[IC] The Protectors

[Jones Sparrow]

"You don't need one... but you're always coming trying to ask me something." Ben said back with a small smile on his face. When Chris asked about getting a more dangerous job, Ben shook his head. "We've been through this. Once you're done learning all you need to know, you'll get to be a full time protector, and have shifts. Just because you got the guns to fight 'em, doesn't mean that you're ready to go against them." Ben said. he wasn't being rude or insulting him about it, he was just being cautious. Benjamin Ford has lost a lot of good people in his life. he didn't know whether he was lucky that he lived this long, or cursed to see so many die under his command.

he knew Zach was coming. He was too old to tell him what to do. And as for Chris, he hesitated again, then slowly nodded. "Alright. You can come. But you do what I say... you have permission to ignore Zach." He said, opening the door, letting the two younger men walk out before he closed his door. The walk was peaceful, the mountain wildlife filling the air, and the sun shined through the branches. Some of the town was out and about, some looking at Nate's. He could already hear people saying "Isn't it weird how this is the fourth bear attack this month?" but he didn't care. As long as they didn't know exactly, and didn't let their curiosity walk them to the forest.

As he passed many people would greet Ben with small talk. Ben was very liked in this town, even though he had two very strict rules. He would tip his hat, politely respond, and go on his way. His routine for today will be to go see the incident at the hotel, then check on the local stores to make sure the people and businesses were alright.

"So lessons will start at the Head Quarters once we're done with this thing..." he told Chris. Since he really didn't have a job at the moment, his life was dedicated to learn things about vampires. "Remember. Those fairy tale descriptions aren't true. They blend in with us most of the time, but their actual appearance is much more frightening than Dracula." he told Chris. He assumed he gave Zach the same speech, and it wouldn't be until he faced his first one that he would truly understand what that meant.

As they got towards the hotel Ben talked very quietly. "Stay as quiet as possible. They pick up on the slightest sound... good think I showered. It'll take some of the stench off." He said the last part even quieter. The younger vampires had more strong senses. To young ones, he would absolutely reek because of the killings. but with vampires like them, he probably won't be noticed all that much. It will be his footsteps that give him away.

He opened the door to the inn, that should be suspicious. The innkeep was right there. "Oh Sheriff! I heard the sound of shattering glass a while ago before the sun came up, and muffled noises... I know how they can get when caught off guard, so I reported it instead of trying to resolve it myself... The room belongs to a pale woman, didn't give a name, but Nancy" The old woman who took the night shift. "Said she gave her a 100 dollar bill..."

So a new vampire came in to town. That was obvious. going to the hotel and buying a room was a clear sign of that. And the vampires who caused harmless mischief around the town usually made themselves known. If Craig didn't know about this one, she had to be new. "Thanks, Craig. I'm sure they aren't out to break your stuff. I'll clear them out if they aren't willing to cooperate." Ben said with a nod. Craig knew about vampires long ago thanks to his father. He worked for the Protectors, and like most, died while fighting. Ben, Zach, and Chris all made their way up the stairs as quietly as possible, Ben never stopping, just slowing down if he thought he was making too much noise. he reached the door, listening to the voices. Two female, and a male. The male one sounded very familiar, he knew that they weren't plotting to kill or terrorize. It was simply valis being Valis.

He knocked on the door. "Sheriff's department." He said loudly. "I know its you in there Valis, and you also know that I'm not here to hurt any of you, if you run I will find you, and that I'm just here to make sure everything it alright... I understand a woman purchased the room last night with a large sum of money? May I please come in?" He asked. he didn't know if they all bolted out the window, or were listening to Ben. he would find them and arrest them eventually. but unlike the newer Protectors, he preferred to talk than to just come in and start accusing the vampires.

[Lily Kierstrider]

"My name's Adeline. Is this your friend? Boyfriend? No? Yeah, I thought so. Anyway, he broke my window. And he entered my room without permission. I think we should totally send him off to the hunters."

Florence flushed at Adeline’s initial guess that the talkative vampire was her boyfriend of all things. She was about to open her mouth in protest, but the other girl brushed over the comment as if it were a joke. Florence relaxed a little. Somehow she wasn’t surprised to hear that the male had broken into the hotel room. He’d already proven himself to be reckless with his earlier shouting. She shook her head, a small smile forming on her lips when Adeline sarcastically mentioned throwing him to the Protectors. Despite her resolution to avoid other vampires, Florence was beginning to like this girl. She realized Chatty was talking again and looked over at him.

