Bloody Shadows (A World of Darkness based story/thread)

[Forgotten Wolf]

Cheiron Agent****************

The man only yawned slightly when the specimen destroyed the lights but he still needed to take a moment to disengage the interface chip again to be able to easily follow the mage in the dark. His muscles coiled for a second before he launched himself off into pursuit of his quarry, slamming into the wall of Force head on but the wall gave and soon snapped… the thing inside his chest coiling angrily at the magic.

The assortment of varies supernatural muscles and tendons propelled him at inhuman speeds but he needed to regulate his use of them or else he would quickly burn out. When the mage jumped to the top of a building, the agent snarled before metal claws slid out from under his fingernails and used them with the graft muscles to climb the side of the building quickly. He lost the man briefly when he duck out of sight but found him again as he left now carrying a few more items, the chase was quickly starting to tire the agent with the over use of the unnatural grafts. The specimen seemed to be heading to the edge of town oddly enough though.

It was only a short ways into the woods when the agent finally fully caught up with the mage and with a burst of energy surging through his modified body he leapt at him intent on knocking him to the ground. “Stop Running!” He snarled. If anyone were to look upon the agent at that moment they wouldn’t see something completely human as his eyes were solid gold with a design that remind one of a flies eye and metal claws glinting in the moonlight extending from his fingers. He was tired of this chase now and this paycheck was going to get in his pocket one way or another…


Brian & Chris************************************

Brian just sighed a shook his head at the vampire response; he was right he shouldn’t have come it just held things up. Something landed by his feet and he looked up to see another vampire disappear into some shadows. What the heck is up with that guy? Brian looked at the guard and then back at Chris before making a decision. “I’ll let you handle things here Chris… I’ll just get out of everyone’s hair tonight.” He says with slight tone of annoyance before stooping to pick up what looked like a piece of garbage. He turns and walks off, quickly disappearing as the Chameleons are very apt at doing.

Chris waited until Brian had disappeared before speaking again, “While your master’s offer is generous I doubt the werewolves would agree to meeting here. Is your master sure he can speak with me for a few moments to determine a suitable location for such a meeting as well as rules to be followed by both sides?”

Brian didn’t like the looks of the cinema and prepared a couple of his Gifts just incase it turned out to be a trap. He probably should have called for back up but sometimes you need to do things on your own… Hopefully he didn’t just screw himself over… Where was this guy anyway?

[almond]

Azhar made his way to the old cinema a couple of blocks from the Elysium. Though close by, Kindred seldom keep a watch there due to the negligence of it still being in the "safe" area, when he knew very well that it isn't. A Kindred is only safe inside the Elysium. Step one foot outside and it could be a bloodbath for all the Prince and the Primogens cared.

His upkeep of the Obfuscate discipline has helped him in keeping himself unseen when he doesn't want to. He made his way to the cinema slightly before Brian did. The cinema roof was rigged with explosive acid canisters in some areas prior and all Azhar had to do was hit speed dial on his mobile. But the trap wasn't for Brian. Azhar had no need to hurt or even kill the Lupine... for now.

He shifted uncomfortably in the middle of the rooftop while facing the doorway that led to it. He should be here soon. Azhar then proceeded to sit down cross-legged on the cold concrete surface and fished out a thumb drive from the folds of his leather jacket, rubbing it with his fore finger and thumb while waiting for his potential customer to arrive.

"You're going to love this morsel....," Azhar was speaking to no one in particular while he waited for the door to open.

[Aviose]

The guard watched Brian slip off into the shadows, obviously glad the creature had left. He hated not being able to attack werewolves as they approached, but after screwing up a hunt two years back he hadn't any other position. This made him rather irritable, and were it not for his friend who went inside earlier it would truly be hell. He silently wondered what was taking him so long.

The servant listened patiently as Chris again asked for a meeting with Aviose, who never did like being interrupted during his meals. But the man did have a point, so he excused himself and returned to Aviose's dining chamber, making sure to knock and follow his procedure.

