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

[Nebb]

Ari'eil watched in anticipation as the proceedings began, a knot started to form in the center of her being. She brushed it off as anxiety since she'd never been allowed to attend such pleasantries whilst in service of the Order. The reason for this wasn't as much to do with her being a social outcast, as it was the fact that rumours soon followed her once she stayed in one place for too long. When one specialized in killing one's own kind, it wasn't a skill you wanted other kindred to know about.

The Ordo Dracul made use of the Azerkatil only when in dire need, and usually as a last resort. These matters were usually of utmost importance to the ruling Prince in maintaining the law and order over the area he controlled. Even though their true skill lay in disposing of kindred, their vampire destroying abilities happened to also be just as effect against Lycan’s and Mages too, which meant their services were almost always in demand somewhere or other. This usually meant that the Ordo Dracul usually enjoyed a certain amount of favour from the ruling Prince, even if it was entirely unspoken. The Order never abused such favours either, but now and then they did ask for a small token of gratitude in return. These tokens were well in the power of the Prince to give and usually entailed the right to own a newly located Wyrm's nest, something most Princes, and many others, cared little for.

Ari'eil watched as various kindred stepped forward and explained their reason for wanting to rule Solace. Their speeches were grand and Ari'eil was impressed with the way words seemed to flow off their lips, much like the newcomer. But where Malachi's suave manner seemed to hint at real power, their words seemed to lack substance and strength. Sitting in a nook in the outer wall, swinging her legs back and forth in a "I'm bored with the world" manner, a passing glance from Master Loren almost made Ari'eil jump. When it was Malachi's turn to talk, she breathed out a sigh of relief. "This will be fun. Malachi would make them squirm and dance for sure!" she thought to herself. But Malachi had other plans. The feeling in the pit of her stomach returned again, this time stronger, but it wasn't until Malachi uttered the fact that he had a "gut feeling" about someone still needing to appear, that she knew what that feeling in the pit of her being meant. Her beast was waiting in anticipation, as if it knew something she didn't. But it didn't struggle. As Enoch appeared, mixed emotions surfaced in her mind: "That's why I never felt threatened...why I never reacted... I was told you were dead.... " She gave Master Loren a hard stare, but the man's face remained blank. Either he always knew Enoch was alive, or he did a good job of hiding his surprise. Neither would surprise her.

"Where is Memnoch?" She wondered. "He must be outside, formalities such as these, bored him as much as it did me." She paid little attention to what the Prince was saying, thinking only about a chance to speak to Memnoch again. Even though their first meeting hadn't faired well, she felt a strange affection towards him. Maybe it was because, like her, he felt that combat was the only true test of another, or oneself for that matter. She was deep in thought when Enoch told his audience that Memnoch has been killed, and the sudden realization resulted in an audible cry escaping her throat. It was soft, but it was there. A touch of sadness overcame her. “To dance the dance, and brush 'gainst death.” she thought to herself reciting a poem she once heard.

In a somber mood now Ari’eil watched as Malachi introduced himself and noted the reaction by the Elders as the Prince asked advice from the newcomer, rather than his own Council members. Malachi winked at her as he made his speech to the Prince, and she couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face. Nobody could deny that fact he could charm the pants off pretty much anyone, once he put his mind to; even the Prince seemed taken with him. "They are a lot a like, the Prince and Malachi and perhaps that was what the Council fears; for together they would not need the Council."

Malachi continued to talk about empires and dynasties, but only once he mentioned guerrilla tactics did she look up, then quickly averted her eyes to the ground as he looked in her direction. Ari'eil watched as those who voiced there objections in the newcomer and distrust, were gathered and forced onto submission. As the spectacle unfolded, the little that remained of the smile on her face, faded. As two of the Prince's guards headed towards Master Loren, Ari'eil instinctively rose poised for action. But Malachi shot her a look that told her that any action now would not prudent. It took all of her will to control herself as she watched a mass of guards gather the Council members and place them with the others. The Ordo Dracul’s Elder was not spared. Master Loren diverted his eyes downwards towards the symbol of the dragon beneath his feet and placed two of his rings onto the symbol and shot Ari’eil a quick look. He offered no resistance as the guards ushered him out. His peers were kicking and screaming as they were dragged off. The display of control by the Order Master was unsettling. Conflicted Ari'eil could only stand there watching. “I am no strategist, but is this the best way...”

