KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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The atmosphere shifted when Nero proclaimed they had needed Caden. Cassi felt they were no longer needed for this half of the conversation. She tilted her head back and kissed Nic’s jaw before tugging him away from the front door. She didn’t want to barge in the middle of something intimate, but she was also too tired to get back into the SUV. She could only imagine how tired Nic was. It probably wasn’t smart to let him drive.

Cassiopeia pulled Nic through the yard where they snuck around to the back door. Avery, it seemed, had the same idea. He was already at the back with the door unlocked and opened when Cass got there with Nic.

”You two look like you’ve been awake all night. What happened?”

Cassi sighed, rubbing her hand over her tired face. ”Caden broke into my shop and ruined half my inventory while summoning a demon. He was trying to get answers on Mundus. Trying to summon him. Caden ended up killing the demon before getting arrested. They stuck him in the basement.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery started to feel the same way Cassi did, so when he saw her making an escape with Nic, Avery tucked Kimiko away and did the same. He felt secure in thinking that Nero wouldn’t kill Caden. Not yet, anyway.

He walked to the back door and opened it just before Nic and Cassi arrived. Cassiopeia revealed the details of what had happened, and his eyes widened in shock.

”Putain de merde,” Avery cursed and ran a hand over his chin. He glanced at Kimiko before looking at Cass. He knew how important that shop was to her.

”Is there anything we can do about your shop?”

Cassi smiled tiredly and patted Avery’s chest. ”Not right now. Right now, I just want to sleep. It’s been a long night.”

Avery nodded quickly and gestured to the guest side of Caden and Nero’s home. ”Everything is made up and clean as always. I’ll make sure you aren’t disturbed, but I’ll have the staff make a late lunch.”

Translations

Putain---literally translated means 'whore', but it is one of the most common curse words in France, so it is more along the lines of shit/fuck/damn. So Putain de merde would be like "fucking hell"

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden remained bowed while Nero spoke, letting their disappointed words wash over him. Nero was right, of course. Caden had acted rashly; he knew that now, but it hadn’t mattered initially. He felt the tonal shift in Nero’s voice as well as the space around him. He waited until he heard the others leave before he lifted his head to look at Nero.

”I should have stayed. I made it about me when it’s not. I should have stayed so we could figure it out together.” Caden bowed his head again, closing his eyes to block out one of his senses. ”Ich habe durch die Beschwörung des Dämons nichts gelernt,” he whispered.

Translations

I learned nothing from summoning the demon.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cass got out of the SUV shortly after Caden did. She watched him when Nero came into view, but she didn’t stick around. Instead, Cassi moved closer to Nic and stood in front of him, leaning into his chest while she watched Caden and Nero.

Truthfully, Cassi was proud of Nero’s resolve. She wasn’t sure if Nero was going to be able to resist Caden when they finally brought him home, but it seemed Nero was indeed still pissed.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery looked back at Nero and nodded before he shuffled out of the way. He rested his arm across Kimiko’s shoulders, effectively bringing her with him, but they remained close to Nero if they changed their mind.

Caden looked up at Nero, and Avery wouldn’t be lying if he said he didn’t feel for the man. After all, Avery had run from Kimiko as well. He held Kimiko closer at this revelation, never wanting to do that again or experience her disappointment in him.

”I didn’t run from you… I tried to find answers for you.” Caden looked down at his bloodied attire and held his hands with their palms forward in submission before looking at Nero again.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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The sight of Nero nearly broke Caden. His eyes roamed over their body, looking for signs of damage, but he saw the imp was perfectly safe in their onesie. It was adorable on them, and the image brought a tear to Caden’s eye. He should have stayed to comfort them rather than leave them.

”I tried to find us answers. I tried to find a way out of this. You’re supposed to be mine.” Caden dropped to his knees, staring up at Nero.

Avery shifted slightly in shock. He had never seen Caden on his knees for anyone. Not even Cass or Kiki.

”I can’t fix this. I don’t know how to fix this.” The weight of those words caused Caden’s head to droop forward, which contrasted with the rest of his posture.

Caden wasn’t asking for forgiveness for his behaviour. If he hadn’t run out on Nero at the proverbial altar, he would have in the middle of the night. That burning need to right this wrong still flamed within him. Nero was his. The prince of Hell be damned. Caden didn’t care what Hellfire he would have to walk through to stake his claim. His fire would burn hotter. As far as Caden and his dragon were concerned, Mundus had taken what was rightfully theirs, and Caden’s posture reflected that.

