slightly. She looked back to Evelyn whom had turned her gaze to her, a bored expression came with the blank stare. “A-are you Evelyn Carmine?” She asked, nervous it seemed.
“Yes.” Evelyn spoke the simple reply. “We are closed today. The shop will be open again this weekend.” She turned back and opened the door.
“Wait.” The woman stepped forward and grasped Evelyn’s hand, a gentle smile upon her lips. She glanced to Nine again and then back to Evelyn. “I truly admire your work. My brother, Ty...he studied under you a few years ago. It’s truly incredible...but...he...got sick...he died...I just...I wanted to commission you for a piece.” She spoke quickly.
Evelyn stood within her office, she had the overwhelming sensation that she couldn’t breathe. She stared into the dark hues of this young woman. Claws. Fangs. A lycan. A dark chuckle came from the girl as she ripped a dark from Evelyn’s neck. “Night night. You’ll be a lot more useful this way., hun.”
Evelyn gazed to the woman’s hand and slowly lifted her stormy hues to look to her. A vision. All too real and besides she couldn’t remember the name. “I’m sorry to hear that.” She spoke as she slipped her hand away. “Why don’t you come in. Have a tea. We can chat.” She pulled the door open the rest of the way. Evelyn’s body had tensed when the girl grabbed her hand – though it was only for a short second – Evelyn had completely frozen...the sure sign of her visions.
The young woman looked to Nine again and then followed in after Evelyn. “Thank you.” She spoke as she looked about the gallery.
Evelyn stepped forward and gave a smile, “Why don’t you head upstairs?” She spoke to the woman. “Make yourself comfortable.” She glanced to Nine. She waited until the woman was in her office. “Lycan.” She muttered. She couldn’t smell it. Why couldn’t she smell it? She grazed her hand against Nine’s shoulder, this revealed the images that Evelyn saw to Nine. “I’m going to go upstairs, like nothing is wrong.” She spoke as she walked to the stairs.
Evelyn walked into her office to find the woman standing before a painting. “This is incredible.” She spoke as she touched the dried paint that was lifted slightly from the thickness. “You truly do have an eye for it. My brother raved about you.” She spoke as she moved to look to another painting.
“Ah yes, thank you. I’ve been painting since I was a little girl.” Evelyn spoke as she warmed water in the kettle. She placed two tea balls in the mugs filled with fresh loose leaf tea. “Your brother. What happened to him exactly?” She asked as she brought the mugs over to her desk. It was then that she felt the pinch. It was subtle, yet sharp. She reached her hand up to the side of her neck as a shaken breath escaped her.
The girl stepped forward and grinned, just like the vision. “I don’t have a brother.” She chuckled as she stepped forward and cupped Evelyn’s cheek. Her world was spinning. The walls warped and moved like jello. “Breathe through it, Evelyn.” She kept her hand upon the woman’s cheek. Evelyn’s eyes fluttered slightly as the drugs took their hold on her. The world was a haze. The words from the woman that came next sounded as though they were under the ocean. She couldn’t even feel it as the bolt was ripped from her neck.
"N...Nine..." Evelyn spoke, her muscles all felt as though they had melted into a puddle, yet she still stood. A giggle came over her lips. The reaction to the drugs no doubt. Most of the time when she saw a vision - she could at least alter it. But this time - she hadn't even gotten a chance...
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Post by Raven on Dec 17, 2022 20:21:13 GMT -5
Nine peered to Ezra as the truth was revealed – a simple ‘oh’ escaped his lips, explainable on its on. His demeaner shifted – and he retrieved an item. Nine grasped the necklace and ran her thumb over the glow of the blue pendant. She could feel it pulse in her hand – tug on her very own soul. Nine slipped it away into a secure pocket within the inside of her cloak and she glanced to the painting of Angileen. She morphed before his eyes – an exact image of Angileen herself. She stepped forward towards the painting and let out a soft sigh. “A perfect copy” she whispered in the voice of the Queen herself. The image shifted and she returned to her self as Nine.