"…I'm just seeing how you are....I haven't seen you in a long time, well I think so at least. I just want to know how you are, since I'm the friendly neighborhood vampire and such." He shifted his attention to Adeline. "In this town there called Protectors, I know it's stupid but that's what they are called... but you can call them whatever you want...You sure ramble on a lot don't you...Adeline?" Yeah, you’re one to talk, Florence thought, listening to his seemingly endless banter. "But seriously, this place gets boring after a while, is it too much that I want to know how my neighbors are doing?"

“You keep acting like you know me,” Florence said slowly, after a moment’s pause. “But I don’t remember ever meeting you. So how, exactly, do you know my name in the first place?” She knew it was an awkward question – especially if they had met in the past – but she couldn’t stand it any longer. She didn’t even know his name, but he talked to her like they were old friends. Maybe that was just his personality, but still, that didn’t explain how he knew her name.

“May I come in?” Florence asked Adeline politely, shooting Chatty a sideways glance. She might not be very socially adept, but at least she had the manners not to break into someone’s hotel room. “It’s a little chilly out here in the tree.” She was about to move to come in, when a new, gruff voice startled her.

"Sheriff's department. I know it’s you in there Valis, and you also know that I'm not here to hurt any of you, if you run I will find you, and that I'm just here to make sure everything it alright... I understand a woman purchased the room last night with a large sum of money? May I please come in?"

Florence didn’t have to be told that the voice belonged to a Protector, and his close proximity betrayed the scent of blood on him. He was obviously a strong one. She shuddered. He said that if any of them tried to run he would find them, so fleeing was out of the question. Perhaps this forceful situation was her ticket to an ID. That thought gave her a flicker of hope, and she forced her shaky legs to move her from the tree to the room.

She hoped neither of the other vampires would screw this up.

---

"Alright. You can come. But you do what I say... you have permission to ignore Zach."

"Wow, I am shocked; shocked!" Zach made a hurt gesture. "After all the McDonald's I've brought you through the years, this is how you repay me?"

Zach followed Ben and Chris out of the cabin, only half-listening to the verbal lessons the senior protector was giving. He'd already heard the same things multiple times, and had them memorized by heart. He was curious why Ben was planning to approach this situation unarmed, though. Zach himself felt a little uneasy about facing the vampires without his cutlass at the very least. Well, he wasn't totally unarmed. There was always the pocket knife he kept with him if things went wrong. He trailed after Ben and Chris as they entered the hotel. The innkeeper spotted them right away.

"Oh Sheriff! I heard the sound of shattering glass a while ago before the sun came up, and muffled noises... I know how they can get when caught off guard, so I reported it instead of trying to resolve it myself... The room belongs to a pale woman, didn't give a name, but Nancy said she gave her a 100 dollar bill..."

Zach tilted his head in thought. These vampires obviously weren't trying to hide their presence with such reckless behavior as smashing windows. He also highly doubted that they were ID'd. Either they didn't know about the Protectors, or they didn't care. He walked silently up the stairs after Ben, matching the other's slow pace. At the door, Zach heard the muffled tones of three vampires: two female and a male. He really wished he brought a bigger weapon than his dinky little pocket knife. Ben, forever the peacemaker, shouted to the vampires through the door.

"Sheriff's department. I know its you in there Valis, and you also know that I'm not here to hurt any of you, if you run I will find you, and that I'm just here to make sure everything it alright... I understand a woman purchased the room last night with a large sum of money? May I please come in?"

So obviously Ben was familiar with one of the vampires already. That in itself was probably a good thing. Zach didn't let his guard down though, not around those blood-suckers. After what happened to his parents, he had a very hard time trusting anything that called itself a vampire. He stood motionless, waiting for a reply from inside the room.

[Plightz]

"Alright. You can come. But you do what I say... you have permission to ignore Zach."

Pumping his hands in the air, he loudly said "YES" and chuckled at the small joke Ben made. "Wow, I am shocked; shocked! After all the McDonald's I've brought you through the years, this is how you repay me?" Chris smirked at Zach and Bens relationship, it was mostly out of trust which made him a bit happy inside.

"Isn't it weird how this is the fourth bear attack this month?" said a random passerby to a man close to him "I thought this would happen, but as long as they don't get hurt by them it's fine" Chris thought to himself, "So lessons will start at the Head Quarters once we're done with this thing..." Broke Chris' thought process, groaning and then saying "Alright alright." he replied to Ben, also noticing that Zach was barely listening and looked out of it. As they approached the inn, Chris felt his heart beat harder with anticipation "So I am finally gonna see a few vampires up close! But what about protection, I didn't bring anything." he thought to himself.

