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Post by Zabby on Sept 5, 2013 22:42:20 GMT -5
Mason The Venator was both comforted and disappointed that Turner shared his sentiments on Snow. It was good because this meant the information he had received was valid and representative of the area, but it also meant that he was up the creek without a lead. His gut instinct was to hit the streets and start looking for his type to interrogate, but then he saw Turner's face. There was a look of utter disgust and maybe even a hint of fear and regret etched on it. Then he heard the man say, "Alise... That's a name I hoped to never hear again."
"You know of her?" Mason asked in shock, his heart jumping to his throat. "Is she here in Seattle?"
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Ambassador
Full Member
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidance of things not seen.
Posts: 130
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Post by Ambassador on Sept 6, 2013 2:43:24 GMT -5
Leia
"Hi,I came by to see Connie-- I guess it was stupid to think he'd be at work. But I wanted to bring him something after I heard what happened...."
Leia looked away from Ryan's stony face to fix her eyes on the newcomer. It was Ava, a regular customer and friend of Connie's. Ava came fully loaded with a fresh and delicious looking cake. "Ava!" Leia acknowledged, "Yah, we haven't seen Connie today. Haven't heard from him either, actually. But you could put that cake in the fridge for him."
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Post by Zhouburn on Sept 7, 2013 0:44:41 GMT -5
Rick
There were often times at night when Rick would stay in the lair while his companions pillaged and plundered their way through the night. It was such a night as this that Rick spent sitting in a particular chair while sampling a particular whiskey. Drunkenness had long lost its effect, but he continued to do it, as if to shake a fist at his curse. The night seemed still, perhaps stiller than usual. But Rick didn't notice, or at least, not at first. He hardly noticed much of anything these days.
Rick had grown accustomed to nights like these. However, this night was much different. There was something in the air, as if there was a presence engulfing the entire lair. Such a feeling was not new and was often ignored by Rick. He sat there in front of the TV for a good bit, until the sound of voices rang from above. Assuming the noise was his companions returning home from the hunt, Rick thought to stand and move towards the door. As the voices grew louder he approached the door and unlocked several locks that weren't entirely necessary. It wasn't unusual for his partners to bring back a little treat for whoever stayed at the lair on watch and so Rick didn't even raise an eyebrow as they carried a woman through the door. He turned his attention back to his whiskey as they started to drag the girl towards the basement stairs. He never looked at her twice, until she screamed.
Normally this wouldn't alarm anyone, especially Rick, but this was no ordinary scream. It was a woman's scream; a very young woman's scream. As Rick slowly approached the body that was now being moved downstairs, he could make out a face that belonged to a teenager. His thoughts were a bit jumbled as he tried to beat back the thought as he had to so many others, but this time, there was something different. Something so largely different that Rick didn't know what to think. The presence which he could feel at any time was gone. The air was completely still.
OT: The girl is a random person, but she'll set some things in motion.
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Post by atlantis on Sept 7, 2013 21:59:42 GMT -5
Alise
The only thing that could have redeemed the night was the Hunt. She and Marcus had claimed a young girl from the streets of Seattle as a sort of gift for Rick, who was waiting back at the hideout, knocking her unconscious before dragging her along behind them. By the time they had made it into the lair, however, she had awakened, letting out a piercing shriek and Alise couldn't help laughing at her fear. "Shh, that's not going to do any good," she said as she began to tug the girl down the basement stairs, leaving her tied to a support beam in the room below.
Rejoining the others upstairs, she spotted Rick's whiskey bottle. "Can't you at least drink something with a decent smell?" Alise complained. "A nice wine, maybe?"
The home had once belonged to a kind-hearted couple, both teachers, and some of their family pictures still adorned the walls, but the sight of them made Alise feel sick and each time she entered, she felt compelled to take another one down. This time it was a particularly sweet one of the couple when they were still in college. She took it to the trash can and snapped it in half before tossing it in.
Satisfied at being rid of another one, she sat down on the sofa and took out the smart phone she'd just removed from the victim downstairs, bringing up the web. She directed it to facebook and did a quick search for any Connie Wilkersons in the area and finding three results, none of which bore a resemblance to the face of the woman she had ended. For a second, she could see Celia's features clearly in her head, except much younger and trimmed in pearls as though updone in the fashion of a lifetime ago. She shook it off, reminding herself that the old woman hadn't even been born then. She backed out of the internet on the phone and sat it down on the coffee table with a sigh.
