** spoiler omitted **
You whip your gun out (and on your first date too) and Mei freaks out, "Lawrence, no one is there! Lawrence, you need to stop," She puts a hand on your shoulder, "We'll call your sister, get you help. Okay?"
Writhe sticks her fingers in the barrel but then says "I will. But not out here. Should we come into the van?"
You could fire, but Writhe is right, even here there are other cars. Other people.
And Mei doesn't see. Why doesn't anyone else ever SEE?
Lawrence's whole body is shaking as he processes Mei's words. He drops his gun back into the rear seat. He breathes hard and loud. A pained expression governs his face as he looks at Mei and hands her his phone, with his Sister's number pulled up. Have I really lost it? Did I leave that note? "I...need air."
Lawrence opens the sunroof and pops out of it, binoculars in one hand, a lighter in the other, and a soon-to-be lit cigarettes between his lips. With the top half of his body gophering out of his car, he lights the cigarette, and scans the lot for any vans.
You took comfort and love from Kevin and Natalie during the night, and with your anxiety eased, you slept in late.
It's about ten in the morning, and you have a concert later tonight, your last one at the Rip. And after that, an odd offer. Natalie seems determined to go. Kevin is leaning towards no. Each gets to make their own choice. That's what was said.
But you have to wonder what YOUR choice will be?
Lawrence's whole body is shaking as he processes Mei's words. He drops his gun back into the rear seat. He breathes hard and loud. A pained expression governs his face as he looks at Mei and hands her his phone, with his Sister's number pulled up. Have I really lost it? Did I leave that note? "I...need air."
Lawrence opens the sunroof and pops out of it, binoculars in one hand, a lighter in the other, and a soon-to-be lit cigarettes between his lips. With the top half of his body gophering out of his car, he lights the cigarette, and scans the lot for any vans.
You can hear Mei texting.
Writhe sighs, "I tried to give him forever and he put me on hold. Someone told him about the war, oh wait, that was me."
The only van, it turns out, is yours. A few cars and some pickups. There is a shed selling popcorn and soda. OH, and a storage shed over there.
Dylan picks up the lunch tab and exchanges information with her.
"I'll call you tonight and we will make some time to check out that rattle". He gives her hand a squeeze, he contemplates a full on kiss, but then goes in for a kiss on the cheek instead.
Morgrym considers the motorcycle again. Old and stolen. This was a thief of a different caliber. Good thing for duffel bags which his his goodies. Morgrym would try 203 first, see if the do not disturb was up and then try to pick the door.
Dylan picks up the lunch tab and exchanges information with her.
"I'll call you tonight and we will make some time to check out that rattle". He gives her hand a squeeze, he contemplates a full on kiss, but then goes in for a kiss on the cheek instead.
Probably wise, you think going for a kiss on the lips might have been seen as too forward for an unofficial date. She smiles at the one on the cheek and wishes you well before she heads off.
Time passes pretty quickly. You had mentioned this was your day off from your job, though Jerry is always happy if you choose to chip in even if it's on a smaller project. You do get a lot of academic work and study done.
You see your sister on campus later , and you don't see Brandon, so that's good. She waves but doesn't slow down.
And, of course, come night time, you have plans to talk to the professor.
Morgrym considers the motorcycle again. Old and stolen. This was a thief of a different caliber. Good thing for duffel bags which his his goodies. Morgrym would try 203 first, see if the do not disturb was up and then try to pick the door.
The Do not Disturb sign IS up.
And you can knock, or pick the door. You suspect there might be a high latch chain as well as the regular lock, but those aren't very sturdy.
You think you hear the TV on inside. On the news
You took comfort and love from Kevin and Natalie during the night, and with your anxiety eased, you slept in late.
It's about ten in the morning, and you have a concert later tonight, your last one at the Rip. And after that, an odd offer. Natalie seems determined to go. Kevin is leaning towards no. Each gets to make their own choice. That's what was said.
But you have to wonder what YOUR choice will be?
Michael tries to go about his morning in the most normal fashion possible--get out of bed, shower, brush teeth, get dressed...
...but the offer keeps hanging over his head. What am I supposed to do? There's no talking Natalie out of this, and I can't let her go after the show... at least, not alone. I need to have her back.
Morgrym flicks the tool and picks the door slower this time
It works this time swift and silent he steps to the side of the door and reaches in with a small compact and pliers and yanks the thing from the hinge and then decides the flare gun and gas is stupid if you aren't willing to do it, don't threaten it and he yanks the .45 ACP and into the room he goes.
Michael tries to go about his morning in the most normal fashion possible--get out of bed, shower, brush teeth, get dressed...
...but the offer keeps hanging over his head. What am I supposed to do? There's no talking Natalie out of this, and I can't let her go after the show... at least, not alone. I need to have her back.
Morning prep passes you by so quickly, and you feel as resolved as you're going to get. Natalie tells you sales are way up on the website. Not just the music, but those t shirts you never thought would sell.
The Phoenix crowd loves you, and other places in the area are hoping to host you.
