Re: "Tales from the Mother Lode": Devi (Hybrid Human/Wolf), Ace Inamura (Human), Villia Amalur (chameleon-type), Dale Voit (Human)

Jhwulfven

#994

Dale nodded to the pair, his pale face, dark eyes, a hint of wrinkles, an old man in the body of a kid.?

?

He studied both with a discerning gaze. These were brawlers, a kinship from the past now rejoined, trusted. That was a good sign and it put him at ease. A happy boat was a safe boat.

?

When they moved to his table he felt relieved.? He was in, it was how it went for spacers. You didn’t ask many questions or prod for experience when you’d been in the black. You could see it in the eyes and in the body movements. Fit as fiddles both of them. He’d erred on the first take, she was no FemCat, better than that. She could haul-ass that was a biological fact!

?

He was just a beast. Both looked like bullets would bounce off them like rain drops or better yet take a uturn in mid-flight and hurry back home. The thought made him chuckle and they both looked at each other with questioning faces.

?

“These G’s are killing me,” he said sardonically. He finished his drink in a gulp and leaned forward.?

“Dale,” he said. He gave them the chest bump with his fist. He felt silly doing so. Seemed that only happened when you were trying to get on a new gig.?

?

He laid his com down where they could both see it. It displayed his current qualifiers based on the Lanier testing system. It didn’t show them anything about his character or his flight experience or anything else along those lines. That was something he would have to prove. A trust you can’t buy or justify until the day you do your job and save people’s butts.?

?

He lifted his glass. Made a show of how his hand slightly trembled. “I was born in space. G’s are a bitch.”

------
? ?Devi looked to Dale as he introduced himself and put his fist to his chest. She gave him a nod and a grin. "G's are not easy for you spacer's. I know a few spacer's who have never stepped foot planet side. I don't think they would survive if the did."?
? ?She sat a little closer and looked at the two men. "I have had it with the Alliance sticking its nose in where it does not belong. Also tired of working for others. I know you are tired of it as well Ace." She paused for a moment. "If it is a Valkyrie and it is the prototype. Then it will have the heavier hull, the weapons system even if it doesn't have the weapons themselves. It also has the extra docking bay. So it has three docking locks instead of the two. If we pull our resources we can finally work for ourselves. Choose our own jobs." She sat back looked at the two. "We just need a grease monkey. I know that between the two of you, you all could handle it but I would rather one of you pilot and the other run the tech. I can run the weapons, so that leaves our mechanic. (pause) Either of you two know one?"

Tag: Dale, Ace,?Villia Amalur

Re: Raconteur City: Sofia Luna

#992

开云体育

Sofia Luna

Jefa del cártel Los Muertos

(Somewhere in Northern Mexico)

Orbital satellite imagery commence targeting. Coordinates locked, increase magnification. Target acquired.??

The image spun down from orbit. At first the land and ocean spread before the camera in a wide aperture. The Sun lay to the west. The North American continent sprawled in it’s vast primal green. To the south the land narrowed and as the image magnified further the triangular shaped country of Mexico loomed larger. The land was spotted with green but much of it was brown and lifeless. The image leaped again and a square shape of land appeared. It was green and filled with plants. Then a house grew into focus. A mansion. Beside the house the view magnified again just showing the outline of a large swimming pool.

At last the camera zoomed into an object in the pool. The woman was naked, floating on her back. Her hair floated on the water in a halo. She stared straight up into the sky.?

Her hands made several curling gestures and smoke began to bubble around her body. A steam rose in a hazy curtain.?

In a strange language she spoke words that rang out like church bells. The water in the pool began to churn and she was lifted up, floating about the torment.?

Then she took one hand and pointed it at the sky. “Koarin, beoghast, narra-shoon!”

In the lower atmosphere the CIA satellite continued its orbit uninterrupted. However the image from the photo array was distorted beyond use. On the outermost lens a giant crack had appeared.

On 6/9/2020 1:47 AM, Scott via groups.io wrote:_._,_._,_

Re: High Moon Tales. Tales of the Wicked West.

#991

(Etienne)

“Thanks. I’m good.” Etienne said. She didn’t really need the boost up, but she was appreciative. And she pulled herself up as Callie help.
When Callie mentioned being on edge. Etienne shrugged “I get it. I think we are all a little on edge. What’s happening is kind of fantastical.”
Fantastical was an understatement. Never in 1000 years did she think she would see Sicilien Again...let alone kiss him or touch him or be in his arms. She missed him so much
...but She could not stay with him. Somehow someway she Was going to have to get away from him, even if it mean stepping out the bloody circle.
“So are you a bounty hunter?”

(Chase)

He sniffed the air only a little surprised that the wolves and bear couldn’t see them.? He didn’t know exactly what Flynn was but only that his magic came in very handy.? Even though his own presence didn’t seem as needed but for the ritual.? Everyone of them had a purpose.? It required the five of them to complete this, they needed to get to town to stop whatever this was.? He remembered Amy’s words…she was stalling them and it had worked.? Even the town the spirits, the demons all of this was stalling them to keep them from getting there which left him with again more questions than answers.?

As he looked back pondering, he didn’t expect Etienne to join him, he already knew how she felt about him.? Now that her ex was here, nothing else matter further.? The way she kissed him, even if she didn’t want to remember her body did.? He felt something break and yet remember in him what that had been like to feel that passion once upon a time.? He moved on following the rest it was then that Sicilien happened upon him.? He noticed his questioning was aggressive and it was all but humorous to him.? “She is someone to help free us from this blight.? I am not try to come between you two.? As if I could, when this is over she will be all yours again.? Ok?”? The wolf in his didn’t back down from this challenging tone.? He spoke his peace and then he was silent.? But since they were conversating.

“Why did she leave you?? Or why do you think she left?”? He asked, he noticed the kiss but it was her reaction afterward that was just as passionate as the kiss.? She was playing hard to get…or hard to get back for a reason.? So something else was going on with her as well.