His back was ridged, and he had moved one leg back, so he knelt on one knee rather than two. His arm rested over his knee with his head downcasted. It was the perfect posture of a knight bowing before his Queen or King, waiting for a task to be assigned or punishment to be dolled out.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Caden turned his head to look at Nic after hearing his grumbled affirmation. Further shame coloured his features as he turned his attention back to Cass. Cassiopeia had moved her hand to rest on Nic’s shoulder while he drove. She had a feeling he really would punch Caden in the face if the opportunity presented itself.

”I did…and I didn’t. To summon Mundus, I have to commit seven sins in their most perverted form. Some I would happily commit, but others…adultery, or sending someone I care for to kill another I care for…”

Cassiopeia looked away from her best friend and stared at her lap. Firstly, she was furious that Caden wanted to bring Mundus here. Secondly, the crimes he would have to commit wouldn’t be just a mark on his soul but all of theirs. Cassi’s hand tightened on Nic’s shoulder, and she looked at him as he drove onto Caden’s property.

”You can’t,” she finally said, looking back at Caden.

”I won’t,” he agreed, looking out the window to watch the trees pass. ”But I thought I could for a moment…” Silence follows Caden’s words until the SUV is parked and the front door to Caden’s house opens.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero's House - Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery sat on the couch with Kimiko still. He debated on moving her to the bedroom to sleep while he remained on the couch in an open area to be present for Nero in some capacity, but he ultimately decided to remain unmoved.

He awoke a few minutes ago, feeling a shift on the property. He turned his head, seeing the sun had risen, and yawned. Avery carefully stood to avoid disturbing those who slept on the couch. Muscles protested, and bones cracked as Avery stretched out. Despite the couch being comfortable, Avery had slept in an awkward position that he was now paying for. He slowly walked to the front door and opened it just as the SUV neared.

Avery noted Cassi and Nic in the front seat. He sighed and turned his head to call into the house. ”Kiki, Nero…He’s here.” He turned his head back to see Caden getting out of the back. The colour drained from the werewolf’s face.

Caden met Avery’s eyes and chuckled darkly. ”I know. I look terrible. You should see the other guy,” he joked poorly. Caden’s eyes drifted over Avery, attempting to look past the bulk of the werewolf to find a certain little white-haired imp.

Avery shifted to block Caden’s view. Caden looked up at his bodyguard, his eyes flashing. Avery swallowed, his arms loose at his sides. ”Sorry boss…” Avery wasn’t moving unless Nero told him to.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia set Calypso down when Nic went to tend to the kettle. She picked out a jam and started to make up her piece of toast. She stuck her finger in her mouth to lick the bit of jam off when Nic made his second comment. Her body felt flushed, and she looked at Nic. His dimple was making an appearance, and her stomach flipped. However, the smile on her face was undeniable. She removed her finger from her mouth, grabbed her plate and quickly sat. She took off her sweater to help with feeling flushed.

The couple ate and talked before heading to the police station. The sun had risen at this point, and the early morning rush hour traffic was just starting. Nic parked, and Cassi got out of the car before he could open the door for her. She stared at the police station, a hundred different emotions flooding her before she felt Nic’s comforting hand slip into her. Cassiopeia smiled at him, kissed him lightly, and led them into the police station.

Costa was gone at this point, having left a couple of hours after he had called Cassi. Another cop led Cassi and Nic into the back where the holding cells were but didn’t stop at any of the cells. It was then that Cassi’s stomach dropped, and she realized where they had been holding Caden.

Once the cop unlocked the first set of bars, Cassi pushed in around them, rushing to the cell Caden was in. She grabbed onto the bars and stared at her best friend. Caden’s complexion had shifted to ashen, his eyes bloodshot once he opened them to look at her. He chuckled roughly and sat up.

”I was beginning to think you were just going to leave me in her, mon amour.”

”I strongly considered it,” she grumbled. ”I can’t believe Costa put you in here…He could have killed you.” She turned her head and demanded the cop open the cell immediately.

”Ah, I would have to be in here for several more days at least. Hello Nic,” Caden greeted. The cop opened the door and Cassi rushed in. She wrapped her arms around Caden, checking his pulse as she did so. It was slow but strong. She slapped Caden’s face.

”That’s for my shop and being reckless.”

”Cass…”

”I know, I know. I would have done the same, but you destroyed some things I will never get back, Caden, and things that will take me years to remake. Can you stand?”