"Oh Sheriff! I heard the sound of shattering glass a while ago before the sun came up, and muffled noises... I know how they can get when caught off guard, so I reported it instead of trying to resolve it myself... The room belongs to a pale woman, didn't give a name, but Nancy said she gave her a 100 dollar bill..."

Chris thought this was weird, did these vampires intentionally bring attention to themselves? Why would they break windows here? Then hearing shuffling above stairs he followed closely behind Zach and Ben, noticing that Zach gripped something in his pockets. "He really doesn't trust vampires does he?" Chris though. Nearing the door, ben shouted;

"Sheriff's department. I know its you in there Valis, and you also know that I'm not here to hurt any of you, if you run I will find you, and that I'm just here to make sure everything it alright... I understand a woman purchased the room last night with a large sum of money? May I please come in?"

Then the shuffling and the talking stopped behind the door, did they run? Probably not when they heard what Ben said, but are they even going to open the door? His heart beating ever harder, finally getting to see a 'vampire'.

[Rithas]

Valis sighed and looked at Florence, "You've truely hurt my feelings, I may now cry in a corner...If you wanna know why I know-" Valis stopped talking and turned around, "I hear....." Valis tiled his head questionably as he stayed silent. It didn't take long till his good old friend Ben started to talk.

"I know its you in there Valis, and you also know that I'm not here to hurt any of you, if you run I will find you, and that I'm just here to make sure everything it alright... I understand a woman purchased the room last night with a large sum of money? May I please come in?" Valis snickered as he wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "Coooomeee.....on Ben, My old friend, Must you not let me have my own fun?" Valis grimaced for a split second as he turned around to Adeline. "This is why you listen to me, You can't just turn up give some money and nothing else when this town gets Bear attacks every day...Which by the way Ben, You really need someone working out with a better excuse." Valis turned his head to door for when he was talking to Ben, then turned back to Adeline once again. "Your silly don't you know?"

"Also, We both know that I could outrun you, and hide...I'm over a thousand years old, Experience brings so much doesn't it?" Valis shrugged. "I don't know about letting you in, I smell two others and they are rather young...Will they kill me,that would be so sad" Valis moved his head to side, seeming to think for a minutes as he looked at the other two. "But your probably going to want to come into here anyway, Just be careful...Adeline did actually pay for this...soo....yeah" Valis spun around and walked towards Florence.

"I would say it would be a good idea to be friendly...Floooooreeeence, It seems like you would the person to want to be Id'ed so here's your chance, if that what you really want anyway"

[Zaitherin]

'I know that I hate drinking blood, but I need to feed if I want to stay close to the town. Can't afford to go wild after some young vampire get himself killed already.' Azuriel thought as the thought of seeing what he could eat. Being seen is something he wouldn't want happen, but when he's hungry things tend to happen unless he stays isolated from any humans. This night couldn't be any worse, then again everyday is bad everyday he continues living. Taking a risk, Azuriel hid in the shadows to watch whosever is walking around outside. "This is stupid on my behalf...must be having a death wish if I'm doing this." He whispered while he quickly ran across the street to hide again.

[WinterNightSky]

“You keep acting like you know me... But I don’t remember ever meeting you. So how, exactly, do you know my name in the first place?”

Adeline tried to stifle a laugh. "That's really too bad. I guess the friendly-neighborhood-vampire isn't so good at making people remember him... Hey hey, I might even forget you by tomorrow." She laughed. “May I come in?” The girl asked. At least she was decent enough to actually ask before entering. Though it would have been completely fine since the window was already broken. “It’s a little chilly out here in the tree." Adeline recovered herself from her laughing session before opening the window to give the gal more space to enter. "Be my guest."Adeline replied with a smile. She paused for a moment before tilting her head to the side, hearing footsteps nearing the door. When she looked over at chatty-vampire, he seemed to be doing the same. "I hear....." he started slowly. "Yeah yeah, I know."

"Sheriff's department. I know its you in there Valis, and you also know that I'm not here to hurt any of you, if you run I will find you, and that I'm just here to make sure everything it alright... I understand a woman purchased the room last night with a large sum of money? May I please come in?" A voice from the other side of the door broke out.

"Coooomeee.....on Ben, My old friend, Must you not let me have my own fun?" he groaned. Adeline completely ignored him and bent down; flipping her hair. She combed through it with her fingers before flipping it back, making it appear more volumized. She pressed her lips together before walking over to the mirror to check how she looked like. "This is why you listen to me, You can't just turn up give some money and nothing else when this town gets Bear attacks every day...Which by the way Ben, You really need someone working out with a better excuse." The guy continued to ramble on.