(Callie Carson)

? ?Callie heard Etienne speak behind her and listened to the question as they sat in the saddle atop her horse and waited for Flynn to teleport them from Bendo.?
? ?She looked back over her shoulder and smiled, "Not really a bounty hunter...I work for Blackstone Security. We deal with this sort of thing...the 'fantasical'," she said, suing Etienne's own words.?
? ?Callie took note of the hushed conversation Chase was having with Sicilian. Callie sighed, resuming her talk with Etienne. "Those two boys are both fussin' over you. I hope they get their shit together by the time we get to Miller's Crossing."
? ?It was human emotions like this, what was happening between the love triangle of these three, that the demonic preyed upon. They would?latch onto this conflict and use it to create a rift in the group. She'd seen it before and knew the complications that could arise.
? ?"Stick by me," she told the girl. "Shut those two out until this is over. There'll be time to sort it out then."

(Flynn)

Flynn could feel everything around him, even though his eyes were closed.? He knew where everyone was as their horses carried them forward, knew that they were heading towards Miller's Crossing.? He could feel its presence in the distance, like a malignant beacon on the horizon.

He wished that he could open a doorway to get them there quicker, but neither he nor any of the others knew the town, and no one had so much as a drawing of the town that would give him a door to join the magic portal to.? So it was going to be slow.? All he could do was keep his mind in the dreaming and maintain the faerie circle around them to keep them invisible to everything outside the circle. ??

Time, however, worked differently in the dreaming.? If they were lucky, it would work in their favor, with only hours passing instead of days.? "Don't look around you," the pookah murmured, hoping that the others would hear him. "Just stare at your shadows and let the horses carry you.? We'll get there faster."

[Sicilien]

Sicilien barked out a "Ha!" at Chase saying indicating that he will have no need of her after this whole fiasco is done.? However, he did take note at how Chase would steal glances at Etienne every now and then, that he knew that there was more than her just being some kind of a pawn in this demonic entity's chess game.? When the man asked about what was up with Sicilien and Etienne, well...he felt his tightly wound heartstrings start to tremble.? No, he told himself, you are not going to go through this again.? You have mourned her in the past.? There was nothing else left to mourn.? He's left that part of himself behind and locked the rest of it away.

"The last time I ever saw her, she was dead.? I watched her die right in front of me, and I could do nothing about it," he said through gritted teeth, glaring at Etienne as his fists balled on the horse's reins.? It started to hurt too much, so he looked away, looked back at Chase.? He wondered if the man could see the pain behind his sky blue eye.? If he could see inside of Chase, he was sure that Chase could also see inside of himself too.? "Ever hear of the crater of Palenuma?? That was me...I did that...when she was lost to me, I went mad...? There is nothing else left of that town except a charred black hole where there used to be life."

He heavily sighed out as they continued on, hidden behind Flynn's spell of protection.? Now that the left the town confines, they were out in the open.? Too open for his liking.? There was nothing to use as cover should they come across yet another obstacle that was going to keep them from their destination.? It was unsettling to say the least...it was like something was going to happen, it was just a matter of time.

"I mourned her, Chase.? I mourned her for years, until I could mourn no more and cut that part of myself off and locked it deep inside.? Yet, somehow she is right in front me, alive and well.? Am I hallucinating?? All I would have to do is reach out and touch her, but she dances away from me," he said, trying to keep the anger out of his voice, but failing to do so.? "No explanation, no reasons, not even an excuse.? But I don't know that I should expect anything less, really.? She did always like to play her stupid games."

Tag:??Callie, Flynn, Sicilien, Etienne. Charity (jumping in periodically), Chase?

Re: Raconteur City: There's Murder Afoot (Luke, Scarlett)

#990

Goro Nakamura

Javier Delgado

Sani Redwind

NPCs

?

Goro Nakamura arrived at the meeting with a small army of bodyguards, many of them new or pulled from other locations in the Red Lotus Yakuza Clan after the she-vampire killed most of his security details a few nights earlier. As he exited his Denali Yukon, he reached for his injured shoulder and rubbed it through the material of his Brioni Vanquish II suit. It still hurt where the redheaded vampire had stabbed him, pinning him to a wall inside the Glass Menagerie.

Nakamura saw three black Chevy Suburbans parked a few dozen yards away, near the pier where they had agreed to meet. Nakamura and several of his men made their way across the wharf to meet a group of men gathered between the two sets of vehicles.

As they approached, he saw several men gathered, the one in the center of the group wore a long black leather jacket, a black cowboy hat and appeared to be a rough, grizzled looking Hispanic man.

Directly behind him was a young man, not much more than a boy. He was Native American, and he watched Goro and his men approach with cautious eyes.

Nakamura’s gaze fell on the man in the cowboy hat. They were familiar, having met previously when he delivered a foreboding message from the Los Muertes. He assumed this meeting would be another attempt at intimidation.

“Mr. Delgado,” Nakamura said as he and his team of bodyguards came to stand about 10 feet from the Los Muertes crew. “Please, enlighten me as to why you brought me here. Your message was rather vague.”

“Mr. Nakamura,” the Mexican said with a slight smile. “I apologize for bringing you out here in the middle of the night. Honestly, I did not think you’d come.”

“Why? You thought I was afraid?” the Japanese gangster muttered. “Get to what it is you want to discuss, Delgado. I have little patience.”

Delgado nodded, “We delivered a message several nights ago. The young man, Lucas Rhames. He worked for you. He crossed us when he left our service and came to work for you. That is why he was selected to send our message.”

Nakamura sighed, “Yes, your message was received. Stay out of Los Muertes territory. Don’t take your employees – even though we offer them far more than the cartel does. But yes, we understand, and we will abide by your wishes.”

Delgado smiled widely, “You understand the basic meaning of our message, jefe. But you do not fully comprehend what we want.”

Goro eyed Delgado with contempt, “And what is that?”

“We want you to get on your plane and fly back across the ocean to Tokyo and stay on your little island,” he said menacingly. “Raconteur City and New Orleans belong to the Los Muertes. My employer is giving you five days to get your affairs in order and get out of these two cities.”

Nakamura stared for a long time at the Mexican and his group of dark, masked enforcers. Finally, he burst into laughter and when he stopped, he looked at Delgado with an amused smile.

“You butcher one dealer who worked for me, one you claim I stole from you, and now you think I’m just going to pack my bags and run home?” Nakamura laughed. “Tell your boss to go fuck himself. I’m not going anywhere.”