Caden looked down at his feet, shame creeping in as he attempted to stand. He stumbled forward a bit but managed to regain his balance. ”I can manage. Just get me out of here.”

With Nic’s help, Cassi got Caden out of the police station. People who knew Caden paused in their work to see how weak and unhealthy he looked. One look from Cass, though, had them quickly returning to their task. Cassiopeia was furious Costa didn’t tell her Caden was in the basement. Those cells had been specially made for supernatural creatures to weaken them. Caden and Cassi had helped build those cells.

After they got Caden into the back seat of the SUV, she and Nic got in before driving off. Cassi shifted to watch Caden from the front seat while Nic drove. She monitored Caden closely until she could see his colour starting to return. Cassi dug through her bag until she found some Chinese herbs and gave them to Caden to chew.

”Those cells in the basement are made to detain supernatural creatures. They had some made, but part of the agreement for us to be here helping the police required us to build more cells that could hold us and other creatures,” Cassi finally explained to Nic. ”I honestly didn’t think they would put him in there…”

Caden snorted. ”Of course he would, and he enjoyed every minute of it,” Caden said, the strength already returning to his voice even though his physical appearance still looked rough. "How is Nero?"

This time Cassi snorted. "Pissed. Worried." Caden sighed in the back seat and pressed his forehead to the window. Cassi watched him, her eyes scanning Caden's body. He was still covered in blood from killing the demon earlier.

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: Botanical Gardens — New Orleans
Skills:
Fit

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Antoinette frowned at Chrysi’s reasoning. She just wanted to mess with them? No, that didn’t make sense. If rolls were reversed, messing with Mary’s teammates would be the icing on the cake, not the actual cake itself. The X-Men attacked before Chrysi did, and then she retaliated. Antoinette ducked down, completely avoiding the fire. After the attack, Antoinette quickly stood back up.

”No, Chrysi. It’s not too late. Guin is right, if a body of your own is what you want we can give you that. You haven’t done damage yet, which means there is no reason to lock you away. Mary tried to help you, which is why we didn’t act right away. Let us help you,” Antoinette said. She took a half-step towards Chrysi, hoping to pull her attention.

Roll Request

If Chrysi attacks again, Annie will try to dodge and then roll for camouflage to blend into the surroundings

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω

Ezekiel Kel

Location: Roman Side - CHB
Skills:

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The rest of the Senate agreed with Nancy, for which Ezekiel was grateful. However, he would have added a little clause about not seeking help from Camp Half-Blood either, but he figured the only one here who might want to help Leandra would be Demi. Hopefully, Zeke would be able to keep Demi from that particular path.

Ezekiel shifted forward in his seat, ready to get up, but the meeting wasn’t quite over yet. He wasn’t sure if Nancy would want to be the one to escort Leandra out of camp. It made sense to him if she wanted to see it through until the end, and Zeke would go with her in a show of support and solidarity.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Cassi's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:
Fit

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Cassiopeia was busy drying her hair after finally getting to wash it. She didn't mind the distraction that prolonged the completion of washing her hair fully. In fact she rather enjoyed it. Her eyes kept wandering to Nic as he dressed, and she would blush every time she was caught staring.

Cass beamed when Nic kissed her forehead before he left her. Her eyes remained on his retreating form until he was gone and she sighed wistfully.

Free from distractions though, Cassi was able to dry her hair and get it to fall naturally. It wasn't completely dry, but she knew it would dry wavy and natural. After, Cassi dressed comfortably, yet professionally. She didn't want to look like she had just rolled out of bed, even though it was the middle of the night. Or was it the early morning?

Cassi suddenly felt a little bad for taking the extra time. Caden had been in jail for several hours now. He deserved it, of course, but it didn't stop her from feeling a slight bit of shame. Once she was dressed, she headed downstairs to join Nic. Along the way, Cassi had picked up Calypso and was scratching her head.

”Did you make toast?” Cassi asked, slightly amused by Nic's domestic nature.

X-Men: Cosmic Crusades 👽

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Antoinette McCarthy

Location: Botanical Gardens — New Orleans
Skills: Illusion Casting—Sensory Inducement
Fit

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Antoinette smiled when Mary agreed to give the plan a try. It was the first time Antoinette had tried something like this, but she felt it was their best option. However, while her idea worked, it worked on the wrong entity. Something shifted, and Antoinette’s heart dropped when Mary’s voice shifted tones. Things shifted quickly after that.