Kevin grins, "Damn, well, we are on full blast now. And it's a sweet sounding blast at that. Huh guys?"
"Sure it is," Natalie smiles kissing you both, "Ching Ching. Mind you, nothing replaces being worshiped in person, but it's nice to know somewhere some young rebel has us on their playlist."
There's a bit of shopping, lunch, and then finally, it's night and you're at the concert. For once, you don't see the three at their table. They're waiting for you after the show at the agreed upon spot.
As the sun sets, Dylan heads to the Professor's office as he has to be at Dip Ship by 9.
He knocks on the door hoping the Professor is present and available.
You can hear Mei texting.
Writhe sighs, "I tried to give him forever and he put me on hold. Someone told him about the war, oh wait, that was me."
The only van, it turns out, is yours. A few cars and some pickups. There is a shed selling popcorn and soda. OH, and a storage shed over there.
Lawrence ducks back down into his seat. She's not real. She's not real.
Lawrence reached over Mei into the glovebox and took a bottle of unlabeled Lorazepam from within, unscrewing the lid with practiced ease and popping a few pills into his mouth. He grabs a can of soda, pops the tab and chugs it.
M-m-mei, I'm s-sorry, I need you to dr-drive me home. S-Sam can give you a r-ride or I'll pick my c-car up later. An-anti-Anx-xiety medi-dication, e-nough to cause drow-drowsi-ness."
Morgrym flicks the tool and picks the door slower this time
[Dice=larceny+dex]6d10
It works this time swift and silent he steps to the side of the door and reaches in with a small compact and pliers and yanks the thing from the hinge and then decides the flare gun and gas is stupid if you aren't willing to do it, don't threaten it and he yanks the .45 ACP and into the room he goes.
You enter into see a woman in front of TV, dressed in blue jeans and shirt. Dark hair, shades, could be the lady who got away from you.
And she has a shotgun pointed at you, "You ever hear of the castle doctrine? Pretty sure it applies to hotel self defense too. And if it doesn't, I can get a good lawyer to get me off. Back up now."
As the sun sets, Dylan heads to the Professor's office as he has to be at Dip Ship by 9.
He knocks on the door hoping the Professor is present and available.
It is a pretty woman who opens the door, "Dylan Gantz? I'm Cleo. The professor's assistant. Come in, have a seat. He should be here in the next ten minutes. Can I get you a coffee?"
Whether you take the coffee or not, in the next ten minutes, Prof. Hugh Waret enters in. Despite it being late August , he has long sleeves on. He removes his hat, and smiles, "Thank you, Cleo. I'll take it from here."
Cleo smiles "Happy to help, professor. Nice meeting you, Dylan." and she strides off closing the door behind her.
"Without her I'd be lost some days." Waret says as he watches her go, then turns, "Thanks for coming, Dylan."
Morgrym takes a good look at the lady to make sure this isn't it and says wrong room and backs out and closes the door with a bit of a smile, yep his sort of day.
He puts the firearm away and moves down to the first floor looking to see how far away the two rooms are to the lobby.
Lawrence ducks back down into his seat. She's not real. She's not real.
Lawrence reached over Mei into the glovebox and took a bottle of unlabeled Lorazepam from within, unscrewing the lid with practiced ease and popping a few pills into his mouth. He grabs a can of soda, pops the tab and chugs it.
M-m-mei, I'm s-sorry, I need you to dr-drive me home. S-Sam can give you a r-ride or I'll pick my c-car up later. An-anti-Anx-xiety medi-dication, e-nough to cause drow-drowsi-ness."
"I just told your sister about ... about you and the gun. I'm sorry, she's on her way. SHould I text her that I'm taking you home?"
"I just told your sister about ... about you and the gun. I'm sorry, she's on her way. SHould I text her that I'm taking you home?"
"Can't l-leave car here. You c-can drive it home i-if you want." After a few minutes, pharmaceutical exhaustion begins to overtake Lawrence and his thought-to-speech inhibitors are taxed to full. He gazes longingly at Mei, "So r-real, whyy co-couldn't you seee her, mnot c-crazy. Maybe ps-psychic pro pro-jection? Damn lizzzards. Making a f-fool of me."
He begins mumbling song lyrics while staring into the hole where a gps would have been. "mm'im not cra-zy, jsa little unhwell I know hright now hyou can't tell" The hopeful nature of Matchbox Twenties song calmed him down, as he related a little too much with the songs narrative, and he needed that hope right now.
Morgrym takes a good look at the lady to make sure this isn't it and says wrong room and backs out and closes the door with a bit of a smile, yep his sort of day.
He puts the firearm away and moves down to the first floor looking to see how far away the two rooms are to the lobby.
Well, it COULD be her, but .. the voice IS different.
So you move on. Gauging distance to the lobby, none of the three rooms are really close to the lobby. They're at the end of the halls.
"Can't l-leave car here. You c-can drive it home i-if you want." After a few minutes, pharmaceutical exhaustion begins to overtake Lawrence and his thought-to-speech inhibitors are taxed to full. He gazes longingly at Mei, "So r-real, whyy co-couldn't you seee her, mnot c-crazy. Maybe ps-psychic pro pro-jection? Damn lizzzards. Making a f-fool of me."
