The Meeting (Invite Only)

[Eclipse (DELETED 6661)]

Lost and alone in the streets, the young brunette finally found herself at the edge of the quarantine zone. She frowned as she looked up at the tall buildings located beyond the river in front of her. The water was too loud - everything was too loud. She hated the fact that she could hear so well, though she was getting used to seeing - provided she didn't get a flashlight to her face.

She turned her gaze downward, watching the water move past her at a steady pace. Could she swim? Did she know how? Rather than waiting to think if it was wise or not, she took a step forward, expecting to step downward. Rather than her shoe getting wet and filled with the murky liquid, she'd stepped onto the water. Eyes wide with amazement, she took another step, and then another. She was walking on water! Walking in little circles because she could, she wasted some time walking on the river before remembering how badly she wanted a shower, and continued into the quarantined zone.

Remembering the directions from her sire, she walked slowly down the street until she found the apartment building, frowning as the annoying sound of zombies filled her ears. Sighing, she walked around to the front of the building and walked in.

There were plenty of vampires in the lobby, none of which paid any attention to her. Some were already fighting the decaying corpses, while others ignored them until it got too close. Tearing her gaze away from the scattered vampires, she turned to look at the decor. It was cozy and up-scale, if a little worn down. Dusty with more than a little cobwebs hanging in the corners and on the chandelier. But it was nice, and she could hear water running through the pipes. Finally, she could take a damn shower!

She walked forward, glancing around to see if she could see either Nathaniel or anyone else that might look familiar as she made her way to the elevator. Seeing neither, she pressed the button and entered, then hit the button to go to the eleventh floor. When it stopped she exited and walked around the cozy upstairs until she found apartment 11007. Taking the key out of her pocket, she turned it into the lock and entered, closing and locking it behind her, before turning to look around.

The place was empty, unfurnished except for a security camera staring at her. That was built into the place, she guessed. She walked to her left, the smaller of the two large rooms, and found the open door to the bathroom. Curious, she walked into it and tested the water. Clear, running water. Excellent! No towels or soap, but she could get those in town, if anything.

Walking through the rest of the apartment, she stopped at the large windows in the larger room, overlooking the streets of the quarantined zone. She sighed, putting her weight to one leg as she leaned up against the wall, her arms folded under her chest.

[Aviana]

Avi had become accustom to spending the daylight hours indoors over the past few days, not that she enjoyed it. Her windows were now covered, to keep the sun from getting in. She had used some of the acrylics she used for her paintings, covering the glass with a work of art that blocked out the sun well and could easily be scratched off (as she didn’t own the apartment and surly her landlord would flip a lid should she do anything permanent). Today was the day, she was finally going to see this place that Nathaniel had claimed to be a safe place for her to stay. Aviana had no intention to stay, for several reasons. Yet, she was curious, and held hopes that he would not be at this apartment, that maybe she could learn a bit more about him.

Having been ready hours ago, simply dressed in jeans paired with a plain black cotton shirt that clung to her only slightly with a v neckline. Sitting at the edge of her bed she would pull on her socks and put on her shoes…. Only then to take them right off, she couldn’t do it. Why did she have to go at all? Falling back Avi would lay on her bed for a long moment. The ear buds in her ears, a constant companion since her turning, currently blaring one of her favorite Third Eye Blind songs, How’s it going to be. With a sigh, Avi finally sat back up, putting on her shoes yet again and stood.

Making way to her purse, Avi would open one of her dresser drawers and take out the small hand gun that had been bought the other night. If there really were thing of this city that wanted to kill her, then she had thought it best to be prepared. The young vampire had gotten it when picking up some blood at the shop Nathanial had told her about. The blood, along with the gun and ammo, had been a bit much and she knew she would have to be looking for a second job, to support such needs. Checking to make sure the safety was still on, and then it would be hidden away within the contents of her purse. It was a bit nerve wrecking, the idea of having a loaded weapon in her purse.

