Bloody Blades [MM]

[Storyteller]

==========AUTOMATED RANDOM EVENTS SYSTEM==========

Cristiana realizes suddenly that they are ravenously hungry.

[Glade (DELETED 11640)]

All of a sudden he found himself in an alley and a moment later she appeared before him. Well...he knew what was gonna happen, sort of, but the sudden change was still a bit shocking. She asked if he was alright and he had to pause for a moment, "Yup, just, didn't quite realize how sudden that would be. Heh, bit of a shocker." he admitted lightheartedly. It was...a very strange sensation, not sure if that was negative or not. But it was over, and that was simply how it was. She mentioned offering him a drink which he was actually able to consume and he lifted his eyes, "Thank you, please. Certainly would help...not sure with what but I feel like it'd help with something." he added gratefully. He at least was still willing to be grateful for how much she was doing for him so far, even with what had happened. Don't dwell, just move forwards.

Yet again violence came about, a shot from someone who materialized with them who he only had the wits about to notice after the damage had been done. He stepped back and started to reach for his gun, but not before Cristiana had ripped his chest open. He took in another breath, good grief. It was...not as bad is it might have been, but still. He took a breath from the cigarette trying to calm himself, well, that wasn't so useless. Didn't quite have the effects he would have hoped but it was something. He turned his face back as she started investigating the dying man and narrowed his eyes at him. Killing, that was something he'd never done unless he had to. But people like this did it without hesitation. Even now the man tried to raise a gun to fire. Was there nothing but the killl in their minds? He was stopped by her quickly of course, but still, truly these people were deranged.

He frowned as she looked back and shook his head running a hand through his hair, "These people...are mad." an obvious conclusion, but still, one that just had to keep dawning on him every five seconds. He wasn't completely disoriented this time, but still, it made him tense up with how much had to be done. He was going to have to work to get used to that.

She left him a note and some cash and Glade furrowed his brow, he looked at the body a moment longer before nodding as she asked if he'd come inside and followed along. However, as he did, he said somewhat quietly so no one else would hear, just in case, "Why'd you leave him that after he shot you, and...speaking of which, I assume you're fine?" the first question was asked with very clear confusion. Why on earth would anyone give someone something after they did such as thing? He could understand the not killing part, that was just human...or well, that could be just emotion or something. But actually giving them something? Just didn't seem right. The second part of his question was more of said with uncertainty then asked, she didn't seem to have paid much attention to the wound, as if it was no big deal. Perhaps that's just how it was for her? She had just gone beyond the level of needing to care about injuries like that. Still, it was indeed a question.

[Storyteller]

==========AUTOMATED RANDOM EVENTS SYSTEM==========

Cristiana is suddenly struck with an almost overwhelming sense of confusion, which leaves them disoriented.

[Cristiana]

Criminal activities, falsehoods and other such scandalous activities happen all over this town. At one point there was a secret shadow council at work even in the vampire community. She knew quite well about that. It was long broken. Wars and the likes had been decided in those days from the select few who had come in contact with them. Or they ended by the will of those who ran in those circle or friends of those circles. Those day were long over. The town was still asleep in her eyes.

There was times were you could be apart of things or just be on the outside of things. She’d stayed on the outside for things, never really picking a side, never really giving into whatever was not her own agenda. Why hadn’t she killed the man in the alleyway? Because it was her making a choice, finally.

She walked into the club and headed to the bar. Her eyes glanced over the human at work behind the bar. “Hey Boss! Need a Drink or two?” She said in her normal cheerful voice eyeing the man that joined Crissy at the bar. She beamed the brightest smile like he was leaving her the biggest tip she had ever seen in the world. It was a nice distraction between them.

Her eyes went to Celeste’s neck. The sound of the blood pushing through her veins sounded like harmonious music to hear ears. Fangs slid down inside her mouth. The tip pricked her tongue seeping the taste of blood into her mouth. She swallowed, a mixture of saliva and blood.The senses soar watching her pulse beat against the skin from her vein. Throb, throb, throb. Like a songs drumbeat! She turned away looking at Glade, “We need to head into my office. Please go down that hall.” She informed him but turned and went into another direction to grab a bunch of blood bags. Her hand had come up and hid as much as she could of the fangs.