Delgado got a sad look in his eyes and slowly shook his head, “You know, jefe, I was really hoping you wouldn’t say that. You’re making a very big mistake…so I’ll leave you with this final thought. You now have three days to decide and if ‘go fuck yourself’ is still your final answer.”

Goro gritted his teeth as he fought back the urge to lash out verbally at the cartel enforcer, but Delgado looked at him and he saw something in the man’s eyes. Something he’d seen a few night’s earlier when the redhead had him pinned to the wall and was asking questions – there was something unnatural in his stare and Nakamura realized what it was.

Speechless, Nakamura stood there and stared at Delgado who smiled and winked at him, before turning to the others, “Come, my friends, Mr. Nakamura needs to get some rest and think long and hard about what his answer is going to be three nights for now – right here, in this very spot. See you then, jefe.”

Delgado and the young Native American turned and headed back toward the Suburbans, while the masked men in black turned and fell in behind them. Goro and his crew did not return to their vehicles until the cartel was gone. As they walked back, one of Nakamura’s henchmen leaned over to him and asked, “Sounds like they want a war.”

“It won’t be war, Shimo, it would be a slaughter,” he muttered. “Ours. When we get back to the compound, I want you to gather the lieutenants. We need to discuss a plan.”

“What kind of plan, sir?”

“A plan of retreat,” the yakuza said in a droll voice.

“You can’t be serious…”

Nakamura grabbed him by the shoulder and yanked him over to him, face-to-face, “Los Muertes…they are unnatural. All of them. We have no way to fight something like that. So do as I say. Understood.”

Shimo nodded as Goro got into the Denali and he closed the door behind him…

?

Re: The Door Between Two Worlds [Roue and Rabbit] (closed)

#989

(Rabbit)

Rabbit enjoyed the kissing while it lasted, but then Roue began rambling again, letting his doubts and uncertainties come to the fore once again. "You th-think too much, Roue," he said finally when the elf suddenly announced he needed a shower.? "Just go on and get cleaned up.? I'm gonna, uhm, ask someone I know if'n they've heard anything relatin' to this, uhm, Midgard place you're from, okay?"? He gave the elf a quick kiss and nudged him in the direction of his room, then hopped off his stool and began searching through the crowd for a certain doctor of much esoteric knowledge and kinky tastes.? He found her at one of the private booths in the back, talking to two men who looked more like accountants than her usual escorts.

"Uhm, Doctor Hirono?" the little vampire asked, bowing as he approached her booth.?

The doctor looked up at his voice, her fine-lined features hinting at something that might be a smile.? "Ah, Rabbit." She studied him for a moment.? "You need something. Again.? So soon?"? She raised an inquiring eyebrow even as the corner of her mouth quirked with amusement.? "You already owe me a sitting from the last time."

Rabbit fidgeted awkwardly, very aware of his debt.? "Y-yeah. I ain' forgot.? I've been waitin' for you to, uhm, you know, c-call for me.? But this is somethin' new. And I was hopin' maybe you could, you know, h-help me."? He chewed on his lip as he added "For another s-sittin', maybe?"

The doctor regarded him silently for a long moment, then made a gesture at the two men seated with her. They quickly left the booth and disappeared into the crowd. She then nodded for Rabbit to sit in the now vacated seats across from her.

The little vampire hesitated, then finally whispered "Have you, uhm, heard anythin' 'bout a place called M-Midgard? Especially anythin', uhm, you know, r-recent?"

It was some time later when Rabbit finally left the booth. The doctor picked up her drink and nodded in his direction as he hurried away.? "This should prove most interesting," she murmured, taking a sip of the reddish mixture.? "I didn't think he'd agree to it."

[Roue]

Roue stayed in the shower for what felt like forever, at least until all desire left his body.? Once he felt his cloudy mind clear, he finished washing up and dried himself off, stepping out of the bathroom.? He brushed his hair and braided it to get it out of the way, placing the comb back into the pouch onto the table beside the bed.? This would not do.? Firstly, he needed to get his clothes back.? Last he remembered, Rabbit took them somewhere, but hasn't brought them in yet.? Laundry perhaps?? He couldn't think of anything else that he would need them for.? It's not like they were worth a lot to sell...wait a minute, why is my mind even going there?? There's that mistrust again...Thirdly, he needed more than just his wizarding outfit and the getup that Rabbit helpfully provided.? If he was going to stay here for any amount of time, he needed a change of clothing.

He slipped his feet into the loafers and stepped out of the room, shutting the door behind him.? Looking around, he went down the hallway, back into the bar area, where he last left his little vampire partner.? Not seeing him anywhere, sweeping his face to and fro, but could not find see Rabbit nor his golden straw hair.? Perhaps the young looking boy had something to do in the meantime and went about his business.? Either way, the elf didn't know this place at all but felt curious enough to explore.? Maybe he could waste some time as he waited for his host to come around.? Looking to the bar, he noticed the same bar tender that was at his first entry to this place.? The man was about the same height as Roue, but his shoulders much wider and more muscular.? One look at his arms made Roue feel that there was no trouble to be had here, and if there ever was, he was sure that it would be dealt with swiftly.

"Pardon my interruption," the elf began, placing his hands upon the marbled surface.? "Might I get a tall glass of iced apple juice?"? The bartender acknowledged his request and with a small bow, fetched his customer's request, setting the glass onto the top as the ice clinked.? He quickly filled it up with juice and pushed the drink towards the elf.? Roue gingerly took it, but warily eyeballed it.? First, he sniffed it to make sure it didn't smell like alcohol, then he tasted it.? when the sweet tangy taste of freshly pressed apple landed on his tongue, he visibly relaxed much to the confused look on the bartender's face.? Looking back up, the wizard's cheeks immediately flushed at the awkwardness of the situation.

"That was rude of me, I apologize.? I just...sometimes the drinks do not agree with me," he stammered out, hoping that it sounded like a plausible enough excuse.? How else was he going to explain his tendency to become blitzed out drunk at the slightest taste of alcohol?? It took too long to even form the explanation in his head.? Bowing in embarrassment, Roue decided to walk away, wanting nothing more than to sink into the ground.? He could make it happen, but where would he sink to?? Wandering away, he went past all the tables and down a different hallway, one that he wasn't in before.? All sorts of different kinds of music reached his ears, most of which he's never heard before.? Curiosity took hold of him and following the sounds, he decided to check it out, to see what else this place had to offer.