Adeline scowled and looked at him, "Excuse you," She crossed her arms before continuing, "You were the one who broke my window. All I wanted was to rest for the night. But you had to ruin everything by being loud! And I haven't even gotten any sleep yet." She complained. Without listening to the rest that he had to say, Adeline looked at herself one last time in the mirror before walking over to the door and opening it.

Adeline gave the sheriff a salute, "Good morning, Sheriff! My name is Adeline, 306 years old--but I look 19, or perhaps in my early twenties-- sexy, single, and ready to mingle" She placed her hand on her hip, and the other hand on the door before shooting the man a smile. Her smile disappeared instantly, and she had a look on her face that suggested that she just remembered something important, "Oh. And if we were to talk about the things that you do care about, no. I did not break the window." She added before putting back the smile on her face.

[Lily Kierstrider]

"I would say it would be a good idea to be friendly… Floooooreeeence, It seems like you would the person to want to be Id'ed so here's your chance, if that what you really want anyway."

Florence gawked at him. Did he really just say that with the Protectors listening from the other side of the door? Of course that’s what she wanted, but things weren’t turning out like she had hoped. It was all too spontaneous. She had wanted to be able to work out what she was going to say to them beforehand. Now, she was too flustered to get her thoughts straight, let alone prepare an impromptu speech.

Luckily, Adeline might be able to buy her some time. The other girl was primping herself in the mirror, as though planning to flirt her way out of the situation. Florence wasn’t too convinced of the likelihood of her success with that method. The Protectors wouldn’t be interested in her. Not like that.

Adeline sauntered over to the door and swung it open, popping her hip out in a would-be sexy fashion, but the men at the door didn’t appear to be even remotely interested. In fact, one of the younger Protectors seemed to regard her with a look of abhorrence. Adeline didn’t notice, or she pretended not to. She saluted the oldest Protector – probably the leader.

"Good morning, Sheriff! My name is Adeline, 306 years old--but I look 19, or perhaps in my early twenties-- sexy, single, and ready to mingle. Oh, and if we were to talk about the things that you do care about, no. I did not break the window."

Florence had to fight the urge to run back out the window. This vampire was insane! How could she approach a man who hunted and killed her own kind like that? Florence sat down on the edge of the bed in the room, feeling faint. Adeline might have just ruined her chances of getting an ID if she pissed off the Protectors. She would be stuck wandering around the forest for the rest of her immortal life.

---

" We both know that I could outrun you, and hide...I'm over a thousand years old, Experience brings so much doesn't it? I don't know about letting you in, I smell two others and they are rather young...Will they kill me? That would be so sad. But you’re probably going to want to come into here anyway. Just be careful...Adeline did actually pay for this...soo....yeah"

Zach let out his breath in a sigh and forced his hand away from his knife. He hated bargaining with the vampires, but he knew he had to do things Ben’s way or he’d be in big trouble. Plus they weren’t armed very well, so fighting as out of the question. This was the part of the job that Zach always found excruciatingly difficult. He didn’t believe in “good” vampires or anything like the sort. Vampires were the monsters that killed his parents, separated him from his sister, and ruined his life.

Zach heard some muffled talking from inside, then the door opened. One of the vampires, taking on the form of a young woman, leaned against the doorframe. She would have been beautiful, except Zach knew what she really looked like. He curled his lip in poorly concealed contempt. It always made him sick how the vampires put on facades like that and pretended they were still human. What she said next did nothing to improve his mood.

"Good morning, Sheriff! My name is Adeline, 306 years old--but I look 19, or perhaps in my early twenties-- sexy, single, and ready to mingle. Oh, and if we were to talk about the things that you do care about, no. I did not break the window."

Zach took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. He glanced at Ben, waiting for the senior Protector to respond. Diplomatic scenarios were Ben’s forte, while Zach was better suited for battle. In his current state of mind, Zach was sure he would only make things worse for the others if he attempted to reply to the vampire.

[MissAddler]

Naturally, Cal - the owner of Cal's Computers - hadn't turned up.

April May had manned to desk of the ghost shop for nearly half an hour and was unsurprised when the store received no customers. She doubted anyone would enter the IT store that day - she was the first and most likely the last person to walk through that front door. Nate's grocery store was still buzzing with business, which consisted mainly of nosy locals desperate to see what the cops were doing there. Bored, April May left the front counter and peeked through the blinds, watching the increased activity at Nate's nonchalantly.