A few unneeded breaths would be taken before finally stepping out her door, locking it before making her way out. The venture to the apartment buildings hadn’t been the most exciting, especially when she had to venture through the sewers. Apparently this was the only way to get to the so called quarantined zone. Avi was sure she really didn’t want to know why they called the place that. Once she exited the sewer, Avi made no attempt to make eye contact with anyone. Just focusing on her destination and listening to the very loud music that flooded her mind, that’s to the ear buds and her fully loaded iPod.

Quickly she would enter the building and head straight for the elevator, making no effort to glance around much or take in her surroundings. The woman was so close now, she needed to get to the apartment before she changed her mind again and turned back for the safety of her home. Elevators were never something enjoyable for her, but it was better than having to walk up eleven flights of stairs. The ride felt like an eternity, even if it was just a short moment. Once the doors opened, her eyes would scan for the apartment she held a key for.

Walking over, a brief pause would be had just outside the door. Should she knock first? She had a key…. It seemed reasonable to say she didn’t have to knock? It was decided then, she was going in and putting in the key she would quickly unlock it and enter, pulling the door closed behind her. Eyes would first catch sight of the camera, then to the fact that there was nothing in the room. Except the woman that she now spotted looking out the window. Avi froze, unable to speak at first. Only moving then to pull the ear bugs free from her ears and brace herself for any unneeded voices that she might catch within though. It was surprisingly quiet. “Um… Hello?” Maybe she was one of the siblings that Nathanael spoke of? Avi hoped, part of her made a mental note of the gun she held in her purse. Yet for some reason she felt there would be no need for such a thing.

[Eclipse (DELETED 6661)]

Eclipse heard the elevator leave her floor and thought nothing of it, until she soon heard the sound of the door handle to the apartment turning. Curious, she turned to look at the door, watching the woman enter. She said nothing, watching and studying her, until she pulled out the earbuds.

"Hello," she replied. "Are you... one of Nathaniel's children. Or.. childer - whatever they're called. Is Nathaniel your sire, too," she asked, rewording her sentence. "I'm Eclipse."

The other woman was pretty, as all vampires were, and clean. She'd clearly had access to a shower before now, unlike herself. She glanced down at herself and frowned. "Sorry about the smell. I've been busy," she said by way of explanation. The reeking smell of zombie flesh was still strong in her nostrils, clinging to her dirty clothes and hair. She felt a bit jealous of the other woman, who probably also had memories of her human life, and knew who she was. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop her thoughts from going down that path.

"He says he will furnish it," she said, trying to make some sort of conversation. She felt awkward, mentally comparing herself to the other. "He didn't tell me when, though. Probably soon," she guessed with a little shrug.

[Aviana]

The moment the other woman’s first word was spoke, Avi could feel herself relax a bit, but she didn’t mover from where she stood just yet. The empty room now held little interest for her, it was now the other occupant of the apartment that held her curiosity. Who was she? The flow of speech had quickly answered part of the questions held about her. Avi couldn’t help the small cringe the moment she asked if she was one of Nathaniel’s children. As if he was some new father figure because he had turned her into a monster? Maybe one day it would become an idea she would warm up to, but for now it was not a relation she cared to make.

“Nathaniel bit me, so I guess you could say that….. I’m Aviana but you can call me Avi if you like. It’s nice to meet you Eclipse.” Spoken lightly and paired with a small smile. It was actually nice to meet someone new who was also in the same situation as she was. A flood of questions filled her mind though and as she thought over them perhaps a few could be heard within Eclipse’s mind. Avi had not meant to do such, as she was still quite unaware of her developing powers of being a Telepath. Where is she from? How long has she been a vampire? Why is she apologizing about smelling? I just came from the sewers, surly I probably smell just as bad? What has she been busy with? Does she live here? How many others has Nathaniel sired?

As the other woman spoke further, of how the apartment would soon be furnished, Avi would finally move from where she stood. Her hand reaching out to run over one of the bare walls as she walked slowly about the room. It was completely empty, why would he even suggest she stay here? Maybe it would be safe, but certainly uncomfortable. Avi would much rather enjoy the comfort of her small studio apartment. Sure it wasn’t the best place to live, it would be a lie to say she had never heard gun shot or two outside her building before but what of this place would protect her any better? Getting here wasn’t exactly easy she guessed but if she could find it from the sewers any one could right?