[tag Rabbit]

Re: What Lies in the Heart. Mikayla/The Dragon

#988

开云体育

(Mikayla)

Mikayla let him go as he pushed her away. But she was still just as bouncy and giggly as before. When he said he could eat her she swallowed a laugh but stood ramrod straight. “Of course.” She said turning to sit back down. She winked at Angus as she did.

Returning to her seat. She listened to him as he spoke. “I am so glad you approve. I just wanted you to be able to enjoy tea again. I didnt think I had done anything right. I’m so glad it worked.”

She looked at him enjoying his tea. “So now what.”

(Angus, The Dragon)

Angus caught the wink that Mikayla sent his way, but quickly lowered his head so that the Dragon would not see him smile.? Instead, he cleared his throat and busied himself fixing a cup of tea which he brought to Mikayla, with whom he did share a discreet smile.

"It would seem that you've achieved the basics of conjuration," the Dragon said, once Mikayla had been served.? "Which was remarkable, considering it was your first real attempt.? The next logical step is to move on to transformation." He paused to drink some more tea from the cup she had produced with her magicks.? "Conjuration involves creating something from nothing," he went on, nodding at the cup in his talons.? "But transformation involves taking something that already exists and changing its basic nature.? It may sound simple, but in fact it is far more complex. Especially if you're attempting to transform a living thing, which has its own rules when it comes to magic."

"Angus has returned the book to its stand," he went on, setting his cup aside and turning his head to face Mikayla once again, "with the section on transformations open and marked.? He has also given you a stone block to practice with. When you are ready, see what you can make of it.? Until then, I fear I must rest some more.? I am much recovered, but I tire easily."? With that he motioned to Angus and the servant bowed and escorted her out of the room, carrying the tea tray with him.

"You've made an impression, mistress," he said softly once the door had closed behind him. "He's so polite, I hardly recognize him."

Tag - Mikayla

Re: Raconteur City: There's Murder Afoot (Luke, Scarlett)

#987

开云体育

(New Scarlett MacAleister)

?

?? Scarlett awakened inside a box. It was more than a box, but at times that’s all it felt like to her. She reached up and tapped a button on a keypad built into the lid to the box and it lifted up and then slid down, opening to reveal the bedroom in Scarlett’s Raconteur City apartment,

?? She sat up and stretched, looking around the room. It had been a few years since she’d slept here, but with the help of her assistant she’d kept the place clean and well taken care of.

?? Naked, the redhead climbed out of the sarcophagus where she slept at night. Padding nude into her dimly lit bedroom, she tapped another button on the wall and the coffin, made of polished white marble, closed back up and sank down into the bed. The false mattress then folded back over the coffin and it appeared to once again just be a bed.

?? The door suddenly flew open, but Scarlett wasn’t surprised. She’d caught the scent of the ‘intruder’ a couple seconds before he burst into the room.

?? “Snow!” she cried, using her arms to cover herself.

?? A young man with pure white hair entered the room carrying a stack of folded towels. He laughed as she covered herself and continued past, toward the bathroom. “Rise and shine, Scarlett. And don’t worry about me, I’ve seen it all. Remember sugar, you’re not my type.”

?? The redhead grabbed up a green silky robe from a drawer and threw it over her ivory body. She then stood in the doorway to the master bathroom and watched Snow putting away the towels.

?? “Housekeeper wasn’t able to get here on short notice, so I took care of everything,” he said, turning from the linen closet. He then looked at her and with all seriousness said, “You’re welcome!”

?? “You know I’m grateful for everything you do for me, Snow,” she said as he walked hastily from the room to tend to another chore. “You’re wonderful!”

?? He stopped and looked back at her, “Then give me what I want, Scar. It’s all I’ve asked of you for 10 years.”

?? The vampire’s mood saddened a little, “I’ve told you, I’m not going to give you what you want.”

?? “Ten years I’ve been your loyal servant,” he pouted. “All I’ve ever asked is for you to make me immortal. Instead, I’m 10 years older and you’re the same as you looked a decade ago.”

?? Scarlett stepped back and folded her arms across her chest, “Snow, if you want it that badly you should find another vampire to serve.”

?? “But they aren’t you. You’re kind, you care about people,” he said, looking down at the floor. “I don’t want to serve some murdering blood sucker.”

?? “Or how about you become a murdering bloodsucker?” she asked. “That could happen. It took a lot of effort, a lot of suffering on my part to avoid being like the others. There are still moments when my thirst can’t be quenched by a pack of blood from the black market. I’m not making you one of them…like the others.”

?? Snow’s shoulder slumped and he shook his head, “I know about your concerns.? I just…want this. More than anything.”

?? “The thing I never wanted to be,” she muttered. “If you only knew what this was really like.”

?? He shrugged, “I guess I’ll never know. I’ll go on being your Day Assistant, only I get old and die.”

?? Scarlett sighed, “There’s a lot to be said for being mortal. I’d give anything to be mortal again. To have been able to grow old with the man I loved. To have children. I never got to experience any of that…and you want me to give you this curse?”
? “Hey, I get it,” Snow said. “Anyway, moving on…calls today, you had three. Two prospective clients and one a message from the Raconteur Midnight Society.”

?? Scarlett’s ears perked up. She looked to Snow with a raised eyebrow.

?? “Must be vampire shit?” he asked.

?? “Indeed,” she said. “The Midnight Society is the official cover for the vampire underground in Raconteur. They must know I’m back in town.”

?? “Well, the guy didn’t sound like they were breaking out the champagne for you,” Snow said. “Didn’t leave a name, just said to remind you that you should go back to New Orleans.”

??? She nodded, “Sounds about right. Did he leave a number?”

??? “Wrote it down,” he said. “It’s also in your phone.”

??? “Anything else?”

??? “Carl Wilson paid his bill. I deposited it in your account,” Snow said. “I sent payment reminders to Scofield and Haramedi. Oh, and check your text messages. One from your cop friend in there.”

?? She nodded as Snow turned and headed back into the living room. Scarlett stepped into the bathroom and took a shower. Afterwards, once she was dressed and had done her hair and makeup, she walked into the living room and found Snow had left.