Antoinette thanked Pietro after he had moved her, Guin, and Perry out of Mary’s direct attack. Antoinette checked on Arnold before she looked at Mary. She stepped in front of Pietro and her friends, knowing a fight was imminent, but answers were needed.

”What do you want with Mary? With the Phoenix? What is the end game here?”

Ω Heroes of Olympus: The Next Age of Heroes Ω

Ezekiel Kel

Location: Roman Side - CHB
Skills:

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As soon as the suggestion came out to exile Leandra was presented, Zeke looked at his sister. He had a feeling she wasn't going to go for it, but what was the alternative? They couldn't kill her, at least they didn't have a known way to kill her. They couldn't cage her and lug her around for the rest of time. After all, Nancy had plans to leave New Rome. She wanted to move on with her life and had every right to.

Zeke's leg twitched under him and he rubbed the back of his neck. That anxious, restless feeling of sitting around doing nothing started to take over and he glanced around to see if he was the only one. His mind wandered to Demi, thinking about Alexios and all the time those two were spending together. Zeke frowned and brought his gaze back to the girl tied up. He glared at Leandra, but he wasn't really seeing her.

Chicago After Hours

Side Quest

Candlelight flickered across the walls, creating strange shadows along the walls from the various musical instruments that lined the walls. Cassiopeia sat entangled with Nicholas, her head resting against his chest while she listened to Avery play the guitar.

The clan convened at Caden and Nero’s to write a statement after dealing with the latest monster. It had been a long day to end a long week, and no one felt like leaving Caden’s once the business had concluded. One by one, the group had drifted into the music room where Avery had retired to first. It was an intimate concert of sorts in which everyone started to play or jam together.

Avery had played Kimiko’s song, humming the lyrics to the music rather than singing them for all to hear, after that, he had drifted into playing some other things he had been playing with before Caden joined him.

Caden swapped out instruments often to fit whatever mood he was in. Avery was taking a break, sitting next to Cassiopeia and Kimiko. Cassi had started to hum as she played with Kiki’s hair when a spot of melancholy filled her soul. Cassi wrapped her arms around her adopted sister and started to sing. Cassi’s voice wasn’t the greatest; it shook and reverberated often due to lack of use, but the Gaelic she sang was hauntingly beautiful. It was fitting since she sang a song about death.

Caden recognized the tune almost immediately and grabbed the Irish pipes while Cassi sang. Once she came to the conclusion of the vocalized poem, he started to play it out. While Caden played, Cassi kissed the top of Kimiko’s head before getting off the couch. Cassi walked over to the piano and sat down. Almost on the heels of Caden’s last note, Cassi started to play another song that contained no vocals. The song was entitled “Irish Rain”, and it indeed did remind her of the rain in the UK. How it would start light and slow before picking up in speed, saturating everything it came into contact with.

The evening darkened into night, with the group showcasing various songs. It wasn’t so much to show off but to connect with one another in another form. For solo performances, everyone sat with rapt attention. Their eyes closed or open while they listened to music. When two or more people came together to play something, smiles and the occasional laughter were shared, which created a warm environment.

There came points where Caden sat without an instrument, but Nero on his lap, Kiki curled in on one side with Cassi on the other. Or Cassi draped across Avery, her legs or head in his lap, while she watched Kiki and Nic play together for the first time. At one point, Caden stood with Nic, the firelight dancing across their features, while they watched Avery and Kimiko play alongside Cassiopeia. It was family; it was home in the simplest sense.

Caden remembered nights like these when it had just been Cassi and him and then the trio when Kimiko came along. It had been a long time since the three of them had played together, and eventually, the three of them did play together, and it made sense that the three of them worked well together. Cassi played the piano, while Kiki took on the violin, which left Caden with the vocals and guitar.

”I hope you know this means you are family now. Whether you marry her or not,” Caden told Nic while Cassi played. He looked at Nic and smiled. ”I’m honoured to call you brother.” He kissed Nic’s head before he rejoined Nero in their chair, piling the imp onto his lap before kissing them deeply without a care for who watched.

Cassiopeia came to the conclusion of her song, letting whomever take over after her. She poured herself a tumbler of scotch before she wrapped her arms around Nic and kissed him, pulling him to the couch to cuddle once more.

Eventually, the group left the music room in pairs, retiring for the evening with a pleasant buzz and a warm feeling within them all that could only be found when spent in the company of good people.