After grabbing a bunch from the guy who worked in the club, she headed to her office hoping Glade found it alright. On the way, she was handed a drink of the bloodwine which sated her slightly. She could have, might have, ripped apart her worker if she hadn’t enough control. It must have she pushed it overboard, with the use of the powers, and now we was starving. The blood, she knew, by every step she was counting, was inside of her purse. One step, then another, 5,6,7. She ignored all around her walking past everyone into the office. “Glade?” She called out as she entered the office pulling out the blood packs as she walked into the office looking around for the man to give him some blood as well as feed herself. If she was hungry perhaps he was as well.

[Glade (DELETED 11640)]

He noticed his hunger getting worse and worse, that was fast, usually was much more gradual. Not a ton to do about it they were close to drinking right? She hadn't answered his question, but, oh well, she probably was fine. They just needed blood, they'd heal from anything in time right? So it was just blood they needed.

Glade smiled at the worker, boy they seemed happy, what in the world was up with that? Was that Cristiana's powers? Or, were they just really friendly? Hard to tell, maybe they were just paid really well. Or new, sometimes new people had that tendency to be always excited about working for awhile. He glanced at Cristiana and back before doing a double take, she was looking at the workers veins. He was tempted to really do the same, especially now that he was really made aware of it. He ran a hand across his forehead trying to calm himself down, they were fine, they were fine. Just needed to feed and it'd all be alright.

She directed him down a hall and he hesitated as she went in a different direction, he paused for a moment but ultimately started walking, somewhat swiftly, down the hall. He was goal oriented right now, until he could get a good feed and just somewhere to calm down. Today had been way too wacky of a day. As they got in the office he very gladly took one as quickly as possible and sat down as his fangs grew and he went straight into it,

"Oh thank you," he said sighing as he looked at the bag practically emptied already by now, he shook his head violently trying to get thoughts to work properly, "That is...so much better." he said aloud, things were running through his mind again. Were things going to be easier now that he knew his sire? Was it best to be in good contact with ones family? Well, she had offered him a job so that was a good move to have taken.

[Cristiana]

Blood bags were a small part of it. By the time she reached the office, her fangs were descended and elongated and extremely visible if anyone dared to notice. Without thinking she tossed a few to Glade the moment she seen him. It had been hard enough to walk past the people in the club when all you can hear is the pounding of their hearts. It had taken all the disciple in her to make it into the office doors and shut them behind her.

Once in the office it was quieter. She had made this as a sanctuary against the noise of the club for cases like this. It was reinforced and sound proof much like the VIP room was becoming if you dropped the door down to keep people out. She punctured the blood bag, instead of being dainty and feminine about it, her hand lifted the warmed blood bag in the air and she squirted the blood into her mouth in a stream. As she did, she could feel her stomach knitting itself together.

It was quite unlady like but she never claimed to be a lady. With the first pint down she agreed with Glade; That was better. Somewhat. She downed two more like that before the feeling really was sated. Once she finally felt the need to not rip out someone’s throat and bathe in their carnage, the raw annihilation of every being within a five block radius, she walked over to the closet behind her desk and started flipping through some clothes. She kept spares for just about every shape and size, men and women alike. She pulled a t shirt out and giving herself, well more him because she truly didn’t care, stepped into the closet to change out of the clothes that had been bullet ridden and into the old tshirt. Once she was done, she laid a fresh clean set of clothes matching his style down on the desk. They would fit him, were clean and free of blood and holes. What more to ask for? She motioned he was welcomed to use the closet. Heck if Glade wished to change the outfit all together he could, she really didn’t care at all. It would all be replaced. Whatever came out, there was new apparel returned into.