Turner
The Venator's question only served to build Turner's trepidation. "She... she was the one who..." For a moment he couldn't seem to form a sentence, too lost in the memory of the woman who had changed his life forever. He cleared his throat when he realized he hadn't actually said anything, regaining his composure. "I mean, as far as I know, I left her in London. I've tried to live quietly enough to keep out of her sight. But... it doesn't sound unlike her."
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Post by Bhunivelze on Sept 8, 2013 20:25:45 GMT -5
Connie
Katie grabbed his arm and snuggled into him. It was comforting, but even then he couldn't help but have a tear roll down his face. As the tear streamed down his cheek he felt it chill on his skin. It was cooling down a bit outside. The morning was warm and sunny but clouds were forming over in the west, there would probably be a storm in an hour or so. That was even more comforting, it seemed he was just more at ease when it rained. But still…
When they approached the coffee shop he could see a few familiar faces in there with the news on the story about his Gran. Which inevitably made him sink back to a gloom. He hadn't felt this way since the death of his father.
He grabbed Katie’s hand and held it tight as he opened the door to the coffee shop. “Hey… guys.” It was weird, walking into the room he felt, sympathy and… power. Deep inside of him he could feel a warm sensation deep inside of him. It was empowering, but unwanted. He was sad, and he wanted to be sad. In a few moments the feeling left him. He looked up at his friends, “How’re you?” He said, as nonchalant as possible.
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Post by Zabby on Sept 10, 2013 18:18:18 GMT -5
Mason Mason moved closer to the man and put a comforting hand on his back when he was saying that Alise turned him. Then he regained his composure and said, "London. Not in the early 1900s? Did she regain her soul as well?"
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Post by purplemunster94 on Sept 10, 2013 22:00:57 GMT -5
Ryan
Ryan nodded, "I know what you mean. I've been trying to decide what to do to help all morning, but nothing comes to mind." As he finished the door opened and Ava walked in. Ryan nodded when Leah told her she could put the cake in the fridge. He managed a smile toward Ava as he saw her eyeing the rest of the pastries the coffee shop sold. "Don't worry, I'm sure it will make him feel a lot better." At that Ryan looked out the window and was shocked to see Connie himself walking down the sidewalk. David rushed around the counter and met the kid at the door.
He didn't know what to say. There were so many things that he wanted to say, but he wasn't sure what would be helpful to Connie. When he asked how they were Ryan looked to the others not exactly sure what to say. He had never been one who was good at comforting people.
Emily
Nathaniel sighed, "No, come on inside." "Your suspicions, I suspect, are correct and judging by your dress it likely our affliction is the same." He blinked, then let his eyes travel up and down her body, searching for signs of threat. "And you are like me, you're likely aching to get out of this wretched light." "Besides, you've at least partially peaked my curiosity."
Emily nodded hesitating only slightly before deciding it best to get out of the sun for a little, even if they man gave her the creeps, more so than most vampires. She really had wanted to escape the sun, plus she needed to talk to someone like her, someone who she could be herself with.
"Please, sit." He said softly, gesturing towards a chair before taking one close too it. He looked at her intently, eyes still probing. "So Emily, what brings you to the Seattle?"
Emily took a seat and pulled her hat and scarf off. She shrugged, I've been here for awhile. I've just been keeping a low profile and trying to stay out of the sun. That's the main reason I chose Seattle, because most days are at least bearable." She smiled, "I've been here awhile. What about you? Are you just here to make millions?"
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Ambassador
Full Member
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidance of things not seen.
Posts: 130
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Post by Ambassador on Sept 11, 2013 12:17:53 GMT -5
Leia
"Connie!" Three voices shouted in unison as their owners swarmed him. Ryan had seen Connie first and practically leaped over the counter in his haste to meet the curly haired youth. Ava was handing the cake to Leia and the two nearly dropped it in their haste to reach the door--although Leia claimed credit for nearly frosting the newly mopped tile floor.
"You're here!" Leia announced the obvious. Her eyes shone and her long wavy hair streamed behind her as she glided forward to join the group. It was touching that he choose to see them even when he was emotionally exhausted. Katie, frequent Starbucks goer and Connie's classmate and friend was also by his side. "Do you guys want some coffee and cake?"