Decidedly curious herself, she pushed open the front door and hedged down the street, her hands shoved in her jeans pockets. She tagged onto a group where the cops were reassuring civilians it was a simple mountain lion attack and for them not to worry, and so she sloped off, learning nothing new. The authorities of this town weren't exactly always forthcoming about case details. She nattered politely to a couple of locals, who said they'd seen the Sheriff at the Hotel. That was news. She glanced back at Cal's Computers - the store front dim and uninviting, hardly likely to attract any customers today - and sauntered off in the direction of the town's hotel. It's not like she had anything better to do.

She approached the hotel where a couple were hurrying out the front entrance. They glimpsed at her nervously and clutched her arm as they passed her, their wide eyes seeking out her own.

"I wouldn't go in there if I were you, love," the woman garbled worriedly, shooting furtively glances across to her husband "We were just on our way to check-out when we caught sight of some guys outside one of the rooms - Norman, there, is pretty sure they're cops - threatening to break down the door to find them! Couple of criminals in there - murderers, by the looks of it."

April May raised an eyebrow. Murderers? Now that was new. Sure, animal attacks were frequent but human criminals were quite uncommon in this town. She nodded vaguely, but ignored their warnings and loitered around entrance of the hotel, hoping to hear some gossip as people come and went. Heck, maybe she'd even see the Sheriff frog-march them out the front of the hotel - that would certainly be a sight.

It was certainly a more appealing alternative to manning the desk of the dead computer store.

[Jones Sparrow]

As Ben waited for a reply in the now quiet room, he looked at Zach and Chris. It would have been easier for any vampire hunter as experienced as him to just barge in and start using violence... Many would. And for the three people who became orphans thanks to these creatures, it should have been his first instinct. But he wasn't going to kill for no reason. Like any justice system, he wasn't going to judge, or accuse the innocent, or punish cruelly.

Then Vilas started talking, and as he did, Ben nodded, chuckling a bit. "You're right on a couple of things, friend. I won't be able to catch up with you, but I know a few vampire volunteers who would be more than willing to bring your pale ass back to the station. And lets not bring up the time I saved you from a little dispute outside the town. And you're right about the two other people, but we are weapon less. The only way to find that out is if you let us in, and trust this old sheriff. Im not here to cause any trouble. I'm just here because of broken town property, and disturbing the other customers' peace."

The vampires who knew Ben that he was deadly, clever, but mostly diplomatic. He had no intention of arresting any of them, or hurting them. Vilas has had enough time in the cells as it was.

He could feel Zach starting to get frustrated with Valis clearly, he was about to assure him until the door opened. The pale beauty looked up at him, smiling. Although she was trying to use seduction, Ben could tell in her eyes that she was trouble. Nothing really bad, but she will be mischievous. He returned the smile to her, hoping Zach will keep his cool under the circumstances. Then there was Valis , with his smug grin. He has had some disputes with the protectors for quite some time, but it was never something horrible. Ben was the most lenient on his actions. Then there was the other vampire, obviously scared, another beauty... But now was not the time to stare. He has a job to do.

"Hello, Miss Adeline. Benjamin Ford." He said taking off his hat. His rough features showed a still attractive man, but also the face of a man who has seen a lot of trouble hard work in his life. "Oh I know it was Valis, which he'll be paying.... Although I was here to make sure everything is okay, I would also like to welcome you to our small town. Brooksfield is known for it's vampires, and if you plan on staying, there are a few things id like to inform you on."

"Vampires aren't necessarily welcome in the town. Of course with you being new, I'm not going to do anything to make you mad at me, or rationally. Vampires have agreed to staying in the forest and not cross the boundaries, and the citizens here are not allowed in the forest... Although if you would like to show that you are in control of your abilities and would like to cooperate with the town, you are more than welcome to register. It's not a tracker, or a parole, just something to make sure we know who is who and liability..." Ben was calm and friendly as he could while talking, although the vampires might not be so happy to hear these things.

"If you do not become ID'd, and wish to live in the forest, let me be very clear. I don't mind people like Valis walking in here. He's harmless, sure a smartass, but harmless. If I find out, though that you cause any harm or death in this town, and I get very upset." His voice grew cold at the end, it would even make a stone shake in uneasiness. "The Protectors are here to protect both sides. If you listen to the rules set up long before I was born, we will be fine..." Ben said, his voice back to normal.

[Rithas]

Valis burst out laughing for a second, before suddenly putting his hand up to his face and sighing deeply. "You can't be serious" Valis groaned as he looked at Adeline embarrassing herself, "That is just...beyond idiotic" Valis frowned as Adeline opened up the door and proceeded to what must be her trying to flirt with the protectors...Or something along those lines. "Good morning, Sheriff! My name is Adeline, 306 years old--but I look 19, or perhaps in my early twenties-- sexy, single, and ready to mingle" Valis looked at Florence hoping to find that she also felt that this was extremely stupid, and while she did seem to share his opinion, she also anxious.