??? Scarlett found her phone and a portable cooler sitting on the island in the kitchen. She opened the cooler and found several packets of blood there, along with ice packs. She took a pack and poured it into a glass before refrigerating the rest. She then took the glass and drank its contents, enjoying the rush as it entered her body and coursed through her veins.

?? Afterwards, she rinsed and placed the glass in the dishwasher and tended to her messages. One was from Det. Jackson Sage, back in New Orleans. The number was from a burner phone, but it was from Sage, who went by the moniker of Gumbo in the text. The police there had tied the deceased Mr. Rhames with Nakamura’s yakuza operation in Raconteur City. No surprise there.?

? Like it or not, Raconteur was where she needed to be right now. Scarlett grabbed her leather jacket and headed out the door to begin her nightly prowl of the streets…

?

(tag Luke, any)

[Luke]

Luke called while on the highway to Morgan City. The phone rang four times then went to voicemail. On their website was an emergency number and he called that.

“驰补丑?”

“I need an airboat ready to go with extra fuel tanks asap.”

“Not happening buddy,” the voice answered. I’m closed and at the house.”

“How much do you charge for rental on the spot without reservations?”

“Usually it’s either by the hour or by the day. You must have a registered pilot with the State.”

“How much per day?”

“$700 plus gas.”

Luke thought about it a second. “I’ll pay you two grand plus extra for the gas.”

“Make it three.”

“A kid is in the bayou likely dying as we speak. I’m a medic on my way out to them. They are dirt poor and have no way to get her to the hospital.”

“Who is this?”

“Luke Reardon, I own? ‘Open Water Charters’ off route 1.”

“Hey Luke, this is Red, Red Mattison. We’ve met before. I remember you at that Pro Bass event last year.”

“Red, can you help me out?”

“2500 and I will throw in the gas, on me.”

“Thanks Red. I’m on 90 now about fifteen minutes out.”

“I’ll see you there.”

Red didn’t have the boat ready but it didn’t take long.

“You putting her in the water here?” Red asked.

“Yes, faster than driving around the lake really.”

“Well this thing is loaded with five extra fuel tanks. You should be able to make it to Baton Rouge if you needed to.”

“Thanks Red. I plan to have her back by morning. I got a charter for crying out loud.”

“I feel you man, good luck.”

Red helped un-tie the airboat while Luke fired up the engine. It was a new boat and had the newest noise suppression fan. It was still loud to Luke’s ears.

He waved to Red and launched out into the dark waters of the Atchafalaya River. His headlamps put a bright beam of light out in front but at the speeds he was going he needed help.?

He needed to navigate two lakes, Lake Palourde and Grassy Lake, then he had to track due north another three miles to Bobby Lee’s place. In between the Lakes he had to troll through small rivers. The rivers meandered and split into dead end forks at every juncture. He had to take the main channel and not get lost.

He pulled to a stop once he’d passed under the bridge and entered Lake Palourde. He used a quick charm to focus then summoned the Elemental.

After a long wait a voice echoed in his head.

“I’M HERE. WHAT DO YOU NEED OF ME?”

“I need you to pace up ahead of this boat. Tell me what obstacles to avoid.”

“VERY WELL. MOVE!”

Luke pushed the throttle all the way up and set his course for Grassy Lake.

The voyage had its moments of tense, finger gripping excitement as the small water elemental guided him sometimes at the last possible moment to turn. Countless times he was amazed he didn’t kill himself.?

Like magic, he made amazing time and within the hour was throttling down at Bobby Lee’s little dock.

“Luke, thank God!” Bobby greeted him with a bear hug. The clan encircled him, two twin boys almost adult in age and two teenage daughters. They all were chattering and laughing with renewed hope for their baby sister.

“How is she?”

“I don’t know,” Bobby said, his face ashen.

“Well let’s go fix her up,” Luke said.

Maggie Lee sat at her daughter’s bedside. She rose when Luke entered.?

“What can we do?”

“I will need a small bed made for her in the airboat. That’s about it for now.”

Maggie hugged him and kissed his cheek. “You are....” she couldn’t finish. The tears were running down her face as she held back sobs.

“Sit down Maggie. Let me look her over.”

Jenny was feverish and her blood pressure was spiking badly.?

“Stay with me Maggie. If I look like I’m going to fall over hold me up okay?”

“Yes, I will.”

Luke reached out with his talent. His mind was instantly challenged from the heat and pain that came from the little girl. He took that heat and pain and transferred it into himself. His head sagged and he started to fall over backwards but Maggie steadied him.

It took a long time to make it happen. He managed it at last. When it was done he sank back onto the floor.

“I’ve got her stable for now.” His words came in staccato beats as her old fever gripped him.

“What now,” Maggie asked. Her smile was bright with hope.

“I’ve got to get her back to Morgan City Hospital. She needs meds and maybe a transfusion.”

“I must go with you.”

“Yes, and bring identification.”

Luke lay down on the floor and took many short breaths.??

“Give me about half an hour then we’ll go.”

“I’ll be ready.”

Luke felt someone shaking him.

“What...?” He was lying down on a sofa. The air was cool and had that antiseptic smell of a hospital.

“She’s going to be fine,” Maggie said. “They are going to keep her for another day but it’s just for precaution. The Doctor said it was a miracle that she is alive.”

“Almost,” Luke said with a sleepy grin.?

“We’ll never be able to repay you.”

“Nevermind all that.” Luke struggled to a sitting position. His head throbbed.

“Bobby is headed this way. He should make it by evening. A friend is helping us with a small outboard.”

“Wonderful,” Luke agreed. He wasn’t ready to run that gauntlet again.

Maggie hugged and kissed him again as he rose to his feet.

“Are you staying?”

“No, I got a charter this morning. Got to get back.”

“We will never forget this Luke,” she said. “Lord be praised.”

“Take care. Say hi to everyone.”?

Luke headed for the door. He still had to get the airboat back. It was going to be a long day.

(Tag: Scarlett, Any)

_._,_._,_

Re: The Trouble Begins (Katya and Ashton)

#986

(Ashton)

Ashton could both feel and smell Zsa Zsa, they had kissed once, he knew her smile almost intimately. She and Arrow were taking a break.? Which was saying something, as Arrow and Zsa Zsa were close, like he and Katya, but neither were immortal.? Zsa Zsa was but a fledgling witch, she was at the beginning of her skills.? To him at least, more complicated spells would require more time and preparation.? She was adept at them but nothing like some of her other coven members.??