He begins mumbling song lyrics while staring into the hole where a gps would have been. "mm'im not cra-zy, jsa little unhwell I know hright now hyou can't tell" The hopeful nature of Matchbox Twenties song calmed him down, as he related a little too much with the songs narrative, and he needed that hope right now.
"I'm sorry, Lawrence. I wish I could ..." She takes the driver seat, you take the passenger
And you start to get more mellow and yes, drowsy.
"I'm sorry, Lawrence. I wish I could ..." She takes the driver seat, you take the passenger
And you start to get more mellow and yes, drowsy.
[dice=Perception+Alertness]3d10+3d10
[dice=Stamina]3d10
Too late, you remember Writhe said something about 'should WE' come into the vehicle... and you realize she didn't mean we as in you and her and Mei (or a dog named Boo).
So when Writhe appears in the back set to make sure you don't shoot her with that gun, and another woman grabs Mei to subdue her through the open window... well, Mei tries to scream, you can try too. But that's the same time Godzilla roars on screen, drowning out any lesser mortal yells.
You might try to run, you might try to fight ... but that drug working through you means you're already feeling ...off. Gazing into Writhe's eyes you feel your fight bleeding out, your fear. It's... gota be just the drug right?
"Don't worry, Lawrence," Writhe tuts, "You won't be alone. Mei has been hunting us for awhile. ANd getting close. That makes her pretty impressive, and your sister will join us to. I hate to break up a family. We're going to tie forget me nevers to your brain. You were right, monsters are everywhere, but the best way to fight them is with other monsters, so.. here we are. You'll look good in off white "
You can't stay up, not anymore and you... you..you blank out.
You don't dream long, you don't stay out long, but while you do, you dream of lizard people in white cowboy hats fighting lizard people in black cowboy hats.
You open your eyes. You're home, in your and your sister's house.
And someone is drinking Mei's blood, she is moaning with what appears to be pleasure.
And Writhe puts a hand on your shoulder, "I thought you'd want to be awake, for our talk. Don't worry about your sister... she's on the couch."
Michael tries to go about his morning in the most normal fashion possible--get out of bed, shower, brush teeth, get dressed...
...but the offer keeps hanging over his head. What am I supposed to do? There's no talking Natalie out of this, and I can't let her go after the show... at least, not alone. I need to have her back.
Morning prep passes you by so quickly, and you feel as resolved as you're going to get. Natalie tells you sales are way up on the website. Not just the music, but those t shirts you never thought would sell.
The Phoenix crowd loves you, and other places in the area are hoping to host you.
Kevin grins, "Damn, well, we are on full blast now. And it's a sweet sounding blast at that. Huh guys?"
"Sure it is," Natalie smiles kissing you both, "Ching Ching. Mind you, nothing replaces being worshiped in person, but it's nice to know somewhere some young rebel has us on their playlist."
There's a bit of shopping, lunch, and then finally, it's night and you're at the concert. For once, you don't see the three at their table. They're waiting for you after the show at the agreed upon spot.
Michael nods, returning Natalie's kiss with a shaking one of his own. "G$+*#~n right."
The rest of the day passes in a bit of a blur. When the time to perform comes and passes, Michael's hands are still shaking.
Normally, they shook from the sheer adrenaline of performing--the manic energy and raucous cheers of the crowd mixed with the pumping, bleeding emotion every chord provoked in him. Every note a scream, every solo a musical fistfight against the pain that made itself anew in his memory every night--all of that contributed to what made the Chain-Breakers punk rock's hottest and newest act.
...this time, his hands aren't shaking from the adrenaline high. He looks towards Natalie, his eyes quietly asking her if she really intended to go through with meeting them.
Lawrence takes stock of the situation, seeing Mei is enjoying herself is both aggravating and relieving. Knowing this house better than any could he feels more confident, in the case of a conflict, advantage from knowledge of the area goes to him. He could resist here, if he needed to. "S-speak then, c-cold-blooded r-reptile. H-harbinger of death. Sh-shed your ssskin. Y-you hu-hunt your own, right?"
Lawrence paces across the room, looking to his sister, to Mei, then back to his Sister. Pre-gaming his vindication, smelling the aromatic presence of undeniable proof.
Michael nods, returning Natalie's kiss with a shaking one of his own. "G#~#$#n right."
The rest of the day passes in a bit of a blur. When the time to perform comes and passes, Michael's hands are still shaking.Normally, they shook from the sheer adrenaline of performing--the manic energy and raucous cheers of the crowd mixed with the pumping, bleeding emotion every chord provoked in him. Every note a scream, every solo a musical fistfight against the pain that made itself anew in his memory every night--all of that contributed to what made the Chain-Breakers punk rock's hottest and newest act.
...this time, his hands aren't shaking from the adrenaline high. He looks towards Natalie, his eyes quietly asking...