The young vampire stopped then as she neared the other woman. Looking out of the window. Just what was this place? Reaching then her hand would press against the glass. A darker thought coming to mind that this could be a bad place…. Maybe meant to keep her trapped? For a brief second overcome with a desire to run over and check the door, just to make sure it would open. Such paranoia had never been typical of her before, but since her turning many things had changed about Avi. “Do you know Nathaniel well?” Asked as her gaze would drift over towards Eclipse. Avi couldn’t claim to know much about the man who had turned her at all, other than the fact that he had forced this life upon her. He seemed a bit harsh and rough around the edges when he had spoken to her the last but Avi had not exactly been kind with words herself.

[Eclipse (DELETED 6661)]

Eclipse returned the small smile, her shoulders relaxing a bit as she felt that her sister-of-sorts was no threat. Her expression quickly turned to that of shock and confusion as she heard Avi's voice in her mind, though the woman's lips weren't moving. Her brows furrowed as she trued to sort through the rapid-fire questions, and figure out if she was reading Avi's mind, or if Avi was sending her thoughts. Eclipse hadn't had these powers before, so she figured they must be Avi's.

Deciding to answer the woman's questions, Eclipse' expression turned a bid sad. "I don't know where I'm from - I have no human memories. I woke up a few days - nights - ago, and I've been doing nothing but killing zombies since. I hate the smell," she crinkled her nose, almost snarling. "But I didn't have a place to wash up, until now. Nathaniel showed up three or four nights ago, gave me some money and the key to the apartment. He's been leaving me alone, otherwise. I hear the occasional whisper from him, but that's about it."

After her answers, she gave an apologetic look, realizing that might have been rude. "Sorry," she said, her head lowered a bit as her gaze moved to the window again. "I heard the questions and thought I'd get the awkward intro out of the way," she shrugged, nibbling the inside of her lip. As for Avi's voiced question, Eclipse stood a little taller and shook her head. "Not really. Like I said, he's given me some money and the key, and some advice on hunting and stuff along those lines. But other than that, he seems pretty distant," she explained. "Has he been the same way with you?"

[Nathaniel]

Nathaniel looked down at the alert his phone just received from his security system. Not one, but two of his new spawn had made their way to the apartment. That was good. Maybe they would stay there and at least be a little safe. Since he was in the neighborhood he decided to stop by and see how they were doing at the moment. See if they needed anything. Eclipse did seem a little more open to him than the other one, Aviana. Now that one didn't trust him at all. Why would he hurt her now? Didn't make much sense to him, but it did her and that's what mattered most he guessed.

Taking the elevator up, he walked quietly to the door. Opened it and went inside without either even noticing he was there at all. They were to busy chatting it up about him and the place not being decorated. For a moment he leaned against the wall closest to the door and crossed his arms over his chest and just listened to them. He also learned that the one couldn't remember anything before he turned her. The other seemed petrified of him. Then again, she was about six sizes smaller than him. After the distant comment he cleared his throat.

"Distant is kind of harsh don't you think? I call it seeing if you will survive in this world or leave it." Not that the words he spoke was any less harsh. Even if they were true. He really hated to get to know people and then they just disappeared out of the blue one day.

[Aviana]

The woman’s change in expression would not go unnoticed. Had it been something she had said that upset her? The true shock didn’t hit Avi until Eclipse began to speak. It was almost as if the woman had been reading her thoughts and heard all those questions she held. That wasn’t possible…. Was it? Avi’s own smile would fade, as she felt for Eclipse… Aviana suddenly felt foolish for all the self-pity she had been harboring, when here this woman didn’t even remember her past. And zombies?! Those existed too? “I’m sorry…” The words were softly spoken and hinted with the deepest sincerity. Avi found herself bothered once again by the man that had turned her. He turns Eclipse, she has no place of her own and this was where he tells her to go? An apartment with absolutely nothing?