He knocked on the door.

When it opened the raven haired woman looked at him, there was some amount of fear in her eyes but mostly recognition.? She stood back a slight frown on her face as she saw Ashton and the woman he was with.? Just the look of Katya told Zsa Zsa who this might be.? She didn't ask what they wanted, the fact that he was here and with Katya, enforced the brief premonition?she had gotten a couple of days ago, that her own lover was.

"So what can I do you both for?"? She asked closing the door. Wasting no time with?pleasantries today. The place was a two bedroom apartment underground. It was normally well maintained and clean, but not now.? It was almost as if a hurricane hit as Zsa Zsa was packing. With Arrow gone she knew the score and whatever had put a bullet in her beau was more than likely coming for her as well and she needed to make herself scarce pretty damned quick.

"Since you look like you are in a hurry.? This is Katya, Katya, Zsa Zsa."? He said, his woman was still important to him even if they were having a tiff about TRUST at the moment. "Who gave you the intel that sent me to the docks last night?"? He asked his own features stoic, which to her he looked normal as his typical grim working demeanor etched upon his dark features made him look almost scary to most.

(Katya)
When Ashton and her arrived at the door with nothing to stop them, Katya relaxed a little bit.? Then the door opened to reveal a lovely, but agitated raven haired woman.? As they entered the apartment, Katya used her sense of smell to tell if anyone else was there.? She didn't pick up on anyone so relaxed a little more, letting her claws retract.? She still maintained her extended fangs as it would be quicker to extend the claws if she had too.

When Ashton introduced the two ladies, Katya simply gave Zsa Zsa a nod as she knew this wasn't a social visit.? She remained by the door to stay out of the way and let Ashton speak to Zsa Zsa.

Tag: Ashton

Re: Raconteur City: Club Sabbat (Kitty, Cho, Open)

#985

(Cho)

He was smoking some of his own homegrown, it didn't smell like regular weed.? I gave off the scent of jasmine, vanilla and a hint of fruit.? It was just enough to mellow him out, for anyone else it would be very strong.? He finished the drink he had been nursing for most of the night. It was what he did.? There was a reason why he was attracted to Kitty and it wasn't just her sexy and lush form.? He knew he had to just be cool, he couldn't push it or to be honest fight it to go away.? They could either just remain friends or push that envelope a bit further.? And like clockwork as if they had some other special connection she was coming through the door and across the roof to him.? He arched an eyebrow as she spoke.??

"Hey gorgeous!"? He smirked in his roguish charm sort of way, but the next thing he knew she had grabbed him by his shirt and kissed him deep and hard.? He lifted her up off the ground, his hand on her ripe behind, his other large hand cupping her cheek as his lips met hers and his tongue danced with her own still tasting a hint of blood but he knew she was a vampire. His fingers touched her scalp and yes...he wanted this...with her.? Someone to not have to explain or tell how much of a freak he truly was.

(Kitty)

Kitty let Cho have this moment, but only for a moment.? She enjoyed the moment, then ended the kiss and looked at him, "you can put me down now." She said with a grin.? Once on the ground she gave his chest a pat.? "Well, tonight has been great.? It is time for me to go and share my joy with others.? See you tomorrow night?" She asked with a slightly cocked head and a flash of mischief?in her eyes as she took hold of his joint and took a drag waiting for an answer.

Tag: Cho

Re: No Bottom

#984

开云体育

No Bottom Cat and Scott

Desired pt 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I think you should ask me out on a date,” Val all but ordered as she threw Brian a knowing look. They had been dancing around the issue for days now. Spending time together, being friends, liking each other, flirting back and forth but never anything more.?

“You know, go all out. Get dressed up, grab a bite to eat, bring me flowers.” It didn’t have to be much but something to at the very least progress this whole relationship they had been dancing around in. Or better lack thereof.?

Staring out at the ocean in front of her Val couldn’t help but wonder what had to be going through Brian’s mind right now. Here they were both sitting on a glorious beach. The sun was shining brightly in the sky. All around them people were enjoying the beginning of the summer, having fun. Perfect place really to get those summer vibes going.?

“So what do you think? Tonight?”?

Brian grimaced, “I’ve heard stories that back in the olden days the man courted the woman. We’ve missed that boat apparently.” He shrugged in abdication.

“Flowers huh? Dress up? Like in church? That sounds very preppy. Are you trying to make me into a prepster?”

Brian gave her the blow up image with his hands pulling apart. “My brain is on fire.”

He seemed to consider, a finger bent to his forehead. “Eat is something this cave boy can understand. We have fish. We have pasta. We have uhhh pizza. Or go real fancy at a swank bowling alley and get hot wings and beer?”

He did like her very much. It was something in his bones that spoke to him. Rattled down deep complaining that he moved too slow, took too many long walks in the head. Here she was this absolute stunner almost begging for him to do SOMETHING.

He looked up at her as if coming out of a deep meditation. “Sure, I’m up for it. All of the above.”

Her body seemed to light up. A burning he could not look away from. He liked that a lot.

“That was then and this is now and in the now, we are strong independent women that don’t wait around for a man to tell us how things are going to go,” Valerie merely stated, an amused look on her face. “Besides I suppose I was just tired of waiting for you to work up the courage, so I figured why not do it myself?”?

“I’m very methodical,” he murmured.

She liked him. He was cute. They had chemistry and whenever other girls were hanging around him she got jealous. Those were all sure signs. Val’s life hadn’t always been easiest but if she had learned anything it was to seize the day and fight for the things you wanted out of life.?

“I’ve got something even better. How about you and me. The back of your truck? Some tasty food, some nice music, a starlit sky. I’m sure you know a spot where we can be alone together and make it all romantic.” Val suggested. “ And wine, not the cheap kind and I’ll require flowers. Roses preferably,” she then added with a cheeky grin. “I’m sure we can make it work and if you are good, you might even get to second base. How awesome would that be?”?

Leaning in she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, before getting to her feet and taking off her shorts. “Now how about you cool down a bit and come swimming with me. I’ll even race you. Loser buys … “ And off she went, storming towards the ocean.?

It was warm with a nice breeze off the water. The stars were out the moon just coming up on the far side.