Finally she started talking, when it was safe to open her mouth and speak again, more than one word. “I have this thing where I picture every scenario in my head. The man in the alleyway. I can see a few possible outcomes. One, he takes the money and leaves the crew and comes to work for me in secret or as a spy against his own members. Two, he takes the money and goes back, after telling people they attack hoping I will pay them too but will lure me food for the next few weeks of unsavory characters this city could do without until they figure out their people are not returning. Three, he thinks of it like a payoff and I never see him again. Or fourth and last one, he goes back and tells his crew and they figure out that if I can throw away that kind of cash than I must have more.. A lot more so they plot to rob me and I bring myself some take out at home, which is where they are more likely to hit verses the club which is packed most of the time and unlikely for me to keep large sums here verses a private safe at home. All likely to happen, and in all I am still the victor.” Her shoulder rose and fell in a shrug.

“I know this seems worse, but I was fully aware of what I did to you. And by all accounts you should hate me. I did leave you to die, and I have little to no remorse for it Glade. However, you are a rare gem. Which is what I was looking for. A very precious blood diamond in the rough that is flawed but in a way that it is nearly perfection. You see, you survived what should have killed you. But more importantly, you have survived the first hunger and the first daylight exposure. You are now stronger than you know. You have endurance and strength, which means while I am here for you, I won’t need to hand hold you through everything. It is up to you to make a name for yourself and prove your own worth or like people feel of your sibling, hide behind my skirt. Now that is your choice. I did the coddling thing and it ended very badly. To the point I have died, twice, for him and lost the trust in a relationship due to his treachery. Something of which I will not do again. Ever. But as your sire, I do support you in whatever venture you have. If you would like something such as an apartment… then by all means I will gladly endorse this. If you wish to kill every mortal you see, well, that is at your own peril. I have had to learn limitations and in that I find it best to test my childer. If they don’t die, and can manage their way then I can trust that they will understand life is hard, it is unfair and loss is a natural part of it. Should I have coddled you and comforted you and had you become dependant on me such as your sibling? There is a fine line and this is what I have found works for me. Now it may seem harsh but what did you learn?”

Before he could answer, “I was left by my sire as well. Left to fend on the streets alone for several months before he came along and told me anything. I found a mentor and friend who helped me from then on out. I didn’t get anything but a key to his apartment after several months of living on the streets here. He left again. And again. And again. One day you may meet him or you may not. Look at where I am because of it. In a way, I am doing this to see you succeed and for that I simply have no regrets. I hope you can understand that.” Now she shut up, lighting another cigarette waiting for him to absorb all the information. It was a lot to take in and even she thought she was long winded there. How would he take such information - only he could tell.

[Glade (DELETED 11640)]

Glade didn't care about how ladylike or unladylike it might have looked when Cristiana poured the blood, he was too busy thinking about how nice it was too not be out and about hungry and hurt and in danger. He furrowed his brow as he saw he saw her getting clothes ready he took a look at his own, oh, yeah that probably didn't look too great. It wasn't like he could just walk out in this. Well, technically speaking he could but that didn't seem like the most splendid of ideas. He lifted his head up again as she put clothes for him on the desk and gestured to use the closet, he smiled quickly and nodded, "Ah, thank you very much." he said gratefully getting up and taking the clothes to get into the closet and change. Well, what was there that wasn't covered in blood? Well, there was the advantage of how fast that seemed to vanish. Sure it'd hang in the air for a moment, and was incredibly obviously not of a human, but it also went away within moments so it wasn't like it could stain the clothes. But, there were still plenty of holes and they weren't exactly the cleanest of clothes after all that nonsense so he went to change it all as quickly as he could, moving over any of his belongings from one to another and simply folding the others in spite of the fact he knew he was gonna just at least throw the shirt away, he could see cuts in other bits of clothing but he wasn't sure yet if he'd use them or not.

He looked at the clothes that he had been wearing which he now was just holding in his arms as he came back out in the much less suspicious clothing with a grateful nod as she was talking. Scenarios she said, listing them as she went along. Well she wouldn't be the only one of course who ran through them but still, clarifying it as being a way of thinking more then just a momentary thing was something a little more. He bobbed his head side to side in thought as she finished explaining why she had let the man live. Perhaps she was just too busy at the time, to hungry, to explain earlier. It did make sense now, that was not a move of mercy like he might have thought initially, but a strategic one. Much more interesting of a situation.