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Post by atlantis on Sept 12, 2013 19:07:08 GMT -5
Katie
There weren't many people inside, she noticed, and only three she recognized; Leia and Ryan, who both worked there, and Ava, who Katie had sometimes seen with Turner Forsythe and had talked to on a couple of occasions. As they entered the shop, the three of them came close, eager to hear from their friend. Leia offered coffee and cake. She squeezed Connie's hand and led him to a table. "That sounds nice," she answered softly, figuring Connie probably hadn't eaten anything since the night before and being a firm believer in comfort food.
"I'm so glad you're alright, at least," Ava commented. "Hopefully they'll figure the whole mess out soon."
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Post by Marli on Sept 12, 2013 22:58:59 GMT -5
Nathaniel
Emily took a seat and pulled her hat and scarf off. She shrugged, "I've just been keeping a low profile and trying to stay out of the sun. That's the main reason I chose Seattle, because most days are at least bearable." She smiled, "I've been here awhile. What about you? Are you just here to make millions?"
Nathaniel smiled, "It would seem that way wouldn't it?" He let his eyes drift over the room. Truly it had been decorated with an expert eye and expensive taste but it was just a house. In ten or fifteen years he would be forced to abandon it. "Believe it or not I have a genuine interest in Snow Industries. Though, as you've likely deduced, I have somewhat lavish tastes my company is not merely a means to an end." A thought struck him and Nathaniel stood. "I first visited Seattle in 1943 at the suggestion of a friend..." Nathaniel scanned an assortment of pictures on the wall in front of him before carefully removing one. He set the picture on the table between he and Emily's chairs, revealing an old newspaper clipping. In it two young men stood in front of a drugstore with several piles of assorted goods around them. The headline read 'New Pharmacy Does It's Part for the War Effort'. "In life, you see, I was a physician and even after my... transformation... I retained a fascination with medicine and disease... particularly virology. I had attended medical school and done research under a German who was, at the time, using the name 'Kenneth Black' to Americanize himself. Though not of darkling kind himself, he did have a certain 'way' with supernatural beings and certainly a greater understanding of them than I had ever found in a mortal man." Nathaniel paused, shifted position, and looked over Emily once again.
"Anyway," He continued, "Black was involved with a military program that sought to harness the power of supernatural beings. To research their DNA and also to recruit them to our side of the war effort. His academic companions, of course, thought him mad but in the goverment at that time there were a select few who wanted desperately to view us as a scientific anomaly. A force like evolution or gravity to be understood and controlled. I was the first souled vampire... who he had ever come across." At the word 'vampire' Nathaniel paused, looking over Emily. "And he was... quiet interested in working with me... and I with him." Nathaniel shook his head, "A very stupid thing to do, probably. But I was younger then. Desperate to redeem myself and this project, well, this was a way to give back to the world in which only I could. It was thrilling."
A darker look now came over Nathaniel's face. "I worked with Black for maybe seven years? eight? Then we had a falling out... of sorts." Nathaniel shrugged and moved quickly on. He would discuss Black no further. "Though I considered practicing medicine afterwards, I found the concentrated scent of blood to be... overwhelming. It was my friend James, who had also worked under Black, who suggested I continue research on the vampire 'disease' independently. That's him in the photograph." Nathaniel tapped below the picture, "An interesting soul, that one. I doubt I'll ever meet another such as him. James was convinced, correctly I might add, that Seattle would eventually become a Mecca of vampire, and so supernatural, kind and so we set up shop. 'Snow and Riley's Drug and Soda'" Now Nathaniel smiled genuinely in a moment of nostalgia. "The soda, of course, was his idea. James always had a thing for children. Enjoyed giving away candies and such to the urchins. Free medical care when they couldn't otherwise afford it. I always found it rather... endearing..." He shrugged, let his voice trail off. "But it was eventually what brought us apart...."
"And that was the start of Snow Industries... From it's beginning it has been a rather two-faced endeavor. In one face you have the powerful yet kindly pharmaceutical corporation, known for it's children's hospitals and philanthropy efforts and on the other... You have labs and research that no one else has quite been willing to do. The mixing of 'magic' and medicine, you can imagine, is generally not received well in the scientific community... but there are a few... there are certain... circles that we cater too. A niche we fill."
He smiled again, "So you see it is not merely about 'making millions' but about grasping a knowledge that has been previously unobtainable. It is about understanding and so possessing this centuries own 'magic' so that it can be used against something more ancient... should the need arise... but I have been poor host." Now he turned his attention up, blue eyes focused on Emily alone. "How rude for me to talk so long. You sought me out. And I am truly curious as to why. I'm not one to believe in chance or coincidence."