Brian had the roses, wine, candles and lazy music on the truck stereo. Tacos, BBQ wings and jalapenos wrapped in bacon were munched accordingly.

He mentioned something about dancing and there they were in the sand jigging and slow moving heads together. He kissed her.

They had more wine than began to sing along with the songs on stereo. In the back of the truck he’d rigged a blow up bed used for camping. It fit in there snug. They both lay on their backs and watched as shooting stars and far off jets streaked across the sky.

Brian nudged her with an elbow, “How did I do. Did I remember everything?”

“You did alright. No complaints so far,” Val couldn’t help but smile. The date had been pretty amazing. Low-key, simple, yet wonderful. Nothing fancy but entirely them, exactly how she preferred things to be.

“I mean we had good food, good company, good music and great company what more could a girl need?” Brian really had gone out to make the evening as fun as possible. Their first date … she was glad they had finally made that plunge. Not to mention that kiss. It had been pretty amazing. Those butterflies in her stomach. Very much present.

Eyes still focussed on the night sky, she reached out and linked her fingers with his. “See, aren’t you glad you asked me out; This is only the first step you know. You are going to fall head over heels in love with me. I’ll make it so that you can’t possibly live without me anymore. You just wait and see.”

Re: Raconteur City: Club Sabbat (Kitty, Cho, Open)

#983

?

(Kitty)

Kitty had her fill and licked the bite Mark's to heal and close them.? She always cleaned up her meals and never killed while feeding. That was just foolish and wasteful.?

After thanking the man and ensuring that he forgot being fee from she headed from behind the curtain. She headed to the bar, "Lissa, where did our boy go?"? The gal smiled, "taking his final break."? With a smile Kitty headed to the roof.?

"Hey, sexy, thought I would come up and see you," she crossed the roof and once in front of him, took hold of the front of his shirt and pulled his face to her's delivering a heated kiss.? She knew that was what he wanted.

(Cho)

He was smoking some of his own homegrown, it didn't smell like regular weed.? I gave off the scent of jasmine, vanilla and a hint of fruit.? It was just enough to mellow him out, for anyone else it would be very strong.? He finished the drink he had been nursing for most of the night. It was what he did.? There was a reason why he was attracted to Kitty and it wasn't just her sexy and lush form.? He knew he had to just be cool, he couldn't push it or to be honest fight it to go away.? They could either just remain friends or push that envelope a bit further.? And like clockwork as if they had some other special connection she was coming through the door and across the roof to him.? He arched an eyebrow as she spoke.??

"Hey gorgeous!"? He smirked in his roguish charm sort of way, but the next thing he knew she had grabbed him by his shirt and kissed him deep and hard.? He lifted her up off the ground, his fingers in her hair in his hand on her ripe behind, his large hand cupping her cheek as his lips met hers and his tongue danced with her own still tasting a hint of blood but he knew she was a vampire but his fingers touched her scalp and yes...he wanted this...with her.? Someone to not have to explain or tell how much of a freak he truly was.

Tag: Kitty

Virus-free.

Re: The Trouble Begins (Katya and Ashton)

#982

Barbara Edmiston via ?<babs_me72=[email protected]>

Thu, Jun 4, 3:36 PM (3 days ago)

?

(Katya)

Katya was right behind him, "yep," she said as she prepared herself for anything by "vamping out" extending her fangs and claws and heightening her senses.

She followed Ashton ensuring to stay quiet as they moved through the building and down the stairs. Nothing but what was happening was on her mind.

(Ashton)

Ashton could both feel her and smell her, they had kissed once he knew her smile almost intimately, her Arrow were taking a break.? Which as saying something, they were close to he and Katya, but neither were immortal, ZsaZsa was but a fledgling witch she was at the beginning of her skills.? To him at least, more complicated spells would require more time and preparation.? She was adept at them but nothing like some of her other coven members.??

He knocked on the door.

When it opened the raven haired woman looked at him, there was some amount of fear in her eyes but mostly recognition.? She stood back a slight frown reached her face as she saw Ashton and the woman he was with.? Just the look of Katya told ZsaZsa? with the physical description of Katya by her looks reminded ZsaZsa of who this might have been.? She didn't ask what they wanted, the fact that he was here and with Katya, enforced the brief precog image she had gotten a couple of days ago, that her own lover was......

"So what can I do you both for?"? She asked closing the door., wasting no time with?pleasantries today? The place was a two bedroom apartment under ground, It was normally well maintained and clean...but not now.? He was almost hurricane hit as ZsaZsa was packing, with Arrow gone she knew the score and whatever had put a bullet in her beau was more than likely coming for her as well and she needed to make herself scarce pretty damned quick.

"Since you look like you are in a hurry.? This is Katya, Katya, ZsaZsa."? He said his woman was still important to him even if they were.having a..tiff about TRUST at the moment. "Who gave you the intel that sent me to the docks last night?"? He asked his own features stoic, which to her he looked normal as his typical grim working demeanor etched upon his dark features made him look almost scary to most..

Tag: Ashton?

_._,_._,_

Virus-free.

Re: Port Vega: Finding Gen. (aka the Russians Strike Back)

#981

开云体育

[Kites]

When Kites noticed Gen looking up at him, his face lit up and his mouth involuntarily smiled.? It seemed like she was trying to look at him, so he brushed her tousled hair out of her face and cupped her cheek, giving it a little rub with his thumb as he turned her towards him.? Her voice still sounded very labored, so when she tried to speak, he listened and without hesitation nodded at her request.

"Okay, hang on...let me see if I can find something," he said, withdrawing his wing.? He was gently extricated himself, pulling the other out from under her, lifting her up and then tucked her back in.? Jumping up to his feet, he scratched his head as he started searching for something food related.? He has checked downstairs but it seemed to be quite bare and the bottom most floor had some visitors of the rodent variety, scattering to the shadows as they disappeared beneath the floor boards.? A few minutes later, he returned with some opened bags of chips and a bottle of water, not having found anything else.? "Here, I found some chips and a bottle of water.? If you'd like, I can prop you up on my knees so you're more elevated or you can lean against me if you feel like you can sit up?? I can feed you a few chips at a time so that you can take it easy..."