"My prince, the werewolf has gone but his escort remains. He respectfully requests an audience, he wishes to discuss where a meeting could take place; fearing the werewolf leaders won't agree to meet here." He said once Aviose turned to him. The prince did not seem happy to be interrupted yet again, but sadly the man did make a point. With a nod, a second place setting was set and the servant returned to the doorway.

"Prince Aviose shall see you now, please follow me."

[eferhilda]

Shey had awoken a few hours later, her natural clock letting her know that the night was wearing on and she needed to get to her apartment in the city to get ready for work in the morning. The City Lords allowed this because they knew she was not interested in their territory, only in maintaining some form of a normal human life. She slowly emerged from the comforting warmth of her pack mates, dreading the loneliness of her apartment but knowing it was a necessary evil. Exiting the den she knew that her guards would follow her because that was their way, they never left her alone until she got to the edge of the woods. She wagged her tail as they came beside her, nuzzling against her shoulder to her chest in greeting. "Lets run!" she sends to them as she stands, stretches then takes off at a dead run.

The wind was blowing through her fur and she felt the same joy she felt when she ran earlier to meet Brian, though this time she had some of her pack mates with her; making it all the more exhilarating. This feeling was short lived as she scented something on the wind, making her skid to a stop. The others followed suit having smelled it too, something human and something not quite human. Nodding to the two they separate as they close in on the scent anger and rage in their eyes at the thought of someone trespassing in their land.

Nearing the edge of her woods Shey threw back her head and howled, her tongue hanging out in the side of her mouth, fangs glinting in the moon light. She leaps into the clearing snarling, hackles raised, eyes intent on the thing that stood over the human. Growling as she circled it she kept a weary eye on it as her other pack mates kept to the shadows, waiting for her signal to attack.

[Forgotten Wolf]

Chris ************************************************** ***

Chris nodded respectfully before entering the premises and following the servant to the prince. Once he is led into the room, Chris speaks to Aviose in a respectful manner. “I’m sorry to have disturbed you Prince Aviose but the times are very trying and I doubt that we would be able to work out the terms of the meeting effectively through your servant.” Chris remains standing unless offered a seat. He remains in his human form because to expose his true nature would either weaken him or possibly insult his host with a glamour (fae magic) saturated show. “Do you have any suggestions or concerns you’d wish to address before we start?”


Brian*************************************

“And what exactly would that be?” Brian’s voice came from over be the old fire escape rather than the doorway. He had chose to use the alternate route instead of the actually stairs because of the strong possibility of it being a trap. His form was somewhat hazy as he used his powers to wrap his body in the Gauntlet (intangible barrier between the spirit realm and mortal realm) for protection.

He takes a few steps towards the vampire, “Your note said you some information on the ‘hunters’ in this city… I hope you’re information is worth the effort and risk I’m taking.” Brian eyes the man with caution and also does a scan of the roof for any other indication of possible trouble.


TFV**************************

All around the city, the men and women of TFV began to vanish from there hunts to go to their appointed meetings scattered around the city though all would be receiving the same transmission. Once the time arrived, the video was sent: “Ok ladies and gents pay attention because you’re going to have a lot to do very soon…”


Cheiron**********************************

((I hope you don’t mind the minor control Scambo. I apologize for this and will leave your character alone for the future.))

The specimen stumbled and fell on a root or something as the agent closed in on him but as the agent was about to decide whether to kill or incapacitate the target a howl broke through the air. His eyes snapped up to see a wolf enter the clearing… no werewolf, its aura was all off. The agent eyed the beast and specimen with his insect like golden eyes, backing away. Dealing with one of them was one thing but two was out of his league with how tired he was from the chase. He looks down at what was going to be his paycheck and almost growls, “Next time.” His eyes returned to a normal look and claws retracted before he turned and ran at speeds impossible for a normal human back towards the city. He wasn’t happy but he will get paid soon… or else the Company might have his ass.