“Find out what you can… and thank you, Ezra” she looked to him with her amber eyes – and then left. As she came to Evelyn – she glanced to the white Koi once more. She gave a slight smirk – the fish had a name. “Koi are such an interesting species…” she glanced over to the woman. There was a bit of relief when Evelyn did not linger on the moment – they pressed forward. Though their eyes were blinding like the sun – unable to meet without a harsh sting to the mind.
“Very well, let us proceed” she followed the woman out of the door and up the path. They came to her car which was parked before the estate. She climbed into the passenger seat and relaxed into the seat. The car itself was luxurious and quite fancy – she was impressed by the rumble of the vehicle. It relaxed her. She meditated in the seat to soothe her mind, the lingering soul who’s emotions crept through her persona.
The drive into the city was quiet – though the city itself was bustling, nearly uncomfortably. How easy it would be to host entire cults, clans, packs – any where you wanted. They parked and she exited the vehicle, she lingered behind Evelyn as they came to the entrance. Her eyes studied the area, searching for signs of – anything. Her hues peered to the woman who eyed her, and then spoke to Evelyn. Nine crossed her arms and watched as they entered the building. Something was off. The way the woman spoke – it was not hinted with the pain she expected, the way she held her body was exaggerated…
Nine tilted her head as Evelyn paused for a brief moment – she lifted a brow and then everything resumed as per normal. She followed behind Evelyn and they gathered in the hallway, the whispers of Evelyn in a calm manner… Lycan instantly Nine’s brows pulled together. With a simple graze of Evelyn’s hand – she paused in her own state. The image fluttered over her mind, the fangs… the words of the woman.
Nine lingered around the corner and listened – the moment the energy changed she rushed in in a hurry. Just like the vision – a dart was in the neck of Evelyn. The woman cupped Evelyn’s cheek and with that – instincts kicked in.
Nine slammed the door close as she entered and she grasped the hand of the woman. With a swift motion she twisted the arm of the woman, trapping it behind her back with tension. She then tweaked it with strength and the shoulder of the woman popped out of its joint. With a kick – she slammed her boot into the back of the woman’s knee, slamming her down into a chair.
Then she held a dagger against the throat of the woman – though it was hidden under her cloak. She torqued on the busted arm of the woman and nicked her throat with the dagger. “Tell me why I should let you live hm?” she spoke through grit teeth. Her eyes were glowing a blood red color – the Rage of the Blood Association, the power that they trained the children. She was faster than most, stronger than many, and she was scared of nothing. She dragged the blade just slightly – cutting into her flesh, but not deep enough to kill.
“What did you use on her?” she pulled on her again “and who do you work for, hm? I suppose you’d rather die than say”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 17, 2022 21:13:16 GMT -5
Ezra watched as Nine morphed before him, a smile curved up the edges of his lips. He gazed to the painting and then back to Nine as she stood a perfect copy of Queen Angileen before him. His lips parted slightly in awe. “You are the first to hold Angileen’s power. How remarkable...” He spoke softly and then nodded. “I will do my best to get answers.” He replied before his eyes turned back to the painting as Nine took her leave.
**
The lycan snarled as she was slammed from the side. Though she was no match for the force that was Nine as her arm was popped easily from its socket. A cry of pain escaped over her lips. She landed roughly in the chair. Her fangs were visible, her eyes pitch black. She stared into the glowing red hues of Nine, a sneer on her lips. She didn’t reply to the first question. The lycan knew she wouldn’t live through this, not with a Blood Association member that held a knife to her neck. She flinched away from the blade as it cut into her skin.
Evelyn had a hand on her desk, her eyes blinked slowly. The world around her spun as she staggered slightly. Another giggle came over her lips as she wobbled and nearly fell. She sat down heavily within a plush chair that was across from where Nine held the Lycan. Her stormy hues gazed to Nine a long moment – to her red glowing hues. “Angileen?” She asked, her voice almost hopeful. “You don’t have to hurt our guest.” She blinked slowly and another giggle came over her lips.