Ari'eil alone remained standing; it seemed the Prince had no reason to dispose of her yet. Malachi's attempted to persuade the Prince that she remain his guide, fell on deaf ears. Thankful to Malachi as she was, she knew the Prince would have a use for her, especially now since there would be bitterness about todays events and the inevitable retaliation would need quelling. The fact that Memnoch was no longer around would mean the Prince would need watch his back more often than not. For a moment a feeling of uncertainty overcame her as she wondered what kind of suicide mission the Prince might throw her into. She fingered the tip of the blade Memnoch had handed her, a gift from the Prince, and it dawned on her that a man like Memnoch would not blindly follow just anyone. That realization was almost immediately followed by another. Memnoch had been more important that she initially understood. He would be sorely missed and Ari’eil understood why Enoch was upset.

"Why wouldn't he be upset! Every vampire in the city should be revolted that the Prince's most trusted bodyguard, companion and one of the city's most powerful vampires, was slain by mere humans. Since when do hunters get killed by their food. It disturbs the natural balance of things. The Prince was right, things have to change..." A smile again appeared on her face as she knew that right there and then, change was taking place... and she was in the thick of it. Closing her eyes, the sounds of screams and despair filled the room and the words of her Sire came crashing back: "Hunt the hunter. Kill the killer." These mortals were stepping into her territory, and if they got the slip on a man like Memnoch, she'd have to use every ounce of her skill to ensure that they were the one's who met their maker.

"Find something to do."

The Prince left the room with Malachi following in close suit. Ari'eil headed towards where Master Loren had left two blue gem rings. Picking it up, she made out both the ring designs; a scarab and the eye of Ra. These rings were the meant only for the leader of the Order. Pocketing them, she headed straight out the door and for the Order. Making sure she wasn’t followed, she waited in the alleyway until she was approached. It was another Order member , not an Elder, but definitely one she knew was progressing up the ladder. She removed the rings from a small silk pouch and handed them to the kindred. He replied somberly, the emotion evident in his voice: “I’ll notify the Order.” As he was about to turn to leave, Ari'eil stopped him: “I need access to the crucible."

A look of anger crossed his face, but almost immediately it was replaced with a look of sadness again: “I guess there is no reason you cannot. I will arrange for someone to guide you.”

“Thank you.” She bowed slightly.

[Nebb]

Charlie Kovac watched at how easily Agent Ty seemed to handle his newly acquired Bullpup. Lifting up his own MP5 from the table, the metal grip felt foreign in his hands. Picking up a magazine, he flicked the switch to position ‘0’ and clipped the cartridge into the receiving chamber, staring at it for a moment. “Something was not…”

Subconsciously and almost without thinking, he locked the cocking handle into the special slot in the rear position, leaving the bolt in the open position and no cartridge in the chamber, and turned the safety off. His training told him that in order for the MP5 to fire, all he needed to do was simply release the cocking handle from its notch and pull the trigger. The major advantage of the bolt being in this position was that it allowed the MP5 larger amounts of sustained fire, without the issues like the barrel overheating and the resulting cook-off problems. The only thing that was sacrificed was improved accuracy over medium to long distances. Charlie grabbed another two extra clips, as a grin formed on his face: “They sure do train us to do this kind of stuff in our sleep…” he thought to himself as he fitted a cartridge to the chamber, shouldered the MP5 and kitted up.