As Ben started to go through his introductions with Adeline,Valis looked at the two young men accompanying Ben. His eyes kept looking between both of them...Valis smirked "Don't worry about me, I'm not going to kill you guys, I mean....I could kill both of you...BUT that's not the point. You both seem...rather nervous...I can smell it, Do you always smell like this? " Valis tilted his head and snickered. "I'm just having fun that's all..." Valis face drooped into a monotone face. He could smell another human..but not a protector, just a normal human. "Huh..."

Valis came back to hear Ben finishing up his....seemingly very long introduction, "If you do not become ID'd, and wish to live in the forest, let me be very clear. I don't mind people like Valis walking in here. He's harmless, sure a smart ass, but harmless. If I find out, though that you cause any harm or death in this town, and I get very upset."
"Yes yes..."

[WinterNightSky]

"You can't be serious" She heard Valis groan.

"That is just...beyond idiotic" He added. Adeline had to stop herself from turning back and kicking him out of the window. First of all, she wasn't trying to seduce her way out. She was simply introducing herself. Besides, she was 306 years old, yet still not married; that was a woman's biggest nightmare! Though, she was a vampire and she didn't have to worry about time. Adeline shook the thoughts out of her head and brought her attention to the sheriff.

"Hello, Miss Adeline. Benjamin Ford." He introduced and took his hat off. Tall, check. Black hair, check. "Oh I know it was Valis, which he'll be paying.... Although I was here to make sure everything is okay, I would also like to welcome you to our small town. Brooksfield is known for it's vampires, and if you plan on staying, there are a few things id like to inform you on." His voice was rather warm, but it held an air of authority.

"Vampires aren't necessarily welcome in the town. Of course with you being new, I'm not going to do anything to make you mad at me, or rationally. Vampires have agreed to staying in the forest and not cross the boundaries, and the citizens here are not allowed in the forest... Although if you would like to show that you are in control of your abilities and would like to cooperate with the town, you are more than welcome to register. It's not a tracker, or a parole, just something to make sure we know who is who and liability..."

"If you do not become ID'd, and wish to live in the forest, let me be very clear. I don't mind people like Valis walking in here. He's harmless, sure a smartass, but harmless. If I find out, though that you cause any harm or death in this town, and I get very upset." His voice grew cold at the end, it would even make a stone shake in uneasiness. "The Protectors are here to protect both sides. If you listen to the rules set up long before I was born, we will be fine..."

Live in the forest.

As soon as Adeline heard that part, she knew she was going to register. What kind of lady would want to sleep on a tree? No comfy bed to sleep in, no television, and most of all, no bathroom! "Hmm, I see, I see." She said with her eyes narrowed, like she was pondering hard about something. "So all I have to do is register, not cause any harm, and then I can live in town. Easy peasy." She flashed him with a smile. She momentarily glanced at the young man beside him, which might she add, has been sending her scornful glares for awhile now. Ah, let me guess. Vampire killed someone important to him and now he wants revenge on all vampires. Typical.

"Don't worry about me, I'm not going to kill you guys, I mean....I could kill both of you...BUT that's not the point." Adeline was brought out of her thoughts when she heard Valis speak behind her. She rolled her eyes, "How conceited." She murmured to herself. With a sigh, she turned back and walked over to her bed where her bag was. She slung her side bag over her shoulder before walking back to the door.

She glanced behind her to look at Florence. "You comin'?" She asked.

[Rithas]

Valis looked upon Adeline, "Uh...you know what never mind...I'm not even going to say anything anymore. Well I still will say stuff, but your too stupid to understand probably" Valis sighed and looked at Florence. "Go get your Id...or whatever, I will hang out in my super cool forest, or just follow you, Because man is it so boring" Valis frowned. Valis had made the forest very snugly for himself. He had a camp that was big enough, he even had a few things from the town. Stolen of course but still, it was nice. "Still, I have no money so how can I pay for the window?"

[Lily Kierstrider]

"You comin'?"

"Go get your Id...or whatever..."

Florence looked from Adeline to Valis with wide eyes. They both seemed to know already that she wanted to get an ID. Was she really that obvious? She sighed in resignation and got up from the bed. It's not like this wasn't what she wanted to do from the beginning, it was just too sudden. Her overly-contemplative mind was making this difficult for her. As she walked slowly to the door a thousand different thoughts flew through her brain, some rational and others... not so much.