[almond]

Azhar merely looked at the man who climbed up by the fire escape ladder. Risky, seeing as how that's where some of the acidic explosives are. It was lucky that he wasn't too jumpy about pressing the speed dial on his phone to set it off. Though technically he didn't need to breath, he let out a deep sigh anyway and looked at the Lupine.

"An entrance is there by invitation because it is safe Shah. You were lucky not to be doused in acid by using that entrance. Come, sit," Azhar motioned to the spot right across him in the middle of the roof while giving Brian a small smile.

"And trust me, Shah Brian, I'm at more risk and at the mercy in your hands than you are in mine. I do not possess your immense strength nor ferocity. I invite you to sit before me because I would not have the chance to do anything to betray you if you decide to change and rip me limb from limb. Besides, it is safer than standing near the acid explosives that I have in mind for.... unexpected guests," Azhar waved the thumb drive in his hand and motioned for Brian to sit crosslegged opposite him on the rooftop again.

"Even the winds have ears if we are to converse orally in the open Shah Brian. Come, let us be civilized," Azhar fished out two eeePc's from his sports bag and placed one in front of him while he opens his own. Verbal conversations are risky, so they would have to chat via his means for both their security. It would be safer as well that if Brian had lied and brought any of his comrades, there's no guarantees that they will be betrayed by those that he trusted.

"It's a personal channel and network of mine. Not even a Nosferatu could break in. It's safer this way."

[Scambo]

Jack was sprinting through the tangle of brush and trees, hurling blasts of force back at his pursuer to no avail, flickering golden eyes somehow tracking the magic and guiding his body in unnatural twists and curves to avoid them. He was moving fast, faster than any human he had ever seen before. A clearing stretched ahead, and he had an idea. He would make his stand in the clearing, where he could have a clear view of the other. He twisted, one hand coming up, level with his oncoming assailant, but the ground beneath his feet seemed to give way and he slammed into the ground. The spell, only begun before the fall dissipated uselessly. On his back and vulnerable, he could only watch as his pursuer closed the small distance between them. The silver claws shone lethally in the glinting moonlight as he inched closer, enjoying the last seconds of his prey's life. A loud snap of twigs and resulting snarl shattered the tension. Glancing up from his prone position, he saw her emerge from the tree-line, mouth retracted in a snarl revealing all of the dagger-sharp teeth. His attacker froze, glaring first at the were-wolf then at himself.
"Next time." With that, the enigmatic assassin ran off, a blur of superhuman speed. Looking at his rescuer, he noticed that she was still snarling, her piercing yellow gaze focused on himself.

"Calm yourself, I forgot my rolled up newspaper and spray bottle and as you can see, I'm out of mana." He started to rise, but low growls echoed from the darkness of the trees.
"On second thought, that bruise on my ass isn't that bad. Now listen Shey, as much as I know you'd love to use me as a chew toy, I'm only here to talk and hide out for a few days. Don't worry about your 'territory' I've got a spot. Now, if you want to disembowel me than get on with it, if not there are some serious problems facing the supernaturals, that....thing being the least of it. Well?" He leaned back, hoping she would see reason and knowing full well what would happen if she didn't.

[eferhilda]

Shey watched as the thing left her woods, *After it!* she snarls to the two wolves in the woods who take off after the creature that befouled her woods. Though she had not bit the creature it still left a nasty taste in her mouth, once they were alone she focused on Jack and could not help but wag her tail at his comment as she shifted to her human form. "Why do you always bring trouble when you come to visit me?" she laughs as she goes to him holding at a hand to help him up.

"The newspaper would work, but the spray bottle is more of a cat thing." she smirks as she looks him over, "You do look like you have had a rough night. Whatever that thing was it sure as hell ran you down like some stray dog." she said as she over dramatized a grimace at his appearance before arching an eyebrow. "Well you caught me as I was about to head to my apartment for the night. As for this new threat, I already know of it been briefed on it and are taking steps to combat it. Though new information is always appreciated and welcomed." she said in a matter fact tone, sighing she ran her fingers through her hair in that tired habit of hers.

