What is Family? (Iosif and Skiff)

[Asia Rae]

Asia was one to keep a routine and for the past few years it was the same; feed, hunt, run her businesses, rest and rinse and repeat. Her main bloodline was quiet but even then, her sire had created her own bloodline so Asia had lost that connection to those that made it possible to have the life she did. She was bound to a wonderful man and yet he had fallen away to the shadows, however, she was loyal and refused to break their bond and move on. Loyalty was a key personality trait to her because she wasn't one to turn her back on those that made her who she was, even when she was a human. No, that would be rude because you can't always choose your family and even if your family chose you, they don't always in the end as her sire was an example of that. Yes, she choose to be a member of the West family and she was happy but that still didn't dictate her roots.

Recently Asia expanded her family by taking on two childer and they couldn't be any different from the other. One a Necromancer who loved to play with the dead and then there was the Killer which was a pretty straight forward way of describing him. They were going to keep her on her toes but this was good, shake up her routine a little bit. She missed the excitement of random events changing her routine and she had become bored and completely on auto-pilot, that was no way to live life especially if you had an eternity to live it. This was the perfect time to take on a new adventure, grow her family, and show those she cared about that she wasn't just going to waste away into thin air, other than literally should someone kill her. She was a shadow after all it was amusing to her that her blood was black and would dissipate in a seemingly blood cloud of smoke instead of leaving a mess for her to clean up.

After finishing her early evening routine of feeding and hunting, she decided to step away from her businesses for the day as they could literally run themselves and spend sometime with the guys. Pulling out her phone, she took a moment as she thought about where to meet. She needed to be calculated and away from human eyes because of the astonishing changes to the city, she wasn't about to make them a target. Smirking as the crypt was the perfect place and she could spend sometime with them and her bunny. Corvidae Flats would be good too because of the Quarantine Zone but there have been military nosing about so the Crypt was the better decision of the two. Quickly she sent off a message to the two recent additions to her life.

'Go evening my dears, I would like us to get together and get to know each other a little better. Let's meet in my crypt. You can find it in the Oldtown Graveyard if you take the transit to Cherrydale. It's just west of the transit. The crypt number is 19. I hope to you both soon.' Asia sent off the message with a nod to herself. Taking a look around, she decided it was time to get ready for a pair of visitors as she passed a shop and grabbing a few blood packs so that they could feed without getting caught. Once she was finished at the shop, she quickly made her way to the crypt so that they wouldn't be there waiting.

[Skiff Farkas]

Skiff had been wandering around this new city, very lost, very disorientated, and very annoyed. His awakening had found his armor destroyed, his favored sword had been shattered. Shedding the armor, discarding it and the chard hilt of his sword into a near by dumpster. Thank fully his blue jeans and t-shirt had survived. A chime from his back pocket drew his attention. Pulling his phone from his back pocket, the screen was scratched but thankfully not cracked. A new text message had popped up

Asia: 'Go evening my dears, I would like us to get together and get to know each other a little better. Let's meet in my crypt. You can find it in the Oldtown Graveyard if you take the transit to Cherrydale. It's just west of the transit. The crypt number is 19. I hope to you both soon.'

With a deep sigh he starts walking, his eyes tracking left to right. The cops on the streets surpise him. The last place he was in had no law enforcment. Giving the officer a wide berth he continued on his way. Even though he was unarmed he wasn't with out his defenses. Looking at the his phone and then up at the street signs he can see that he is close. Picking up the pace, he finds the door to the crypt. Opening it standing off to the side to let his eyes adjust he steps into the crypt.

"Asia I presume?"

[Iosif cel Tradat]

Despite being a mere 23 years of age, Iosif had an old soul. It’s said that old souls have a sense of world-wariness as they stand on the outside, looking in. He was a Steppenwolf and he had always felt an all-pervading sense of alienation. He was the ultimate outsider who was both in the world, but not quite part of it at the same time. When people saw Iosif, they just noticed how skinny he was, how his dark, uncombed hair hung in loose strings over his sunken features, how he dressed in oversized shirts, jumpers, and jeans, and they quietly suspected that he had an eating disorder. While mortal, he’d had nothing of the sort - the world simply made him anxious, withdrawn - and now that he was a Vampire he would embody this dishevelled form forever.