What if I don't qualify somehow? What if they know how much I'm struggling with controlling my cravings for blood? If they don't, they'll find out eventually. I'm bound to get caught. There's no way this will work out. Wait, what if this is all a trap? Maybe there's no such thing as an ID to begin with, and that's just how they get you to let your guard down so they can kill you faster. Oh, God, they're going to murder me. I'm going to die. I'm going to die, and I never even got to try to live with the humans again!

Get ahold of yourself, Florence stopped herself. She was letting her paranoia run too wild. She was finally about to get permission to move into the town she'd been longing to live in for years, and she was panicking? Florence closed her eyes, frustrated with how stupid she was being. She opened her eyes again and looked up at the leading Protector.

"I'd like to be ID'd as well."

---

Zach rolled his eyes. Two more vampires that get permission to live freely among their food source. It was like putting wolves in the sheep pen. Sure, you could watch the wolves all you want - say they're trustworthy, even - but that doesn't stop them from attacking the moment you turn your back. Ben was just adding two more wolves to his ignorant little flock of sheep. He couldn't take anymore of this.

"Well it looks like I'm not needed here," Zach said in a casual tone, putting a hand on Ben's shoulder. "You don't need this many Protectors here for simple ID'ing. Chris could probably gain something from seeing how the process works though. Anyway, I'll leave these guys to you. Ciao!" With that, he walked off and left them standing in the hallway.

Zach rarely lost his temper, but vampires were one of the few things that really made his blood boil. He knew he couldn't stick around and watch those two gain license to roam around the town. Plus, Ben was always letting Valis off the hook. They acted like old friends! Zach snorted as he tromped down the stairs. Well fine. Ben had his way of doing things, and Zach had his. They would just have to agree to disagree.

Upon entering the lobby, Zach was amused to see a girl standing by herself. By her appearance she wasn't a Protector, and he highly doubted another vampire would show up with so many hunters around. That could only mean one thing: this girl was a civilian. This interested him. Normally, most civilians wouldn't stick around when they heard the "police" were rounding up "criminals". Well, they might linger around outside to see what happens, but they always kept their distance.

So why was she here?

"Hi," Zach said, offering a friendly smile as he approached her. "What are you doing here? Didn't you hear that the sheriff's upstairs?"

[MissAddler]

"Hi, what are you doing here? Didn't you hear that the sheriff's upstairs?"

April May jumped in surprise, whirling around to face a young man with bright, blue eyes strolling up to her. Too focused on catching the sheriff with handcuffed crooks, she hadn't expected to be caught snooping around by someone else and she found herself leaning against the reception desk in an attempt to seem nonchalant. She removed her arm hastily, though, when the lady seated behind it released a sharp shout, frowning at her. Pushing down the blush threatening to flood her face, April May responded as casually as she could.

"Yep - that's why I'm here - to catch a glimpse of the Sheriff wrestling a jewel thief to the floor," she said, with a jokey grin, "I've come to scope out the action. I'm not normally too bothered about whatever's going on in the town but business in Cal's Computers has been a little slow as of late - especially since Cal, himself, never turns up. I'm starting to get a little fed up of the place."

She pushed herself upright for introductions, once she realised he probably had no idea who he was talking to. Though local, she didn't make a habit of immersing herself in town affairs and liked to keep herself to herself...but boredom, of course, was a dangerous thing.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I almost forgot - I'm April May Norton. I work over at Cal's Computers. Live just up the road with my folks, Harry and Sue Norton. Trying to get a place of my own but you know, Cal isn't exactly the most generous payer."

She bit her tongue as her thoughts caught up with her words. Knowing her luck, she was probably ranting to Cal's best friend or something - and there would go the meagre income she already struggled with. She strained to catch another glance at the lift and stairs but it appeared no action would take place any time soon and so she sighed, glancing back to the dude that had just approached her and settling into conversation.

[Jones Sparrow]

Ben gave a smile to Adeline and then Florence, then frowned at Valis. "Well, the only way you would be able to follow is with these nice and shiny silver cuffs on your wrists, since you just admitted that you can't pay for it. Unless you want to take a stroll in the forest and find some sort of currency to pay for it..." And Ben shrugged. "Or you can simply go back to the forest, and when you see me again, I won't be without my axe. He put his hands on his hips, as he did so he moved his coat back, showing the old revolver he carried around with him just in case. Zach had enough, clearly, and he nodded, not looking over at him. Holding a grudge isn't going to bring his family back. killing and hurting vampires wasn't going to make it any better. He knew it first hand, and he wasn't about to tell anyone his darker part of life.