Her confusion would persist as Avi listened to what had been spoken next. “Heard the questions?” She had been able to read her mind? “I didn’t mean to be so curious…” While saying such she would slip her purse off of her shoulder and set it on the floor beside the window. The weight of what was inside weighed on her conscious and Avi wished now that she had just left it at home. As the woman spoke of Nathaniel, she would fix her gaze out the window as well, before answering back in turn. “Something like that, yes.” She had spoken with him only briefly the night after he had turned her and the words they shared with one another weren’t exactly nice.

She was about to speak further then, feeling compelled to share more about herself since Eclipse had opened up about so much but the man’s voice interrupted all though. A small hint of annoyance would cross her expression, as her eyes would look over and take in what had been spoken. She had really hoped he wouldn’t be around this apartment. When seeing the place was unfurnished, she had felt a bit confident that this was not a place he frequented. “Seeing if we will survive in this world or leave it? Think I would have preferred being left alone to start with. Rather then having to face the only options of survival or death…”

[Aedan-Cole (DELETED 6648)]

Aedan awoke with a yawn. turning his attention to the fence beside him and simply glaring at the zombies contained within. Sure; it was funny at first, seeming them moan and stumble over themselves to get to the fence to attempt to get to him and his flesh, but now, it was just... ANNOYING, and he had to do something to fix it, preferably soon. He was hungry, not ravenous like he was the day prior when he was freshly turned, but hungry enough to want to eat; but, as Shya had mentioned to him previously, food no longer held the allure it used to for him. Blood; he'd physically wanted blood, and he had a feeling his urges wouldn't be slaked until he'd gotten it. His eyes flit about his surroundings, into the windows of the buildings surrounding him, out in the streets, trying to find the one easy meal he'd be complete with.

There she was, a young twenty-something, good looking girl; but nothing he would go for on a physical level. She must be good at something, though; since her jock-ish boyfriend, he assumed, was watching everyone around her like a half. Still, Aedan needed to feed, and he would rather not do it from a male. Slowly; the male made his way over to the couple as they separated so she could look at a shop.. A Phone case or some such nonsense; and he moved to a sporting goods kiosk. All he did was simply walk past the girl and offer her a mere smirk, and she was all about the following; once he was sure he had ensnared her, the male made his way behind a building and waited for her, leaning against it. Like a curious puppy she warily approached him, driven by nothing more than the pure idea of sex with him. He indulged it, momentarily, leaning in like he was about to kiss her before covering her eyes and cranking her head to the side; fangs breaking the skin there with an audible pop. A faint groan left him as the viate flowed down his throat, even if only for a moment. The wracking of a pistol chamber caught his attention, but since his hands were pre-occupied; he could do naught but abandon his prey and sprint. Something tugged at his jeans, a hot iron burning his leg as he took off. "****." He spat out, realizing in hindsight that he should have taken better care to do more about the male before he'd fed.

Aedan rounded a corner as more shots ran out, slamming into the wall behind him and in-front of him, followed by the sounds of clicking. Still, he ran, only to stop a few blocks away and duck into a building. ****, the sun was rising, too. Luckily, unluckily? He'd chosen a Hostel-home, to which he paid a small amount of money to the keeper and made his way to his room, crashing onto the bed with a thud; despite the blood pouring from his leg. Still, he grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler beside his bed and poured it over the wound, which was already healing; albeit slightly. Sleep came soon enough, due to his exertion and not really doing much of it since his turning. As he slept, Nathaniel, the male's name was; his... Not maker, but the one who turned him, spoke to his mind, explaining something about an apartment and a key and something about siblings. He couldn't sleep well enough, tossing and turning about at the thoughts and the discomfort in his leg. How could he have been so ******* careless? At least it wasn't any higher, or any more.. Mortal.

The inn-keeper awoke him a few hours later, dropping a key onto his chest. "This was dropped off for you, along with an apartment number. Have a nice day." She spoke, a faint sneer appearing on her face. Apparently someone disliked her inn being used by people who, in fact, had a home..

Aedan washed his face, re-cleaned his wound and shook the various detritus from his clothing before exiting the building. Quarantine Zone. Apartment. 1107. Well, he'd had nothing better to do, so he turned to face the daunting gates before him, only to find they wouldn't open when he tried. The "walls" were wooden, topped with miles and miles of razor wire and in his current state he could neither climb, nor jump them, what a hassle. Still, he was determined, so he looked around for a few minutes, found a sewer grate and decided to press his luck; opening it and descending into the darkness about him.