Triumphant in the final night of a legendary 3 night showing... Natalie drinks in the worship of the crow even if she does look like she wishes T.C . were here.
Then she sees your shaking hands, "Hey," She takes them betwen her own, "It's gonna be okay. Sides, you know i live for the thrill, whatever happens, this should be a kick. Stay with Kevin if you want but I'll be back."
Lawrence takes stock of the situation, seeing Mei is enjoying herself is both aggravating and relieving. Knowing this house better than any could he feels more confident, in the case of a conflict, advantage from knowledge of the area goes to him. He could resist here, if he needed to. "S-speak then, c-cold-blooded r-reptile. H-harbinger of death. Sh-shed your ssskin. Y-you hu-hunt your own, right?"
Lawrence paces across the room, looking to his sister, to Mei, then back to his Sister. Pre-gaming his vindication, smelling the aromatic presence of undeniable proof.
The woman drinking Mei's blood has a wild almost feral look to her, more the way she crouches, and ... yes, feeds right now. Like a contented puma enjoying a gazzelle. No flesh is consumed, of course.
You realize your sister isn't alone on the couch, she's in the lap of a large pale man, some biker it looks like, the guy is muscular and...well, again, huge. His beard is partly braided. You see a bit of blood there, and... you see your sister has her mouth latched about his wrist.
He notices your look, and in some slavic accent says "Your sister is further along than Mei. Samantha, eh? she will make a good clan sister. if we all survive, i will teach her."
Writhe's voice speaks up in agreement "Now don't pester Márohu- until Mei's done, she's our joey" As if that explains the woman feeding crimson from Mei, "I have too many skins to shed them all, so if there is a lizard it's on the inside inside the inside, but we do ask nice strangers if we could borrow a cup of crimson coco. Keeps us warm inside... " Writhe looks about "But you were right...the capes try to be crowns over people who dont even know they're wearing them. The hand is black with blood and wants to choke or batter all it meets, and then there's us, monsters who don't want to wear the Cape or hold the sword or cane in a dark fist. But the Capes fluttered away, and the sword is coming. so now i guess we have to find a skin that has armor ... not just for us, but for the Bird of fire you live in..." she focuses "Phoenix. I mean Phoenix."
The drug isn't as potent now, you don't think. did she hold off feeding off you, changing you because she didn't want it in her? Or did she feel you deserved to hear the truth, like she promised.
You were RIGHT! Damn it!
There are monsters in charge of everything. There are monsters who want to Destroy Everyone! And there are monsters who feed freely among you. Your only mistake was assuming all monsters were all three.
At least, that's what she's telling you.
"...I know." Michael sighs, his expression one of both defeat and acknowledgement.
"But I'd never forgive myself if I let you do this alone." He takes Natalie's hand in his. "I'll... I'll go with you."
[B]
[b]"...I know." Michael sighs, his expression one of both defeat and acknowledgement.
"But I'd never forgive myself if I let you do this alone." He takes Natalie's hand in his. "I'll... I'll go with you."
"Okay." then with gentle humor, "I'll protect you."
And the two of you head off to the meeting location. She had it on the card, and it is NOT what you expected.
"It's a damn mansion" She says. Five bedroom luxury house at the least, with gates (Oddly cracked open) to keep the riff rafe out. Only clearly it's not doing it's job, as Natalie swings it open.
"Oh hell, they got a pool in Fenix?" she guides you in and...
a door to the House opens, TC waves, "You made it. Come in, isn't it great? Don't worry, the previous owner is a chicken#$#t and left the rest of us here to face the stuff he should have."
Natalie blinks, then frowns, "It's not that I object to tress passing, but damn . Could have told us we'd be risking jail time."
"No problem Professor.
I thought about what you offered, slept on it all night. Rolled it over and over in my mind today.
I assume that you're not going to tell me the downside, cause if you were planning to, you would have already.
I am also assuming that based on how you posed the offer to me, it involves me hurting people. Something about a group "in trouble" or "in transition" and you think I am a good fit cause of my physical prowess.
I suppose most people, normal people, would be held back by that thought, having to hurt people. Deep down, well, maybe not too deep down, I know and I've always known I'm a bit, different. Not only do I not mind hurting people, I truly don't care. I don't go out of my way to hurt people, but if I do, I don't give it a second thought.
Someone told me today that I wasn't exactly a good guy. He's right, he's always going to be right. I'm not. So if this is my chance to grab something be something, I'm going to take that chance.
I have somewhere to be tonight, I have not decided whether I'm going to let this asshat slide or if I'm going to break both his arms and legs cause I won't like what he has to say. But either way, if I'm willing to do that for not much gain, then I'm willing to do what you want from me for a whole lot more.
Something tells me I might regret this, but then, if I say no, I'm afraid I might regret letting the opportunity slip by more.
I'll shut the hell up now and hear what you have to say Professor, I think I've given you my all thoughts on the matter. For some reason, I'm telling you things I've never told anyone. That's your super power isn't it? Getting people to tell you more than they'd like to?" Dylan grins and sighs waiting to hear what this offer is all about.