However then the topic changed, to his turning. She wasn't sorry, she didn't seem to treat it as any sort of bad decision, it's just how it went. She went back to the mentions of toughness, this time comparing him to some kind of blood gem. Made him think of a diamond in the rough. He ran a hand over his beard in thought as she explained, not really sure still how he was gonna react to this. He was feeling a little less irritated by it. But still, even she admitted reasonably he should hate her. However, at the same time, he did somewhat enjoy the compliments of strength, of endurance, that he was getting. He still saw vampirism as a gift to him, it just came about in a way he hadn't quite liked. She mentioned treachery, heh, that was one he'd take care to avoid. While he was definitely the type to have tried to manipulate her for convenience, he wanted to be very careful in this world and, whether or not she'd done it with good intentions, she had given him a gift. Eventually she asked what he learned and he started thinking of the answer as she started talking again without waiting for it.

This was a great deal to work with, a great deal of information, of emotion, of experience, of knowledge. In his opinion, he could do more as a vampire then as a human. The only real disadvantage was that he couldn't go out in the sun or stay awake during the day. Which were certainly very dangerous weaknesses but at the same time in the night vampires ruled.

He stroked his beard for a few more moments in thought, leaning against a wall and putting the clothes on the ground until he decided what to do with them,
"I'm sure you've heard it plenty, but most people would probably say you're a good bit messed up, psychologically speaking, or morally speaking, take your pick." he said simply shaking his head for a moment, "But, so is Harper Rock. So it's not like I can really completely blame you for almost anything. And, one way or another, I'll admit, becoming a vampire may have it's downsides but it's also shown me just how far I can go with things I could never have done when I was but human."

He flipped the cigarette in his fingers in thought, which had gone out after awhile, now just being used to fidget with, "Maybe I can grow to the point you're at now, maybe not. Maybe I'll end up stagnant for whatever reason. I intend to get stronger, in every way I can. But, there are still a lot of things I know I can't do, and things I don't know. I'd certainly appreciate the help along the way." Glade took a pause tapping his fingers on his leg as he dropped his hands a bit, "I'm fine with mostly going on as if you...hadn't thrown me out a window. I'll get over it, it gave me something I'd probably never have had otherwise. Or, I guess, rather going on as if it wasn't quite as big of a deal as it was. But, I just want to be sure, what are the rules? I've only just begun, I know that there are things to avoid which are kind of just intuitive. But I want to be sure I know how to follow the community at least relatively. I'd like to not get on everyones bad side on accident."

He was sure he'd get over the whole thrown out the window part, already things had deescalated a great deal. However, he realized now that he had really finally started interacting with other vampires, it would be necessary to know at least some things about them. Cristiana seemed...at least to be a positive side of things, now that he was a vampire and her childr. But that was one of a multitude he could say were, in a sense, on his side. "There are plenty of things I can do on my own I know, I could probably survive and grow, it'd be very difficult. But help would absolutely make things much easier. I may not be the most humble person around, can probably be a bit stubborn, but I can appreciate what I'm given."

[Cristiana]

“Rules?” hmm… that was a fair enough question. “Don’t kill the police and government agents unless you want someone hunting you. Don't be a douche which you haven't been so far.” It took a moment of quiet while she thought it over. The rules were simpler back in the old days when she was turned. Humans knew of the existence of vampires now so there was that rule that was tossed out of the window. But before that, she was known as a vampire. It didn’t really matter to her one way or another. Face value, she was a good seed. Those who knew her knew how she really was.

“Once upon a time, it was do not let the humans know of our kind but they know now. Avoid the woods because the fae are not always the most friendly. However, sometimes we gain an ally in the fae community. I’ve not done this yet, but perhaps one day.” She tried to look deep in thought tapping her chin. “One day you may sire, sometimes traits are sent from sire to childer and you should be aware of them as well as the powers. If you gain anything from me I do hope it is to share the Antiagrypniac I suffer from. Or well being able to stay awake during the daylight hours with no effect.” Without thinking she kind of mumbled to herself, “I’ve never been a deep sleeper though.”