Rats could be heard skittering around, the faint groans of zombies above him, the footsteps of the others within the tunnels; all of it he used as his own form of echolocation to find his proper exit. Hunters, of course, blocked his exit, he snuck past one, the other noticing only to fire at nothing as Aedan quickly began to scale the ladder. Once he pushed the grate aside and exited, he turned to face the walls of old, dilapidated buildings; ruins of structures once proud, failing to stand the tests of time. It actually depressed him, to see this little block like this, since it looked like it was a good place to be decades ago; still, he had work to do.

"Where the Hell is thi--... There we go." The male said to himself before he found the building he was looking for and rushed into it, daylight once more approaching faster than he'd have liked it to. Once inside the furnishings caught his attention and a faint chuckle left him; this was a swanky place back in the day, idly he wondered what the room he'd been given looked like. Aedan made his way to the elevator, waited for the doors to open and climbed inside of it; smacking the button for the floor he'd wanted to go to. After what seemed like an eternity of rickety clacking and banging around, the doors opened, splaying the entirety of the eleventh floor to him. It took him a few minutes, but he eventually found the room; only to hear people prattling on behind it. Odd, not unexpected, but odd; instead of barging in, since he'd had a key, the male leaned against the frame to alleviate some of the pressure on his leg, and simply knocked on the door.

[Eclipse (DELETED 6661)]

At Avi's sorrowful expression, Eclipse simply smiled and shook her head. They were both getting a handle on their powers. She didn't mind, nor could she blame her. "I'm just as curious. There are so many questions!" She seemed to get excited at the prospect of some sort of answers, though then she noticed Nathaniel as he spoke. She quickly calmed down, still not sure how to take the man who'd turned her. He was huge, powerful, and much more experienced. And the air he gave off wasn't anything less than dangerous. She was glad he seemed to like her.

His harsh tone made her cringe. "I didn't mean anything by it," she tried to explain. "I -" her sentence broke off from hearing a knock at the door, and her body immediately tensed, torso lowering as she instinctively prepared to charge, though she didn't move any closer to the door. The smell of blood wafted into the room, though it didn't hold the same appeal as human blood. Was it vampire blood? It definitely wasn't a zombie. Feral vampire? She thought she'd caught sight of one downstairs, but hadn't truly paid close enough attention to discern any difference.

Had they been followed? Had someone followed Nathaniel? She wasn't sure of the latter, as he was a more experienced vampire, and she assumed he was smart enough not to let that happen. Unless this was a trap? Paranoia began to creep in, and her mind told her that the idea was stupid - if this was a trap, Nathaniel wouldn't have wasted any time and just killed them already.

[Nathaniel]

Nathaniel clucked his tongue and then smirked at childe. "You keep saying that Aviana. But that was not what you were saying the other night. I don't think you have your memories from that night. You never fought me. Never told me you didn't want what I was here to give you. Oh and by the way." He pulled a slim book out of his back pocket and tossed it at her. "This is just how safe you are in your little apartment. I picked it up on the way over here. Took me all of five seconds to get inside. Good read by the way."

His gaze went to the other female in the room. One thing he noticed was that he did pick two very attractive girls to turn. That could help them out with feeding on humans when they were more skilled in doing so. "Eclipse my dear, I know you didn't mean anything by it. Just like I didn't. mean what I said. I really hope you all decide to stick around. As for questions. Ask me anything. That's what I'm here for. If I don't know the answer I will find the answer and get it back to you."

Nathaniel stopped talking when there was a knock on the door. "Ah... the last one to the party." Since he was the closest to the door he reached over and opened it. "You had a key. Why knock?" He asked the younger male on the other side of the threshold. "Come on in. Even the odds out a little bit for me. Girls here is what some would call your brother. It's a difficult concept to understand. Your siblings but not really brother and sisters. You're my childer but not my children. Welcome to the world of the confused."