Maybe I should have called Dad for advice about this? Or asked Jerry. Why didn't I? Probably they'd tell me not to do this. Well, too late now, I'm doing it.
[B]
[b]"...I know." Michael sighs, his expression one of both defeat and acknowledgement.
"But I'd never forgive myself if I let you do this alone." He takes Natalie's hand in his. "I'll... I'll go with you."
"Okay." then with gentle humor, "I'll protect you."
And the two of you head off to the meeting location. She had it on the card, and it is NOT what you expected.
"It's a damn mansion" She says. Five bedroom luxury house at the least, with gates (Oddly cracked open) to keep the riff rafe out. Only clearly it's not doing it's job, as Natalie swings it open.
"Oh hell, they got a pool in Fenix?" she guides you in and...
a door to the House opens, TC waves, "You made it. Come in, isn't it great? Don't worry, the previous owner is a chicken#$#t and left the rest of us here to face the stuff he should have."
Natalie blinks, then frowns, "It's not that I object to tress passing, but damn . Could have told us we'd be risking jail time."
"...holy f*%&ing s~@+." Michael can't help but gawk at the mansion.
He follows Natalie inside as TC greets them. "Possible jail time, eh? Well, hell, this sounds more and more lovely by the moment." He chuckles, trying to joke.
Seriously, this feels like the friggin' Spencer Estate...
The woman drinking Mei's blood has a wild almost feral look to her, more the way she crouches, and ... yes, feeds right now. Like a contented puma enjoying a gazzelle. No flesh is consumed, of course.
You realize your sister isn't alone on the couch, she's in the lap of a large pale man, some biker it looks like, the guy is muscular and...well, again, huge. His beard is partly braided. You see a bit of blood there, and... you see your sister has her mouth latched about his wrist.
He notices your look, and in some slavic accent says "Your sister is further along than Mei. Samantha, eh? she will make a good clan sister. if we all survive, i will teach her."
Writhe's voice speaks up in agreement "Now don't pester Márohu- until Mei's done, she's our joey" As if that explains the woman feeding crimson from Mei, "I have too many skins to shed them all, so if there is a lizard it's on the inside inside the inside, but we do ask nice strangers if we could borrow a cup of crimson coco. Keeps us warm inside... " Writhe looks about "But you were right...the capes try to be crowns over people who dont even know they're wearing them. The hand is black with blood and wants to choke or batter all it meets, and then there's us,...
"B-blood, C-capes, Fangs, an imp-pressive charade, Bella, under a-any guise you're cold blooded, mind-f!~+ing shape-shifters." he blows a tuft of hair out of his eyes, rapidly twitching. "Mons-sters abound and I, I, have y-your number. I know what you are. Lizard."
Morgrym goes the room direction of the motorcycle and steps to the side of the door and watches the hall while he unlocks the room
"No problem Professor.
I thought about what you offered, slept on it all night. Rolled it over and over in my mind today.
I assume that you're not going to tell me the downside, cause if you were planning to, you would have already.
I am also assuming that based on how you posed the offer to me, it involves me hurting people. Something about a group "in trouble" or "in transition" and you think I am a good fit cause of my physical prowess.
I suppose most people, normal people, would be held back by that thought, having to hurt people. Deep down, well, maybe not too deep down, I know and I've always known I'm a bit, different. Not only do I not mind hurting people, I truly don't care. I don't go out of my way to hurt people, but if I do, I don't give it a second thought.
Someone told me today that I wasn't exactly a good guy. He's right, he's always going to be right. I'm not. So if this is my chance to grab something be something, I'm going to take that chance.
I have somewhere to be tonight, I have not decided whether I'm going to let this asshat slide or if I'm going to break both his arms and legs cause I won't like what he has to say. But either way, if I'm willing to do that for not much gain, then I'm willing to do what you want from me for a whole lot more.
Something tells me I might regret this, but then, if I say no, I'm afraid I might regret letting the opportunity slip by more.
I'll shut the hell up now and hear what you have to say Professor, I think I've given you my all thoughts on the matter. For some reason, I'm telling you things I've never told anyone. That's your super power isn't it? Getting people to tell you more than they'd like to?" Dylan grins and sighs waiting to hear what this offer is all about.
Maybe I should have called Dad for advice about this? Or asked Jerry. Why didn't I? Probably they'd tell me not to do this. Well, too late now, I'm doing it.
The Professor listens, curious, and nods a great deal at times, then when you are done, says "For a young man who claims he's not that smart, you're certainly insightful and able to deduce a lot most wouldn't. Pretty accurately too. Yes, it is violence, but it is also protecting people from violence. Strange as it may sound, this could be an excellent blend of vice and virtue. Good things can come from evil designs, and evil things can rise from good intentions. It's a paradox of life.. and beyond." A smile "So you see, you could be the hero and yes ,might yet be a villain."
He paces "I want you to fight, risk your very existence, but you'll be stronger, faster and with power you can only now imagine. Mmm you're far too young to know of an old show called the Six Million Dollar man. Suffice to say, this won't be quite like that. And there is a cost, but the benefits are amazing. There are folks who will be attacking the city, a war that must remain hidden."