As Ty took what looked like short sword off a hook on the wall Charlie immediately sensed something important about the blade. He could see strands of Prime weaved into the sword and the runes seemed to slide over the blade. To anyone else, it just looked like a normal short sword. “Hmmm…”

Charlie followed the Lieutenant to the northern section of the compound, and he did so lugging a rucksack, a MP5, a side arm, various flash bangs and grenades, and an array of other equipment, through various passageways. It dawned on him that he must look like an idiot and that if he had to lug all this equipment into a close quarters combat environment, that it would severely hamper his ability to get up close and personal. The passageways were narrow, and the windows closed, so it was no surprise that it was incredibly hot and humid there. It made sense that the windows and doors were rarely opened, but with the sweat was already running down his back, his suit damp and the heat from the added balaclava, his combat goggles were starting to fog up.

“All this armour, all this equipment! How is a man supposed to move like a fighter when his covered in all this crap?” The thought made Charlie come to a dead stop. In his frustration and heat, something dawned on him: “Why was moving like a fighter so important to me…?” He played the thought over in his mind for a moment, but there was no revelation. “Pull your shit together man.” he told himself. He picked up the pace and caught up to the Lieutenant. As they neared the northern part of the building the hairs on the back of Charlie’s neck stood on end. Again he sensed the flow of Prime, but this time he couldn’t pinpoint its location.

“Lieutenant, I’m picking up some kind of reading. I believe it may be class-M ENE related activity. It’s not a threat, but a signature of sorts, perhaps from having done something in this area. Let me take the lead.”

[SeditiousAmbitions]

Malachi did not react as Enoch picked through what he knew about Malachi. It was all true but at the same time, very little as far as information went. He pondered the question. Cleansing would be an easy task as he had no real ties to any of the Kindred in this city so there would be no personal interferences. However, he was extremely curious about what sort of activity the other factions were up to.

After carefully considering his words, Malachi answered his Prince. “M’lord, I feel very strongly that I should head up your housekeeping operation. I have no personal ties and am powerful enough to confront any betrayers.” The enjoyment in his voice was obvious. Malachi had a sweet tooth for weak vampires. He never feed from them for nourishment, but it was degrading for a vampire to be bled out by a fellow member of the night. “As far as your reconnaissance missions, I would definitely like to participate, but I am not an expert at such things so only small tasks in that respect.”

Malachi moved away from the painting and walked around looking at the books and collecting the titles off of the bindings. He made note a few he would like to read once he got the chance. He pivoted and faced Enoch. Truly, the two of them would frighten or rather, should frighten just about anyone and everyone.

[braioch8201]

Enoch's eyes swept over his face, reading every little emotion and nuance that flitted past. He was sure the Vampire would more than likely enjoy it, perhaps a little more than he should. His abilities were not under suspicion, then again he knew that Malachi wouldn't care a bit if his loyalty was under question, probably expected it in all reality. Enoch turned from the Vampire, his eyes seeming to scan the titles that lay out in front of him.

He turned and stared at Malachi, the resemblance in some ways, personality wise, were a little uncanny. Sure he was a little more stable, but malicious, eager for a fight, causing chaos here and there. That was all there, and it seemed to begrudge Enoch to this immortal. He sighed and turned about again, and grabbed a book, an older book, covered in red.

He held the book up, "The Art of War...brilliant book, even though it was written by mortals, sometimes they get something right."

He regarded the other Vampire for a moment, "very well, when I've orchestrated enough of a team together, you will be called. In the meantime you will stay by me, I will be needing to make sure you're dependable after all, keep your friends close after all..."

He let the sentence trail off as he leaned over and pushed the intercom button, "send in Ari'eil, immediately."

[Nebb]

Leaving the Order with a bejeweled sword wrapped in a sheet, Ari'eil headed back to the mining shaft where the events of the evening had unfolded. Exiting the elevator, one of Enoch's guards tried to grab her by the arm. Tried and failed. Instead Ari'eil's hand shot out, twisting the burly man's hand into a submissive lock. She then took a moment to decide his fate. The evenings events had effected her abilities, much the same way adrenalin effected a human, and tonight her senses were sharper than ever.