OT - LONG post! Tk, if any of this absolutely will not mesh with your world just tell me and I'll edit. I'm building up a lot of backstory between my now and possible future charries {tehehehe} but I can reign in if needed.
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Post by Bhunivelze on Sept 13, 2013 0:13:56 GMT -5
Connie
The three rushed to him in just a matter of seconds. It was kinda like a daze, until he heard cake. Connie had always had a love of cakes, and knowing that there was some made just for him was the best news he’d gotten all day.
“Yes, Cake. Please.”
He said as Katie led him to a chair. He slumped down into it leaned his head against the wall behind him, his hair acting like a small cushion. He closed his eyes for a second, realizing how thoroughly exhausted he was. He hadn’t slept in over 24 hours, and the emotional toll hit like a wrecking ball. When he opened his eyes he realized where he was sitting, exactly. “...Rainer…” he whispered to himself. Where was he? He said he was going to be back, but that was hours ago.
He looked down and a beautiful slice of cake was right in front of him. Without giving so much as a nod to manners he devoured the slice within a few seconds. And he couldn’t care less. He hadn’t eaten in hours after all. When he finished his cake and wiped his mouth off with the napkin he looked up at his friends. It wasn’t until this moment that he realized he was a lot younger than most of his friends. Even Katie, his closest friend of all was a year older. Then he thought back to Rainer. His eldest friend was usually here by now. And that made him paranoid.
“Hey, Ryan. Have you seen Rainer come in at all? You know, the guy that always looks broody? He was with me when when I went to my house last night. He told me he was going to go look and see if anyone had seen anything suspicious last night but never came back… You think he whoever did this could’ve gotten him too?” The boy asked. It was scary. First his father, now his grandmother, and possibly Rainer. He thought about each of them individually. His father seemed to linger the longest though. He still didn’t know how he died. He didn’t even know if he wanted to. But the fact that two, possibly three people that he cared about have been taken from him, really concerned him.
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Post by Zabby on Sept 16, 2013 22:43:41 GMT -5
Turner
"We were together when it happened, yes," he replied. "But nothing changed for her. Not really. She became... maybe even more viscious than ever. She tried to contact me a few times at home, but I had cut my ties to everyone, save the occasional visit from the maid."
Mason Swallowing hard at this, Mason looked at Turner dumbfounded for a few seconds. How could she have gone through the same transition as him, but not felt anything? Was she simply always a monster, even with her soul?
"I need," said Mason his dumbfounded look turning into a scowl. "to draw her out if she's here. I need her to know that I'm looking for her." His eyes flashed with an almost obsessive tint now. "Excuse me for a moment."
Without explaining what was happening, Mason stood up quickly. He started to walk away from the drawing room and began opening doors a little frantically until he found a restroom. Shutting the door a little too forcefully, Mason placed his bag onto the sink. He opened it and pulled out the robes that he had packed. Even though he had been ordered to lay low and gather information by his superiors, Mason knew he couldn't do that. Gently stroking the robes, Mason thought, There is no way she won't be drawn out if I'm wearing the same habit I wore when we first met.
Mason quickly changed out of his cumbersome outfit into the Benedictine robes. After packing up his street clothes, Mason exited the bathroom hurriedly and rushed out the door, but not without calling over his shoulder, "Thank you for being so helpful Mr. Turner, and Rainer... come by St. Thomas Aquinas's sometime. Knock on the back door of the Rectory and you'll find me."
Once he was out of the house, Mason pulled his robe's hood over his head and began to walk towards the abandoned side of town that Turner mentioned the vampires might be. If Alise was anywhere, she would be in the middle of that kind of place.
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Post by Marli on Sept 18, 2013 2:08:40 GMT -5
Marcus
"Can't you at least drink something with a decent smell?" Alise complained. "A nice wine, maybe?"
Marcus snuffed at this statement. "You think you'd be used to it by now."
But Alise seemed not to hear him, instead she was focused on the girl's phone. Searching anxiously for Connie. Marcus sat down on the sofa and stretched his legs out in front of him. "You'd think it'd be simple enough to find a guy with the name 'Connie'" He said to no one in particular. "Right stupid name if you ask me. Eh Rick? Bet he got beat silly for that one in school." Marcus drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. Curse this sun. He felt caged. The taste of blood still lingered on his lips and yet he wanted to hunt. Wanted the joy of the chase. "I think I'll head up to the roof. Have a look around." He rose and moved to a coat rack on the opposite side of the room and removed a long leather coat. "Care to join me Rick? I think we can find a bit of shade."