The Lycan’s pitch black eyes focused in on Evelyn. “It’s just a little something to relax her. Doesn’t she look so calm?” She smirked. Though the tension on her shoulder caused the lycan to groan. “You think that just because you are from the Blood Association you can kill me?” She questioned with a grin. The sickening sound of bones snapping began to fill the room. The woman growled deeply as she ripped from Nine’s grip with a sly twist of her body. Within mere seconds she had transformed into a creature of nightmares. Her black fur had several places that were white from scars of past battles. Ebony claws scraped against the floor – though her front leg was limp – the one that Nine had popped out of its socket. She lunged forward at Nine with a thunderous roar.
This seemed to wake something in Evelyn. She stood from the chair swiftly and slammed into the side of the Lycan. She tumbled to the ground as her chest rose and fell quickly as she gripped into the fur of the Lycan. Her fangs showed as she pinned the beast to the ground. Though in her drugged state she didn’t over power the beast for long before it slipped from beneath her. A growl came from the lycan before it turned and leaped swiftly from the office to the first floor of the gallery. The front door crashed open and with that the gallery was silent.
Evelyn lay on her back – a pleasant smile upon her lips. She had a claw mark on her shoulder from the Lycan, but that didn’t seem to phase her at all. Her eyes fluttered slightly as she seemed to fight back against the drug as it seemed to will her to sleep. “Are you alright?” She questioned after a few moments of silence. She didn’t move from the floor as a hum came over her lips then a soft laugh. It was almost as if she was high as a kite. Perhaps that was all it was.
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Post by Raven on Dec 17, 2022 21:50:52 GMT -5
Nine glanced upward, her crimson eyes peering to Evelyn who seem to sway in the room. Her sweet voice called out to Angileen and she felt a stirring in her chest. “My sweet, our guest is being a naughty little dog” she replied, though it was not Nine’s voice. It was Angileens that snuck through her lips, though she remained the same. Nine glanced towards the Lycan – who threw her backwards in the motion of her transformation.
A second later – the beast was pinned by Evelyn, and then a second passed and the mut escaped. Nine rushed towards the balcony and glanced as she saw the tail end of the beast burst through the front door. She grit her teeth and forced herself to relax – her eyes returning to the dark mahogany color of normal. She turned and peered to Evelyn, who lay comfortably on the ground, in a fit of giggles.
Before she approached Evelyn – she pulled a note pad out of her pocket. She wrote down the description of the Lycan, in both forms. Female, 5 foot 6, short black hair with a straight fringe. Roughly 30 years of age. Minor laceration to throat, and a wounded shoulder. Lycan form – Eight feet, lean, black coarse hair, no markings, rounded snout and rippled forehead, Ebony claws.
She closed the booklet and set it on the office table. She then knelt down and pulled out a small flask from her pocket. “Yes, I am fine… drink this.” She handed the flask to the woman. She glanced to her – noting her increased heart rate that she could see in the neck of the woman. Dilated pupils… she really was just high. Nine let out a soft sigh and she sat down on the ground. She then snuck a hand under the woman’s back and positioned her to rest her head in Nine’s lap.
This was to help her prop herself up enough to drink, but also to protect her from hurting herself in her state. Partially also comfort, if they were to sit on the ground – it might as well be comfortably. She reached forward and grasped the woman’s hands briefly - and plucked a stray black hair, fur from the beast. She set it above her on the desk and then she glanced down.
“Do you remember – the time you both drank mulled wine, sitting before the fireplace? You both had escaped the Yule Faire. The drinking and music had been too much for her, so she slipped away, but dragged you along. You both ushered away to the log cabin by the lake. It became your getaway, away from the castle – where she would pretend to live a normal life every now and again.” Nine reached forward and brushed a strand of Evenlyn’s hair away, caressing gently as she told the tale. “It was there she would play her harp, singing softly old tunes that she never let die away… and she gave you a paintbrush. You both sat In silence, sipping wine. She sang. You painted…” she took in a breath. “and that night, when you painted the lake house, she kissed you. For the first time” she seem to whisper the end of the sentence. “Whenever I am sad… this dream comes to me. I’ve seen it so many times before. I believe it to be her most coveted memory.”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 17, 2022 22:31:18 GMT -5
Evelyn giggled almost drunkenly, “Hm, but that doesn’t mean you have to hurt our guest, my Queen.” She hummed softly as her head lulled ever so slightly. The moments of Evelyn as she attacked the Lycan were as quick as a blink of an eye and soon enough she heard the voice of Nine. Her stormy hues looked up to her and she giggled, “Nine! There you are.” She exclaimed and then frowned slightly. “Where’s Angileen?” She questioned as she gingerly grasped the flask. Her heart was rapidly thumping within her chest like a war drum.