Realizing the inappropriateness of the situation, Ari'eil quickly released her hold on the guard. Taking a step back she tried not to look the kindred in the eye; provoking his beast now would not be difficult. "I'm sorry. It seems all this evenings proceedings has left me... edgy."

The vampire stared her down as he spat out his message: "The Prince is expecting you." She nodded, again not making eye contact.

"Enoch back from the dead. Memnoch's demise setting off a chain of events that has left all the council members dead. The Ordo Dracul's Order Master slaughtered like an insignificant animal." Thoughts raced through Ari'eil's mind as she entered the room where Enoch and Malachi stood waiting. Giving a slight bow, she slid back the shawl that covered her head, neck and shoulders.

Having heard of the attack in the sewers under the Mage's quarters, Ari'eil had snuck into the sewers, not even an hour after the attack, to find some proof of the Prince's demise. The only thing she had found however, was an bejeweled ornamental sword, lying in a foot of feces and water. It was the same sword Enoch had taken with to his meeting with the mages, the same one that he had possessed the first time she had met him. Having found little else to go on, she returned to her Order Master who explained to her that with complete certainty that Enoch had been killed. The kindred community had also accepted the word of the elders, especially since there was no evidence to the contrary.

Removing the sword from underneath her shawl, she held it out to Enoch. She allowed the sheet that covered the blade to slide off, revealing a bedazzling array of gems encrusted on the hilt.

"My Prince."

[braioch8201]

Enoch eyed the blade in her hand, his pulse quickened, memories rushing to his mind, but then like smoke, were gone. He blinked and took the sword carefully, holding it up high in front of him. His eyes trailed the shining blade, eyes falling on the glittering jewels in the hilt. The blade had been unharmed by anything down there, and he suspected it had been cleaned. His eyes flickered over to Ari'eil, watching her carefully for a moment. He wondered how she managed to come acrossed it, and it occured to him that she may very be the one who brought evidence to the council of his demise.

He sat the blade down on the desk in front of him carefully, pausing for a moment, "I understand your position, if I am to remember correctly, you were very close with one of the council members. I loathe what had to be, but it was necessary nonetheless. This isn't a time for questioning or discussion, we are at war and complete obedience is the new necessity."

He sat down, his cold eyes locked on Ari'eil, "if I may be so bold, you besides myself are the only ones who would even remotely mourn the death of Memnoch. While he will have meant more to me than to you in many ways, mourning is mourning, and I respect that. If I dare so it, I even crave, need even, the knowledge of another being who feels even the remotest sorrow over that loss."

His finger traced the blade in front of him, taking a moment to consider his next words before speaking, "nevertheless, there is work to be done here, and you're needed as well. You know much about this city, many nooks and crannies, the inner workings of this place, it is your skill after all, to obtain knowledge. Which is exactly what I am in need of. You see I need to know not only what the humans who oppose us all are doing, but what the others, the Mages and Lycans are up too. Their incompetence and futile fighting and strife has cost us all far too much. So I am taking the time to put together a team that will deal with gaining this knowledge, from the shadows of course, but if there are other ways, than that it is to be done as well."

Another flicker of the eyes, "so...what do you have to say in all of this? Be honest and forward."

[Scambo]

Ty scanned the dark streets slowly, the luminescent green of the NOD's giving the scene an alien appearance as opposed to the opaque night. There was movement down the street, swift and almost imperceptible, a feat no human would be able to manage. With a swift thumb, he set the safety to the 'off' position and fanned out with the long barrel of the Bullpup. He slowly reached up and toggled the switch on his goggles to the thermal vision setting and crept forward, surrounded by dull blue walls and red-orange lights beneath the heat sensor. Suddenly, his vision was dominated by a heaving figure, one radiating heat and clogging his vision with its hot breath. A sudden blow sent him hurtling back, gun battered from his grip and pain lancing across his body in waves from where the blow had landed.