There was new rules, a new way of life from this era. One that she was growing accustomed to herself. “Honestly beyond that, I am not sure anymore. Truth is, I just woke up not to long before I sired you. We can learn together. These are all new vampires I don’t know, the elders have all fallen to the way either sleeping or gone. The SR calls many, haunts them even.” Sometimes the shadows of the SR called to her, voices distant and faint whispering for her to come home on the wind.

“Could you tell me more about yourself? Do you play an instrument? What are your hobbies? Should I give you money to go shopping? Do you need keys to apartments around the city? I have plenty to open to you. I own a building in Cherrydale, and several apartments in the building are owned by me. So there is that, unless you want your own. I wish you could have met some of my other childer. Anne was a little fiesty bug, well fire bug. Mel, one of the most gentlest souls. Ani, he was not pleased about his turning either. I threw him off a bridge.” That caused her to chuckle a bit at the memory.

She looked at him, “Simon, my first, was … is… the troublemaker and playboy. The twins were … violence incarnate. Quoth… “ She turned looking away. She didn’t let him see the tear roll down her cheek, quick as could be she brushed it away. “He is gone and we don’t speak of him anymore. There was a few others that did not last though. There are two more recent ones, Chantel and Rupert, who I hope to hear from soon.” Her words on that were final about Quoth, it was a wound she rather not open. Deep in her heart she knew the man would never return. So she turned back to him, he could fill her in on himself and perhaps what he needed to thrive in the city. Maybe once Chantel and Rupert woke up .. if they did.. He would feel more of a bond with the bloodline.

[Glade (DELETED 11640)]

Well that first rule was a relatively easy rule to follow. He had no intention of killing anyone unless he had to anyway and killing a cop seemed like a horrible idea. The second comment was...at least easy to get away with, he was rarely blatantly rude and even when he was it was not to people who could really cause him trouble and almost never to the point of any fighting breaking out.

Yeah vampires were kind of...known at this point it was just a matter of who was or wasn't one. Not going to the woods because of fae, he nodded on that one. Yeah it was for safety apparently, so not so much a rule as a guideline, but it was something that he knew was probably best to follow. As for siring, he'd keep those in mind as well. He didn't know if it was something he'd do or not. But time would tell. Fae apparently could be friends she said but he was not willing to test out that theory at present. Then she mentioned the SR and he frowned, "Uh, can you clarify on what the SR is maybe? To be fair I haven't actually spoken with a ton of other vampires yet." he admitted.

She asked about him, and also asked if he needed a key, and mentioned it would have been good for him to meet some of her others. He raised an eyebrow at the mention of throwing one of them off a bridge, "Gee I wonder why." he said sarcastically, although it was said somewhat lightheartedly still rather then an attempted insult of some kind.

This woman had quite a few childer didn't she? He tapped his fingers against his leg as he saw her mention Quoth and turn away. Sadness perhaps? Regret? Anger? He leaned towards one of the former but one could never know. She went onto others and decided not to investigate anything on this Quoth individual, at least not right now.

"Ah well perhaps I'll get the chance to meet them at some point." Glade commented smiling for a moment, then deciding to respond to the other things she'd said. "As for me though, yeah I don't have an apartment just yet. I hadn't managed to make quite enough money to really work towards one. And then, hobbies and whatnot. Hm, strange as it sounds, I actually rather enjoy video games which perhaps sounds childish but I've enjoyed them so whatever. I like making things with my hands, just a bit of crafting. I have rather enjoyed messing around with the powers I have."

He took another moment to think, "And rituals. I know that's a bit more dangerous, but I'm sure they'll be useful once I get going with them." it was hard to think what exactly was entertaining, there were plenty of things that were fun to do but he just didn't actively choose every one of them.