She hummed lightly and gave another soft laugh as Nine slipped her into her lap. She gazed up to her with a curious look in her eyes, a playful drunken smile. When Nine grasped onto her hands she giggled again, “You’re warm.” She watched as Nine took the hairs from the Lycan from her fingertips. “Lycan’s are such brutes...” She lifted the flask and hugged it to her sternum.
As Nine began to speak of the memory, a smile curved up Evelyn’s lips. She closed her eyes as Nine walked her though the memory. “Hm...that first kiss.” She whispered and took a sip from the flask, the crimson liquid washed over her tongue. It wasn’t nearly as sweet as the blood she was accustomed to – but that didn’t seem to phase her in this moment. “I didn’t expect it...” She laughed lightly. “Here I was, a commoner...and the Queen kissed me.” She seemed to melt as she spoke the words, a giggle came over her lips. She leaned into the gentle caressing, her eyes lulled to the feeling. It had been such a long time since she had been this relaxed. She gazed up to Nine with curious eyes once again. “Her most coveted memory? Truly?” She asked, her lips parted slightly.
“I remember...” She reached and touched Nine’s cheek with her fingertips – a gentle graze. The world around them began to ripple and then the world faded into a pitch black realm.
Evelyn sat next to the crackling fireplace. She wore simple commoner attire, her hair was pulled into a messy bun. There was a stack of canvases against the wall, all filled with colorful works of art. The Harp sat in the center of the cabin. She was alone in the cabin in this moment – it was completely silent aside from the crackle of the fire.
Though she perked up as she heard the sound of the hooves of a horse that plod along the trail. Evelyn stepped outside of the cabin and bowed her head to Angileen as she approached her and assisted her down from the horse, “My queen.” She spoke with a beautiful smile. She led her into the cabin then. Upon the kitchen table was a boquet of beautiful wildflowers and plates were placed with steaming food as well as two glasses of wine. She knew exactly when Angileen would show up. “How is the Yule Faire this year?” She questioned with a knowing smile before she pressed her lips to Angileen’s. “I wanted to celebrate another year.” She pulled a beautiful locket from her pocket and dangled it before Angileen. Within the locket was a small image of her and Angileen upon a mountaintop, an image crafted from magic. It had been nearly 6 years of the two sneaking around. A love that they could not afford to share with the world. But Evelyn didn’t mind. She knew that Angileen had responsibilities of her own. This would be the last time they spent together before Angileen was turned into a vampire...before Xavius tried to force Evelyn into performing such things that she didn’t dare do.
The world faded and Evelyn allowed her hand to drop from Nine’s cheek. She had a soft smile upon her lips. She was incredibly calm – more calm than anything she could remember. “I miss her.” She whispered, her voice soft yet calm. She took another sip from the flask as she rode the high of the drugs that the lycan injected her with. Her pupils were still incredibly dilated. “I’ve always missed her...it’s my fault she died.” She breathed softly. “It’s my fault Xavius did what he did to her...I should have done better...I should have stopped him.” She leaned her head against the gentle caressing of Nine and closed her eyes. A tear rolled down her cheek. She took another swig and hummed lightly – a tune that Angileen used to sing along with her harp.
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Post by Raven on Dec 17, 2022 23:00:55 GMT -5
“Yes, I think. Her most coveted” Nine confirmed and she smiled to the woman, who had been living in the fantasy of the moment. It was an odd thing – the smile that was etched onto her face. She had lived so long, nearly 100 years now with the plainest of faces. Hardly a smile, nor grin had ever seen the lights of her face. So much that her cheeks hurt from exhaustion, as they were practically unused. It was a disgusting, but yet pleasing feeling.