He rose slowly, his body battered but otherwise unharmed, the world flickered from luminescent green, to thermal, to off and back again, all settings dimmed significantly by one of the goggles being shattered. He peeled off the now useless NODs and tossed them aside, feeling fresh air touch his eyes, and sweat cool as he threw the broken helmet they were attached to away as well. He pushed off the wall he leaned up against and scanned the night for whatever had hit him. His partner was nowhere to be seen. Rushing forward, his naked eyes blinded by the veil of darkness that came with the disappearance of the sun. He spotted his attacker and charged forward, energies provided to him by his implants coursing through him.

He lunged at the beast, imbued with power and looking to end the fight. He crashed into the creature's midsection, dragging it down and slamming it hard into the concrete. There was something......familiar.... about the feel of its fur, the softness of its skin..........pictures battled for supremacy and he was stunned by they're swiftness and vividness. He forced the images down and pushed back against the now surging beast, staring into its brown eyes and feeling that same sense of familiarity from before.

Can't....get distracted.....or else.....

[eferhilda]

Snapping jaws and a snarl tried to get at the being that now held her pinned to the floor, her rage clouding her judgment and hindering her actions as she struggled with the surprising strong foe. It was slow with her rage but soon a scent that she would never be able to forget assaulted her senses, making her stop struggling as she forced herself to focus where the scent was coming from. Now that the humans helmet was gone she could clearly see his face and most importantly his eyes....those blue eyes that use to stare lovingly down at her as they laid together within the comfort of her den or the warmth of his bed. Those blue eyes that she yearned for when she was away from them and had the ability to make her relax calming her inner beast when she was upset. It was those blue eyes that she was looking into right now as she laid there pinned beneath the human.... “Jack....” she spoke it softly.

Shey stopped struggling as she just held him at bay for the most part as she allowed her body to shift back to her human form, “Jack....Jack its Sheyera.... its me Shey.” she said her voice breaking a bit from the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her as she stared up into the eyes of her mate and saw no recognition there. The man that she loved with all her heart and soul he did not know her and was in fact trying to kill her, silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she slowly began to lose the will to fight, the will to live.

If she did not have Jack nothing else would really matter and well it was better to die at his hands then to die alone without him. “I love you Jack, even though you may not know who I am anymore or who we were to one another I still love you and will love you forever.” she said softly to him as she closed her eyes and allowed her body to relax completely hoping that he would at least end her fast so that she did not have to suffer for too long in this world without him a moment longer.

[eferhilda]

Snapping jaws and a snarl tried to get at the being that now held her pinned to the floor, her rage clouding her judgment and hindering her actions as she struggled with the surprising strong foe. It was slow with her rage but soon a scent that she would never be able to forget assaulted her senses, making her stop struggling as she forced herself to focus where the scent was coming from. Now that the humans helmet was gone she could clearly see his face and most importantly his eyes....those blue eyes that use to stare lovingly down at her as they laid together within the comfort of her den or the warmth of his bed. Those blue eyes that she yearned for when she was away from them and had the ability to make her relax calming her inner beast when she was upset. It was those blue eyes that she was looking into right now as she laid there pinned beneath the human.... “Jack....” she spoke it softly.

Shey stopped struggling as she just held him at bay for the most part as she allowed her body to shift back to her human form, “Jack....Jack its Sheyera.... its me Shey.” she said her voice breaking a bit from the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her as she stared up into the eyes of her mate and saw no recognition there. The man that she loved with all her heart and soul he did not know her and was in fact trying to kill her, silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she slowly began to lose the will to fight, the will to live.

If she did not have Jack nothing else would really matter and well it was better to die at his hands then to die alone without him. “I love you Jack, even though you may not know who I am anymore or who we were to one another I still love you and will love you forever.” she said softly to him as she closed her eyes and allowed her body to relax completely hoping that he would at least end her fast so that she did not have to suffer for too long in this world without him a moment longer.