"I want to tell you more, I really do. It's in my nature to break rules at the best of times, but this one plays in my service. But first, i take it, the fellow you want to talk to is Brandon? If so, well, my allies were considering recruiting him too. He might be useful with legs unbroken"
He gauges your reaction.
"...I know." Michael sighs, his expression one of both defeat and acknowledgement.
"...holy f%&~ing s%+!." Michael can't help but gawk at the mansion.He follows Natalie inside as TC greets them. "Possible jail time, eh? Well, hell, this sounds more and more lovely by the moment." He chuckles, trying to joke.
Seriously, this feels like the friggin' Spencer Estate...
You and Natalie enter in, D-Man greets you offering a beer "Hey, you had the balls to join in. Don't know if you like beer..."
TC gives you a hug, oddly cool to the touch, but then she's hugging Natalie, "Trevor, get your ass in here. They're joining us."
Trevor comes in, "Kevin didn't show eh? Ah well. We really telling them everything?"
"Relax, Trevor. Not like anyone would believe them. I think we can take the chance." D-Man says, then says "religious nut vampires called the Sabbat are coming to take the city, they'll be killing people and turning them into vampires, by buryign them alive and unleashing them on innocents and folks like us. Anyone in Phoenix might be seen as food or recruits." A pause "And let me know if you want something stronger than beer and I'll get you more details."
Natalie laughs, then blinks, "Wait, are you serious?"
Trevor mutters "Damn it, D-man"
"The reason we know about the crazy vampires coming to take over, is because We're vampires trying to stop them," D-man finishes, "And you'll be joining us. Thanks for volunteering. It's gonna be a helluva fight."
"B-blood, C-capes, Fangs, an imp-pressive charade, Bella, under a-any guise you're cold blooded, mind-f*##ing shape-shifters." he blows a tuft of hair out of his eyes, rapidly twitching. "Mons-sters abound and I, I, have y-your number. I know what you are. Lizard."
Writhe nods, "You've got our number; numbers CAN be irrational, but you're not a stop sign, you can see what matters and go with it. Team Godzilla has to protect tokyo... you wanted in, you wanted to see. Now, now you will. " She moves to you, and puts fingers delicately on your neck."You'll get your piece of the elephant."
Morgrym goes the room direction of the motorcycle and steps to the side of the door and watches the hall while he unlocks the room
[Dice=dex+larc]6d10
You have to head downstairs a bit to see the ground floor rooms, though none are near the lobby . Not hard, the stairs aren't used too much.
You come to room 103 directly below room 203, and unlock it.
Looks like whoever has the room isn't here. You search around for a bit. No sign of files. This may not be the right one.
The trio's explanation is as baffling as it is fantastical. Michael scratches his head...
...but their words cause his eyes to widen. He takes the offered beer and takes a long pull from it.
"...you're serious, aren't you?" He says once he's finished chugging it.
"Okay, hold on, hold on--this is a little overwhelming. First, you're saying that vampires exist--and that not only are you a bunch of them, but you're squaring up to fight against even crazier ones." Michael's tone is quite shocked, confused, but... weirdly enough, not quite disbelieving.
"What kind of proof do you have of any of this?"
The trio's explanation is as baffling as it is fantastical. Michael scratches his head...
[dice=Perception + Empathy]2d10+1d10
...but their words cause his eyes to widen. He takes the offered beer and takes a long pull from it.
"...you're serious, aren't you?" He says once he's finished chugging it.
"Okay, hold on, hold on--this is a little overwhelming. First, you're saying that vampires exist--and that not only are you a bunch of them, but you're squaring up to fight against even crazier ones." Michael's tone is quite shocked, confused, but... weirdly enough, not quite disbelieving.
"What kind of proof do you have of any of this?"
D-Man nods "A skeptical man. I hear you, Amigo. this is pretty wild, and the fact you think this is BS is good. Means the masquerade is holding. Mmm how about this." He walks over to a wall, looks to be good solid stonework, not just something made to look like stone. Then he punches his fist into the wall up to his wrist, and pulls it out, "Or I could show you the fangs, A flash of them and they're gone again, "I can show you more of my gifts but after a while they start to make me thirsty. The Camarilla are kind of vampire tyrants, they want to control every other Lick..err vampire, around. The Sabbat are their nasty ass religious zealot counterpoint, the Sabbat. Then there's us. They call us Anarchs, because we have the nerve to want to be free. The Sabbat are coming. Soon. The cams, who fancy themselves law and order, fled. We're out numbered..."
"Outfanged too." Trevor says
"And that's where you come in," TC nods, "Tonight you gain centuries of existence, if you can survive and hold onto it."
"the rest of our Coterie is out and about recruiting someone else, D-man tells you "We asked for your help. You came, so enjoy the beer. Your diet will be very different after tonight."
Natalie jumped a bit when D-Man punched through a wall, then she ooks at TC.