[Cristiana]

In the stark white room, she glanced over the trail of the footprints against the white plush carpet. It only drew her attention for a split second as she quickly scribbled a note to get the cleaning crew to come take care of it.

“Ah the Shadow realm or SR as we have come to call it. It is a purgatory or semi death for our kind. Rest assured we can die, but it just takes more for us to die. The longer you are awake and the stronger your powers grow, the harder it is to kill you but you no matter what can die. When we die, our souls or conscience being goes into the SR, Shadow Realm. For some it is a fearsome place, for others it is terrifying. For me, it was solitude. If such things as darkness and long distance whispers of voices when you strain to hear but still cannot make out what they say, or seeing spirits scare you, then it will indeed be a fearsome place for you. Now if that is a bit of normalcy for you, then you won’t fear it as much as find it an annoyance.”

She paused for a breath as a human would, “As far as speaking with others, well I implore you to do so. Make friends, find a mate, create others within reason to make our family growth abundance. You are a strapping lad, so please know that I will help guide you but that is all it will ever be, guidance. Opinions are very much like assholes, we all have one and yet we don’t want other peoples waving in our faces all the time. So please explore the town with your new eyes, and new senses.”

She sat back listening to him talk about video games and the such. Hmm.. not enough for an apartment and likes video games. She was sure the pawn shop did have systems for those video games. The apartment however, was easily fixed. “Well for the time you need to spend in the growth areas (QZ), as I like to call them, I have an apartment in there you can use for the time being. No need to get one in there unless you plan on staying there. I was thinking about opening it up for people to use anyway. I hardly touch that place. I have many many other apartments all over town as well.”

It didn’t take much to mention the place, she did adore the building and was quite proud of it, “ Not to mention the entire building in Cherrydale I have which has many stories and different things on all the levels, including a movie theater, garden and helicopter pad on the roof. So things like laundry are accessible there for free, no need to ever worry about that. We also have a pool and jacuzzi there as well. You can live in the building or not, but if you would like an apartment of your own I will gladly fund you the money to be paid back whenever you have the means to do so. It is … $200,000 for one is it not?” She motioned over the checkbook, which didn’t seem to phase her even in the slightest, given the amount.

“Decor of course will be of your own, I suggest seeking out a long time friend of mine, Mortll, she does outstanding work as an interior designer. I used to dabble myself but have since hung my hat. You can get all the video games you please, what is your favorite one? Maybe one night you can come show me how to play it?” She was extending an olive branch, something they could do to spend time together.

“If you require anything for rituals, please let me know. I will be glad to share my knowledge with you and any spare ingredients I have, but my girlfriend Zodiac, now she is the one to see about Rituals. She makes me feel as though I am a novice in that department.” Wow, girlfriend, it had slipped out and yet, it didn’t feel in the least strange or odd. It came so naturally to say it. But still, girlfriend. It was a side of herself she was just beginning to explore and it seemed so right to be in that category. It was like a piece of herself that she had denied had opened up and revealed itself, and at the same time it was warm and comfortable. It was a warm blanket in front of a cozy fire while the weather outside raged as a blizzard, but you were safe right where you were.

“I like to read, mostly romance novels but this Hamilton chick is twenty times better than that 50 shades, and more in depth about the emotional responses of those around the main characters. Also I like those sci fi, paranormal and all that. I have sought the solitude of books many of days seeing as I do not sleep well if I am alone.”

Now to explain this so he didn’t think of it as common, “It is a trait, one you might possibly be able to build up for yourself to stay awake with little problems during the daytime, and with the right powers take little to no damage from the sunrays. When you learn other powers from the vampires in the city, you can start learning their powers as well as your own. So there is much potential for growth, but lest not forget to keep you regular studies open. I love to cook, but I can still eat yet it took training for me to do so. My fleshy skin tones like a mortal well, you might grow paler or if you have certain traits like me, you can fool some mortals. I however came out as a vampire long ago. I never truly hid it. It happened to me, I do not know if I wanted it because I cannot recall anything before I woke up as a vampire.” Her own nightmare as it were.