She starts to walk deeper into the woods indicating that he should follow, "Lets talk while I head back to the pack to let them know we will be having a guest in our woods for a few days, so that no one tries to eat you or anything." she teases him though that was a very serious possibility. "You know I am curious as to how you will be hiding in my territory in your own 'spot'...." she give him a side ways glance, "I did not know that you even had a spot in my territory. I'm not sure if I should be furious or impressed that you were able to obtain such a spot without my knowing it." she huffs to him as she continues to lead the way into the woods.

[Aviose]

Chris nodded respectfully before entering the premises and following the servant to the prince. Once he is led into the room, Chris speaks to Aviose in a respectful manner. “I’m sorry to have disturbed you Prince Aviose but the times are very trying and I doubt that we would be able to work out the terms of the meeting effectively through your servant.” Chris remains standing unless offered a seat. He remains in his human form because to expose his true nature would either weaken him or possibly insult his host with a glamour (fae magic) saturated show. “Do you have any suggestions or concerns you’d wish to address before we start?”

Aviose motioned for Chris to take a seat, a plate of steak already being placed before him. He was glad that Chris was respectful, for sadly that was a trait that many of his servants were forgetting as of late.

"My chief concern is of course the new human threat, of which I'm sure you are aware. I received an interesting report from one of my more loyal soldiers that they are targeting all forms of the supernatural, which puts us all in a unique position." He said, before taking another bite of his meal, his steak rare of course. "My first instinct was to go into hiding while they assault the werewolves, allowing us to gain information. But, the fact that they wish to meet with me brings a new element, a risky one. I don't trust those dogs to keep their word, and I'm sure they feel the same." He commented, finishing the last of his meal and pushing the plate away.

"Normally, I would send an envoy to meet with the pack leaders to arrange a suitable meeting place, but time is a precious resource we can't afford to waste. Azhar can usually give me information on all my foes, but even he is having difficulty gathering intelligence on the human group. That means we can only study them when they move, and if they move against us, we shall be weakened. Make no mistake of our victory should that happen, but the werewolves would surely launch their own attack before we could recover fully. Now, with this weighing on your mind, what options could you give me to resolve this matter?" He concluded, reaching forward to take a wine glass of blood from the table and taking a sip.

[Scambo]

He smiled as he took her hand and stood.
"Hey, not my fault things enjoy trying to kill me." He said smirking. It felt good to be out of the city, away from the bright lights and loud noises and into the calming and serene forest. He laughed at her teasing.

"Well they'd have a fun time of it; I'm pretty high in cholesterol. And I wouldn't worry about my spot. Its a little....gift..I got from the Arrows way back when. Even I don't know where the hell it is half the time." The joke masked his surprise; he had figured she had found it years ago but lost interest when the Arrows had left it. As the two walked across the clearing he sighed deeply.

"The city just isn't safe anymore. I've been investigating professionally ever since I got back from the Arrows and things have gotten a lot worse since then. It used to be just a husband or a wife thinking their loved one was cheating and now, its looking for 'runaway' kids or missing people and the suck heads are only a small part of it." He related the story of the burning building and the children and the pursuit by the strange creature.
'As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. But what scares me most about the situation, is that whatever that thing was, it was able to tell I was a super just by looking at me. Our greatest defense has always been our power to remain unseen, myths in our own time. And something tells me that wasn't the last we'll be seeing of him or his kind." He looked at Shey as they picked their way through the thick woods, observing the play of the pale moonlight off of her features. It had been almost a year since he had seen her but she still looked as good as she had then. He stopped himself then, shaking his head and chastising himself for thinking it. Less than five minutes ago I was on the ground almost dead and now, I'm thinking of pick-up lines for a werewolf. Guess men will always be men. He trudged on through the forest, trying in vain to divert his thoughts elsewhere.