When the memory came – it was like the many dreams she had before. This cabin was near to her own heart, a place she would escape to in her own solitude. She knew through her own life that very little memories were her own, all just the telling’s of the Queen. Though the face that was before her – always obscured, or missing, now was a clear as the sun. She watched through the eyes of another – the Queen leaning down into the kiss, wrapping her arms about the artist before her. They danced before the fireplace…
“I know you miss her…” Nine spoke softly and stroked gently. “You know… she never faulted you for her death. She faulted herself more in her death for having left you” she chuckled “A backwards way, but yet… one of the most intoxicating love” she chuckled slightly. “Come on… let us get you back home – safe, hm?” she brushed the tear away from Evelyn’s cheek and she waited for the song to end, listening to the familiar tune play out.
After a long moment – she slipped her arm under Evelyn’s legs and lifted her with ease. “Arms about the neck, hm?” she commanded her to hold onto to her. With a steady hand – she slipped the hair into her notebook and tucked it away into a pocket on the side of her cape. She reached for the keys on the table and left the office, Evelyn still in her hands. She walked down the stairs and approached the front door – which was partially closed, with a busted handle. Nine sighed softly and stepped through the door – she then grasped the door and slammed it shut, forcing it to sit in place. “I’ll call the association to fix that…” she muttered and then brought her to the car.
Easily she situated the woman into the passenger seat and buckled her in. She then stepped over to a phone booth that was only a few feet away. She stared at the car as she dialed a number into the rotary.
“9T. I need a repair done to – I see, you are already aware. Good, please fix the door as soon as possible. Then send a courier to the estate to pick up a hunt order…”
The call was over in just a few seconds and she came to the driver side of the car. “Well, you are high as a kite, might as well get ice cream, hm?” she smirked and started the car. It rumbled to life with power and ease and she pulled out onto the street. She had plenty of experience driving, but this was a beast of its own. It took a few blocks before she got the gist of it.
It was not long before she spotted a stand amongst the busiest of streets, the city market. She shut the car off and peered to Evelyn. “Wait just a sec, hm?” she raised a brow and then exited the car. She was not far from the stand at all. She moved swiftly, the line was perfectly short – and within seconds she came back with a perfectly dipped ice cream cone. “For the lady” she came to the window and offered it to Evelyn.
Soon enough she was back in the driver seat and headed towards the Estate. “You know, I am tasked with protecting you…” she glanced over to Evelyn as she drove, then back to the roads. “If Xavius is a threat, then I need to protect you from him…” she gripped the wheel. “If he died – he could never hurt you again” she glanced to her again. “For Angileen, for you” she pulled up to the estate and shut the car off and then glanced to the woman. “End Xavius, and maybe you will be able to move on…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 18, 2022 21:10:28 GMT -5
Evelyn chuckled lightly to Nine’s response. “Hm, I didn’t know that was her favorite memory.” She whispered with a smile that seemed to be plastered to her expression. After the memory this didn’t change, the smile was as sweet as the finest candy. Though it softened slightly as Nine spoke that Angileen never faulted her. Her breath hitched in her chest – her eyes searched Nine’s. She closed her eyes as Nine brushed away the tear. Words were something that she could not find. Angileen didn’t blame her? All of these years she blamed herself. Over and over again she would replay the horrible memories. The piece by piece that Xavier would send her. The broken pieces that Evelyn had never forgotten the grotesque sight of. She’d wanted to find Xavier, she wanted to break him into pieces over the pain he’d caused Angileen. Then he took her life...when it was revealed to Evelyn that Angileen was killed...slain by the hands of Xavier because she would not submit to him...it broke her. It took Ezra years to get her to leave the house. He’d move her from place to place, a broken shell of a being. She hated herself for it.
But Angileen didn’t blame her? Arms about the neck, hm?