He turned to the two ladies, and gave a nod. "Now that you've agreed to cooperate, I'm trusting you. Please don't take it for granted. Most people in my profession don't live to be this old..." He turned and looked at Chris, giving an assuring nod. He knew none of these vampires wouldn't hurt them.. not here at least. "If you'll kindly follow me back to the station. It won't take long." he led them all out of the hotel, giving an assuring nod to Craig as he escorted everyone out.

[Rithas]

Valis raised his upper lip in a somewhat annoyed fashion, "Psh, Fine...you guys have your ID fun, I'm going to hang out in the forest" Valis jumped out of the window and lied against the window. He didn't feel like going yet. He was getting a bit hungry though. Valis turned around to the wall near wall. Still staying out sight if they went out out of the building. Sure the other vampires could still sense him, but he hope that they wouldn't. He also needed some blood, or else he would get rather irritated. They surely had something somewhere. but where? Maybe if he followed the group, just hope Adeline and Florence wouldn't say anything

[Lily Kierstrider]

"Now that you've agreed to cooperate, I'm trusting you. Please don't take it for granted. Most people in my profession don't live to be this old... If you'll kindly follow me back to the station. It won't take long."

Florence felt her heart speed up. For once, it wasn't because she was frightened or anxious. She actually felt excited about this. She would finally be allowed to live among the humans again and escape from that horrible forest! She followed closely after Ben as the group moved down the stairs out into the lobby. She searched Adeline's face to see if the other girl was as happy as she was.

As they exited the hotel, Florence noticed something was slightly off. Why could she still sense Valis so close by? She thought he didn't want to be ID'd. She scanned the area around them as they walked, looking for him. It didn't seem like Ben or that other Protector noticed anything so far.

What's he planning?

---

Zach raised a brow at the girl's surprise to see him, a bit entertained by her attempt to be casual. She was obviously out of her element, so the charade was just embarrassing. He didn't blame her though. With all the recent vampire activity and the police's lame excuses for what really happened, it was only natural that this girl should be curious.

"Yep - that's why I'm here - to catch a glimpse of the Sheriff wrestling a jewel thief to the floor. I've come to scope out the action. I'm not normally too bothered about whatever's going on in the town but business in Cal's Computers has been a little slow as of late - especially since Cal, himself, never turns up. I'm starting to get a little fed up of the place."

So she ditched work to come here? That peaked Zach's interest. He nodded as though he understood exactly what she was talking about, even though his own personal morals prevented him from skipping out on a job, ever, no matter how boring it got. But she didn't need to hear about that, so he kept his mouth shut and let her continue talking.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I almost forgot - I'm April May Norton. I work over at Cal's Computers. Live just up the road with my folks, Harry and Sue Norton. Trying to get a place of my own but you know, Cal isn't exactly the most generous payer."

That sentence seemed to clam her up, but Zach wasn't sure why. He complained about clients in his line of business - the one he worked in when he wasn't busy fighting vampires - all the time. It wasn't that unusual. Maybe her boss had spies to report his employees' bad behavior outside of work, so he could punish them. It was a ridiculous idea, but he found it amusing nonetheless.

"April May, huh?" Zach echoed. "That's a nice name. I'm Zach Anderson." He offered out a hand. "Oh and by the way, if you're looking for some action, you're not gonna get any around here. It was a false alarm with those criminals. The sheriff just walked in on a couple of normal tourists. Scared the living daylights out of 'em; you should have seen it. Anyway, that's all that happened here. No robbers or anything for him to take down, sorry." He hoped that would be enough to satisfy the girl and, if she spread that story around, squash the rumor about the robbery or whatever it was this time.

"Oh right," Zach added abruptly. "You're probably wondering how I know that. You see, I work with the sheriff. I guess you could say I'm with the police." It wasn't a total lie, but he couldn't exactly tell her the truth either. 'By the way, that sheriff up there chases vampires for a living. I get to help him kill them! Nice to meet you, April.' Well, it's not like she would have believed him anyway, but why even bother?

At that moment, Ben walked out of the stairwell with Chris and the two vampires trailing after him. Great, now he had to make up an excuse as to why the "tourists" were being led out of the hotel by a sheriff. He pretended to make light of it by offering Ben a friendly wave when the group walked past.

"I'll catch up with you guys in a bit," Zach told him. He turned back to April. "Um, right. So, the tourists did not rob anyone. The sheriff's just taking them to the station for further questioning. You know, like, asking them if they saw anyone suspicious and whatnot." Perfect timing, Ben Zach thought irritably. Now I have to change my story ten seconds after I first told it! He studied April's face carefully to see if she doubted his new explanation.