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Post by Marli on Sept 18, 2013 19:07:14 GMT -5
Saki
By two o'clock, Saki had finished her work at Turner Records and, after a string of goodbyes and well-wishes, packed up her things. Weighed down with a messenger bag, the box of desk supplies and a huge plate of peanut butter brownies given to her by mailroom-Donna {not HR Donna, she would have to remember for the thank you note} she made her way awkwardly out of the revolving doors and into the brilliant sunshine. Saki smiled to herself and made a left, the opposite direction of the bus stop. Tatsuya's apartment was a 40 minute walk from here but Saki didn't mind. Sunny days in Seattle were a rarity they wouldn't have many more of and besides, she could visit her old workmates at the Starbucks where she used to work. Though she hadn't had much time to spend time with them in recent months, Saki had enjoyed her workmates. Besides, she had a huge plate of brownies at her disposal. It's not like Mika and Gib could eat them.
Suddenly the sound of her iPhone's ringtone broke her train of thought. She shifted her weight and balanced the box and brownies on one knee to dig around in her messenger bag to retrieve it. "Hey Tatsuya!" She said, moving forward again. "How's the research goi-"
"I heard you quit your job at Turner Records." Her brother said flatly. Though Tatsuya was only seven years her senior his tone always made him seem older. More like a parent or figure of authority. "We're they treating you badly? I wish you would have told me that..."
"Oh it's nothing like that!" Saki laughed, "Don't worry Tatsuya, it was an amicable split. Gave them my two weeks and everything. I just got offered another job."
On the other end, Saki could hear Tatsuya inhale deeply. "Doing what, exactly?"
"Oh... uhmm..." It occurred suddenly to Saki that Tatsuya might not like her working for Nathan Snow. Tatsuya had worked for one of his hospitals, after all. "It's another secretary job... Well, more like a personal assistant."
"For who?"
"Umm...." Saki turned her head to look around at the other buildings. "Nordstrom! Yea... I... uh I'm going to be their... someones assistant."
There was a long pause. "Since when are you into fashion?"
Now Saki was annoyed. "It's a great job offer Tatsuya. I'm lucky to have it and it pays really well."
"I really think you should stay at Turner Records Saki... It's just not safe too..."
"I'll call you back later Tatsuya!" Saki said, "My phone is dying and..." Saki turned off the iPhone and dropped it into her bag. Tatsuya worried too much about her. She knew he meant well, but sometimes it felt stifling. She was in front of the Starbucks now and leaned back against the glass door to open it. "Hey guys!" She said, not really looking at them. Surprisingly, the place was relatively empty. She set her box down and turned to the others. She had worked with Connie and Ryan only occasionally when she had worked at Starbucks. They wern't close friends by any means. But they would know who she was. She recognized the other two, Ava and Katie, as Turner Records employees. Katie she knew well, Ava she only knew in passing. Every one of them wore a somber look on their face. Saki was perplexed. "Umm.... I brought brownies."
OT - Ok this is a haphazard entrance for Saki but I hope it works. I'm guessing that, with the possible exception of knowing Katie from Turner records, everyone else would be more of a friendly aquanctice. *shrugs* Couldn't think of another way to do it.
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Post by Zhouburn on Sept 18, 2013 23:08:54 GMT -5
Rick He couldn't help but feel for this girl, so young and full of life. At least she was for now. In a matter of seconds Rick would be feasting as the others poked and prodded the girl to satisfy their own amusement. "It's just another one" he thought as they now carried her downstairs. It was customary for the others to play with their food, but not Rick. At least, not always. He would do it with the others, but never alone. The others, however enjoyed the play the best. Slapping around harmless human beings provided them with a sense of pleasure that Rick had never felt.
He stood there for a moment while the others struggled to get her down the stairs. She was half unconscious but apparently a frisky rascal.As he looked on he could hear Marcus rambling on about something less important. "Right stupid name if you ask me. Eh Rick? Bet he got beat silly for that one in school." "Mmm yeah", Rick murmured as he tried to focus his thoughts on the task at hand, feeding. It was then that Marcus decided to go to the roof and Rick couldn't help but thinking that some fresh air may refocus his hunger. "Care to join me Rick? I think we can find a bit of shade." Marcus offered. "Yeah, I think I will for a bit" Rick said quickly. "I'm sure the others will keep her occupied for a while".
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