TC shows her fangs, "Honestly, there are others we could go after, but when I saw you on stage, Natalie? I knew who you were who I wanted to bring in."
"And those truckers proved to me you could fight, D-Man says to you as well "I had to urge those #$#holes to hassle you to find out. sorry about that, but embracing... that's our word for turning someone into vampires... embracing someone who can't fight at all and throwing in the front lines along side us? That's needless murder."
Dylan Gantz
"A shadow war?
Is this some on campus psych experiment? Now it's starting to sound far fetched.
Wait, you know about Brandon?
That dick was a dick to my sister! But, he can wrestle, I suppose he would be useful in a fight. Does saying yes to you mean I have to let the s@!+ he pulled slide?"
Michael was going to say something else, but D-Man interrupts his train of thought by punching through solid stone.
Then the fangs came out.
OH JESUS F!@~!... wait, they set those drunk truckers up?
"...okay." Michael swallows, rather dumbfounded.
"Uh... just one more question, though--and I'm well aware this is going to sound pretty dumb..." He looks at Natalie.
"...we can still have sex, right?"
oh this was a terrible f&$#ing idea
Writhe nods, "You've got our number; numbers CAN be irrational, but you're not a stop sign, you can see what matters and go with it. Team Godzilla has to protect tokyo... you wanted in, you wanted to see. Now, now you will. " She moves to you, and puts fingers delicately on your neck."You'll get your piece of the elephant."Lawrence unbuttons his shirt and pulls the neck open. Needles in their false teeth. Biological technology used to rewrite DNA/rna. Whatever. Venom, Nano machines, Gene therapy. Whatever it is I will keep myself.
"G-go on them. Make a mon-ster of me.
I'll return the favor in due time.
Morgrym goes to the last room wondering if that lay upstairs had been a relative or accomplice and he had been made but finishig the last room to be sure watching the hall way as he flicks the lock picks
"A shadow war?
Is this some on campus psych experiment? Now it's starting to sound far fetched.
Wait, you know about Brandon?
That dick was a dick to my sister! But, he can wrestle, I suppose he would be useful in a fight. Does saying yes to you mean I have to let the s*%% he pulled slide?"
A deep throaty chuckle escapes Waret, "Well, not sure how I can convince you without going one hundred percent in while you plan to race off." He ponders "As for your rival and annoyance, I am ASKING you to let it slide, I know full well that once I give you power you'll use it how you like but even then there are consquences. Hey, look at the bright side, maybe Brandon will die horribly in this shadow war I speak of? Or... if you can't work with him, I can talk to my allies and tell them Brandon's not suitable. I can be very persuasive." He considers , "As for your sister. What do you think SHE would do with power?"
Michael was going to say something else, but D-Man interrupts his train of thought by punching through solid stone.
Then the fangs came out.
OH JESUS F*@&!... wait, they set those drunk truckers up?
"...okay." Michael swallows, rather dumbfounded.
"Uh... just one more question, though--and I'm well aware this is going to sound pretty dumb..." He looks at Natalie.
"...we can still have sex, right?"
oh this was a terrible f@$$ing idea
TC snorts, "Typical guy, huh, Natalie?"
"Actually," Natalie speaks up, hand on hip, "I'm with him on this one. I like getting my coffee creamed, thank you very much."
D-Man laughs again, "Muy Macho. It's a good question. Trevor, you want to explain Vamp biology?"
"You know, I'm not embracing either one of them so not sure why I'm captain exposition here," Trevor sighs, but he looks at you, "Yes, you can have sex. It takes a bit of that precious blood we get from others, but it is still QUITE Enjoyable. However, it pales towards the mind blowing sensation of feeding. In fact, you have to guage yourself. You don't want to kill some poor sap by drinking too much, not normally."
"Never felt guilty drinking a rapist dry," TC admits.
"ANYWAY," Trevor says, "After a few centuries, you might lose interest, but that's as much a point of your humanity.."
"And holding onto your humanity , your ability to grasp the human condition is important, Bones," D-Man tells you, "Even among the living, you've seen folks who see others ONLY as pawns. For us, that can be a survival situation, but they're ALSO people. You hold onto that notion, and you're doing pretty good. And yeah, stay with sex. It's a very human condition."
TC looks at Natalie, "My Clan, which will your clan? Has ..heightened senses. That can include tactile. IT can be nice to be touched, to feel every groove in a finger's print."
Natalie DOES look intrigued at that, "Clans? Wow, never thought I'd be joining no clan" A laugh
"With A C," D-Man assures, "And the bloodlines just determine your gifts. I'm a Brujah, we're kind of the physical side. T.C. is Toreador, sharper senses, but still speedy. Not as strong. And Trevor is..."
Trevor says in a dry tone, holding out his hand, "Hi. I'm Trevor. I'm a Caitff, which isn't a clan but rather clannless. My jerk sire made me by accident and ran, and because of that I'd be an outcast among the Camarilla, and a shock unit among the Sabbat. I prefer the anarchs, thanks."