Evelyn’s stormy gaze found Nine once again and she did as she was told. A giggle came over her lips as Nine lifted her with ease. “She truly didn’t blame me?” Her voice was soft. “All these years...I...I...blamed myself...I couldn’t find her...” Evelyn seemed to melt in Nine’s grasp, her eyes lulled slightly. Her eyes cracked open slightly as Nine slammed the door. “Hm...” She looked to the door that was forced into its place. “They will?” She asked in a dreamy state. “Okay.” She replied and then let out a soft giggle as her head lay against Nine’s shoulder near the nape of the woman’s neck.
The warmth of her car surrounded her as she was placed into the seat. Evelyn hummed lightly to herself, another tune that Angileen sang long ago. She didn’t even seem to notice that Nine stepped from the car to make the call. When Nine spoke of ice cream she laughed and gazed to her. “Ice cream?” She questioned softly. Her stormy hues found Nine once again and she chuckled. “I cannot tell you when I’ve had ice cream last. Must be a few centuries at least.” She grinned playfully as the car rumbled to life.
Evelyn gazed out the window to the passing of buildings, she’d laugh each time Nine sped up swiftly or had to slow in an instant. The usual for city traffic. Before she knew it she held a dipped cone in her hands, Evelyn smiled as she gazed to Nine. “Thank you.” She spoke before she looked back to the ice cream. She ate the ice cream as they drove back, her eyes once again watched the buildings as though she was a child on a car ride for her first time.
When Nine broke the silence she furrowed her brows slightly. “I have tried to kill him before. He always gets away.” She spoke her eyes searched over the woman. “I...” She pressed her lips together and gazed out the windshield of the car. “Angileen...for what he did to her...he should have died centuries ago...and yet...I have failed to do such a thing.” She whispered.
As they arrived back at the estate Ezra walked down the stairs of the home. It was as if he was expecting them. His eyes looked to his sister in the passenger seat – concern in his expression. “Eve.” He spoke as he came to the side of the car. He unbuckled her and sighed as he looked over her drugged state. She giggled as she looked to her brother. He looked to Nine, “Thank you.” He spoke as he slipped an arm around his sister and helped her stand. “I got a call from our security company...about the broken door. I looked back at the security footage...” A sigh came over his lips.
Ezra led Evelyn inside of the home and helped her up the stairs. “Get some rest, Eve.” He spoke as he helped her lay in her bed. Evelyn hummed lightly as he tucked the blankets around her. He sighed as he gazed over his sister for a moment before he glanced to Nine. “I’ve never seen her like this. Not even after several drinks. What did that Lycan do to her?” He questioned as he furrowed his brows. “I did a cross on her face – but nothing came up...I am starting to believe that we truly are dealing with the Shadow Fang.” He spoke as he glanced back to his sister. “Come on.” He led Nine from the room. Ezra walked downstairs and down a hallway into his office. He had several different sheets splayed about on his pine desk. “I found...some interesting movement within the city.” He pressed his lips together. “There have always been at least four packs.” He turned a map around to her and showed her the four quadrants that had been broken up. There were spaces within the city that were left untouched. “Vampire covens reside in the other parts of the city. Our coven is friendly with other others, so I do not have any fears of them attacking us...or paying off a lycan to attack my sister...and with her condition...it is like the drug in the wine...she wouldn’t care if someone took her right now. She could easily walk out that door with a lycan that held a knife to her neck. She wouldn’t care.”
Ezra seemed to think a moment, “You know of the Shadow Fangs right? Has the Blood Association taught you of them?” He wondered out loud. Though few knew of them. The only reason Ezra knew was due to his age. He’d ran into them several times over his lifetime. “They are a radical group...willing to do things that others would never even think of doing...I just...don’t know what they would want with Evelyn...unless Xavius has paid them to capture her. It would be something he would do. We’ve kept under the radar for so long...I was hoping that he had given up his chase of her. But clearly that isn’t the case if the Blood Association has mentioned him to you as a possible threat.” Ezra rambled slightly now. He pressed his lips together. “I haven’t found any changes in the movements of the packs in the city that I can tell. I’ve asked the other covens to see what they have noticed. But that will take time before I have true answers.” His pale green eyes looked to her. “What...do you think is happening, Nine?” He asked as he furrowed his brows.
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