"Or...if you can't chew, I can also..um...I can chew it up for you..." he said, turning beet red at the mere idea.? "You know, like how a...um..like how a mother bird feeds her chicks?? Oh God, that probably sounds so unappetizing."? He suddenly regretted saying that, looking away.? Who the hell would want someone to vomit out chewed up food into their mouth?? Ugh, how embarrassing...

(Gen)

Kites left and came back a short time later. At least, it might've been a short time. Gen was having trouble with time. And everything else really.? The winged youth did at least bring her some chips and water though, which she began to devour.? It took so damned long though.? She knew she could eat faster than she was, but everything, even chewing and swallowing, seemed to take forever. But she could feel her body starting to revive as soon as the food reached her stomach.

"More," the androgyne said, reaching for one of the bags of chips.? Kites was talking to her.? It was difficult to eat and listen at the same time. And Kites seemed to be... babbling?? It was hard to make sense of what he was saying. Something about birds and elevators?

"Need more," Gen said when she'd finished the bag of chips.? Her body was telling her things through cravings.? "Need... protein.? Meat.? Think there's some... jerky... somewhere.? Nuts maybe."? Her eyes focused on his for a long moment.? "Kites."? It wasn't a question but a confirmation.? "What're you doing here?"? That was a question. ?

Tag - Kites, open

Re: Raconteur City: The Summoning (Pyp, Kutsuki)

#980

开云体育

[Kutsuki]

"Duly noted," was all that Kutsuki said to Pyp's answer to his second question.? It was disappointing though since it didn't really seem all that different from any other generic, cliched answer that a demon could give.? He was hoping for something a little more interesting, more substantial than the imp's seemingly inherent hate for the place of his birth.? He heavily sighed, crossing his arms again, glaring back at the demon's toothy smile.? "I would've expected a less boring answer from someone as flashy as you, but I guess not all of us can have what we want."? As much as he hated to admit, that especially held true for him, having expected the ruiner of wealth and not this...K-pop idol.

"Very well.? I suppose I can't keep you locked up in there forever, not if I want to make _some_ use of you," Kutsuki said, yawning as he unhooked one hand and lazily waved in the air.? As if a small breeze swept through the room, the candle flames suddenly and violently were pulled to the left and then became extinguished, the only remnant of them ever being lit were the thin, tall columns of smoke that remained.? The invisible barrier that previously held the imp within its confines was now gone, letting the demon roam free should he wished to do so.? At the same time, the room was thrown into total darkness, with the exception of two pairs of glowing eyes - Pyp's and Kutsuki's.? He turned and walked up to the edge of room, stepping over things without a single stumble, using the same hand to flip a switch as a few different lamps came to life.? He wondered if the demon was going to say anything about that.? "You'll have to excuse this lack of propriety here.? Not all of us can snap their fingers and make shit happen."

"Okay, _Pyp_."? Kutsuki stood again in front of the demon.? "I suppose I must satisfy my own curiosity, because who knows when next I will get a straight answer out of you.? What's got your panties into such a twist about Hell?? You'd think your kind would revel in the powers they get from there.? I mean you've got what, the usual powers of immortality, Hellfire, possession...so what gives?? Daddy issues?"

(Pyp)

Pyp blinked in disbelief when the mortal who'd summoned him abruptly terminated the circle magically confining him before choosing the restrictions that would bind him while in the summoners service.? When the room lights came on, he stared at the mortal incredulously.? The demon hesitated, then took a tentative step over the circle's boundary.? Nothing happened.? He took another step, leaving the circle completely.? Still nothing.? He was free.

The flower boy-faced demon smirked and made a show of snapping his fingers in the air and suddenly a large ornately carved chair with luxurious leather upholstery appeared.? "Well, it seems you've not only freed me but are letting me have full freedom of action," he said as he seated himself in the chair he'd summoned.? Another snap of his fingers produced a mahogany side table on which a crystal decanter of Napoleon brandy set on a silver tray, along with two matching crystal snifters.

"I can see that keeping you alive is going to be a lot more work than I've had to deal with in centuries," Pyp said, filling a snifter for himself but leaving the other one empty.? He held it just long enough to warm it with his hands, then brought it to his nose to savor the delicate aroma filling the air, finally taking a sip after a long moment. Clearly relishing the experience, the demon turned his attention back to his summoner. ?

"Why do I want to stay the hell out of Hell?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.? "Because of things like this." He held up his snifter and let the amber liquid slowly swirl about.? "You can't get this stuff in Hell.? Or anything else worth having for that matter.? I mean, Hell's okay if all you want is endless tormenting of the mostly pointless mortal souls who end up there.? But if you want any of the _pleasures_ of the mortal world, well, you're up shit creek.? Quite literally."? He snickered, taking another sip.? "There are literally rivers of shit running through Hell, depending on the circle."

"Hell," Pyp went on, "is _boring_.? There's nothing there to please the senses.? Nobody there to use our powers on either.? I mean, not in any challenging way.? They're damned, after all. And everything gets old, after a while.? I mean, you can only disembowel someone and make them eat their own entrails so many times before it's just a pointless chore."

"The mortal world is where all of the interesting stuff happens.? Not to mention all of the fun stuff."? Draining the last of the brandy in his snifter, he set the glass back on the tray.? "_That_ is why some of us preferring coming here whenever we get the chance.? Those of us with any sense of taste or imagination, anyway."

"Which brings me back to the problem of _you_."? Pyp steepled his fingers and regarded his summoner with a dubious look.? "I need you in order to stay here.? But you keep making mistakes that, quite frankly, are probably going to get you killed. I mean, in all your supposed research, didn't you learn that you're supposed to impose the three restrictions on me _before_ you let me out of the circle?"

Tag - Kutsuki

Re: "Tales from the Mother Lode": Devi (Hybrid Human/Wolf), Ace Inamura (Human), Villia Amalur (chameleon-type), Dale Voit (Human)

#979

开云体育

Devi grinned at Ace then took a sip of her milk. "You know whole milk is the best. That 2 percent is like watered down whiskey." When they moved to the table Devi made sure that Ace would be set for his saki.?
? ?His question about her idea of a master plan made her chuckle. "When have you known me to have a master plan. (took a sip of her milk) As for the vineyard being right there. I have a line on an actual pre WH-42?Valkyrie. If my source is correct it is the actual prototype." She looks at the two and grins.