D-Man nods, "Trevor's vanilla, but he's got gifts too. He just has to work a bit harder to learn them. So, Bones, Natalie... enjoy your last beer. For most of it, after this, it's a blood diet." He moves over to you waiting for you to finish what he expects to be your last beer.
Lawrence unbuttons his shirt and pulls the neck open. Needles in their false teeth. Biological technology used to rewrite DNA/rna. Whatever. Venom, Nano machines, Gene therapy. Whatever it is I will keep myself.
"G-go on them. Make a mon-ster of me.
I'll return the favor in due time.
Writhe looks at you, and lowers her glasses, "Okay..." then she whispers in your ear "Don't kiss me yet, Judy, this isn't our last supper. Just the first."
And there's a biting, sharp at first, and then pleasure flows into you, greater than you've ever known. The logical side of you tries to shake this up to endorphins in the chemicals being injected into you. Heck, you could name some medications that might be used to induce euphoria... but then it just becomes too much, and you writhe in Writhe's arms as she lowers you to the floor, still feeding. Feeding. You feel weak, you feel like you're dying in bliss... you feel anything else after this will never compare again.
And then, she bites her lips, and lets blood dribble down into your open mouth. It's not like normal blood it's.. thicker, redder? More.
You swallow as she strokes your neck.
And you feel yourself joining a network of truth beyond truths. An expansion of the mind so great one has to be broken to achieve it.
Morgrym goes to the last room wondering if that lay upstairs had been a relative or accomplice and he had been made but finishig the last room to be sure watching the hall way as he flicks the lock picks
[Dice=dex+larc]6d10
That lady upstairs DID look a lot like the biker, the voice was different, but the looks were close. Mmm
You need to eliminate all options, so you pick the lock on the last room. Watching the hall.
As you work on the last ground floor room, unlocking it, you hear footsteps from inside approaching the door about to open it! You don't kow if the picks were heard, or more likely, maybe the room resident is just going out to get something
"I'd prefer if he wasn't involved, I have no doubt he'd stab me in the back if he could. I'm a callous bastard, but he's petty. Petty f&!~ers have a way of holding grudges.
If we're supposed to be on the same side, that doesn't make for great working conditions. I've never been in war before and I doubt that having an enemy on your own side would be ideal.
Are you saying you don't want me to run out and meet Brandon? If I no show he's going to think I punked him and it'll make the bad blood even worse. I thought this was going to be a quick meeting Professor, me saying yes and you saying great, I'll let you know when I need you, sorry I misunderstood...
My sister? I'd rather have Brandon in a fight than her, I mean, ya know, she doesn't hit as hard what the hell does she know about violence except what my Dad told her and what she's watched on the mat? What kind of war is this that we need women, communications, nursing involved somehow? I don't think women should be frontliners, it's just not right".
Morgrym steps away and back from the door to the side and crouches with the ACP in his hand and waits for the door.
"I'd prefer if he wasn't involved, I have no doubt he'd stab me in the back if he could. I'm a callous bastard, but he's petty. Petty f#@&ers have a way of holding grudges.If we're supposed to be on the same side, that doesn't make for great working conditions. I've never been in war before and I doubt that having an enemy on your own side would be ideal.
Are you saying you don't want me to run out and meet Brandon? If I no show he's going to think I punked him and it'll make the bad blood even worse. I thought this was going to be a quick meeting Professor, me saying yes and you saying great, I'll let you know when I need you, sorry I misunderstood...
My sister? I'd rather have Brandon in a fight than her, I mean, ya know, she doesn't hit as hard what the hell does she know about violence except what my Dad told her and what she's watched on the mat? What kind of war is this that we need women, communications, nursing involved somehow? I don't think women should be frontliners, it's just not right".
He nods a great deal, until he gets to the 'women shouldn't be front liners bit and chuckles, "Oh dear, a touch of chivalry in you, Dylan. In my society, much like Kipling, the female is often deadlier than the male. All right. Go meet Brandon, and come back. I'll be up all night. I'm sorry if this got a bit more complicated than you expected, but I've already been forced to hold a lot of secrets back from you. It didn't seem fair not to be honest with you on some of your personal business. I'll pull strings, get Brandon off the list. All right? But go talk to him anyway. He'll be unimportant to you, I suspect, in the nights to come so best to do it now"
Dylan nods, "Great.
Thanks Professor, glad it will be all night work, I'd hate to give up my day time auto work. School work, hell, I can fit that in between. If this works out, no more wrestling, so there's that. My Dad will be pissed, but it's my life.
I'll come back after the meeting, you sure that's not too late?"
Assuming that the Professor is OK with that, Dylan heads to his car to hit the Dip Ship, for the second night in a row...
Morgrym steps away and back from the door to the side and crouches with the ACP in his hand and waits for the door.
A man in a wife beater T shirt, a pair of gray shorts, and a baseball cap walks out on barefeet, "Wife wants fresh ice, I guess she's getting fresh ice"
He has a plastic container in his hand, likely meant for the ice machine down the hall
He stops and looks back in danger of seeing you! Whoever this guy is..