In truth, Iosif was more often calm, insightful, and wise beyond his years. He perceived the world with ancient eyes, felt it with an ancient heart, and comprehended it with an ancient soul. He was curious about the world, but viewed it with the kind of clinical fascination as a lab technician would apply to a tarantula caught under a glass. He wanted to observe - up close - yet with restraint and with protection. And it would always be that way, it would always be difficult for an old soul to satisfy the expectations of the new culture while satisfying his own needs.

When his phone trilled in his backside pocket, it had taken him by surprise. His cold, lean hands froze in their movements. He felt growing tingles in his fingertips and knew he had to act before they crept further up his arms or made his legs shake. Iosif clenched his hand around the scalpel and took a deep breath before he set the instrument down in the tray besides its glistening partners. He removed the blue rubber gloves from his hands, fetched the tablet of shiny black glass, and read the summoning message from his sire - he was still learning the language. Iosif sent a quick reply to confirm his attendance and returned to observe his latest piece of work.

At this point the bindings around its arms and wrists seemed unnecessary, but that safety had only come after hours of testing. In doing so, the Necromancer had devised that although it still appeared Human on the surface, its physiological responses defied the laws of nature. Iosif was not alarmed that it ignored pain in pursuit of food, or that it viewed him as a source of nourishment. What alarmed him was that it continued to function despite a fatal laceration to its carotid artery, and eventually, despite having no blood in its body whatsoever, appeared to still be able to work its circulatory system. What was also interesting was that the creature continued to seek food even when Iosif removed its stomach and didn’t appear to require its lungs either. Iosif had barely started dissecting the creature’s brain tissue when Asia’s message had come through. Still, it couldn’t be helped. He would have to pack this all away and continue with it later.

Iosif threw some sheets of blue paper over the tray of mostly clean, sharp tools and covered the specimen with some tarpaulin. It was as sterile as one could get in a crypt. As he moved toward the back of the room, he tugged off the apron and mask he was wearing - now spattered with a foul-smelling liquid - and set them down on a counter. The acrid stench had penetrated the fibres of his clothes and hair nevertheless, and even the sweet and musky aroma of his menthol cigarettes couldn’t quite cover it. Judging by Asia’s message, they were at least meeting somewhere just as fetid as his environment was, so he wouldn’t stand out too easily.

As it happened, the Necromancer managed to follow the other male into their sire’s crypt with relative ease and secrecy. As the Killer announced himself, just off to the side of the doorway, Iosif scuttled in too though remained completely silent.

[Asia Rae]

Asia wasn't home long when the crypt door creaked open. She always thought she needed to use WD-40 on the door but then again it was key to alerting her that someone was trying to sneak into the crypt before they were caught on camera. Picking up the bunny that bounced around the crypt before she got under the wrong foot. Petting the bunny between the ears, she looked at the two men that now entered. One announced his entry, though unnecessary and then she smirked as she looked at the gentleman that seemed to quietly sneak in behind the other. To her it was clear which one was her killer and which one was her necromancer.

Stepping toward them, she nodded and smiled. "Welcome to one of our many homes. I felt this would be more suited and comfortable for Iosif here. Please have a seat and I did grab some blood packs for each of you should you get hungry." Asia turned and held her hand out to the couch for them to take a seat. "Both of you are new to the family and I thought it would be good to get to know each other. There might come a time that we will need to depend on each other for protection or other means." Taking a seat in the chair that sat across from the couch. "First off as you know, I am Asia Rae but Asia is fine. It is just us in the family as those in the line have long left, vanished, or simply withered away. I personally am okay with."

She took note that she was being so formal but it had been awhile since she had sired anyone let alone any active family. This was a new adventure for her and they would all be on it together. One thing she had an advantage was information and be able to help them grow. She held many of the powers that each of them would be learning and was happy to help. Each of them were different which was good because that would mean they would bring different thoughts to the table should they need to make plans for anything that might come up in the future. Placing the bunny back on the floor, she folded her hands together and leaned forward. "Please ask me anything. We have all night and this is your time."

[Skiff Farkas]

It had been awhile since he had spoken with someone, his voice felt rust from disuse. When she nodded to him, he moved into the room, her glance behind him had him stepping quickly to the side. He wasn't one that enjoyed people behind him, he moved over to the couch that Asia had waved towards. If he was being honest at this point he wasn't sure what to think. Standing next to the couch he removed his weapons leaning them against the arm, he took a seat on the edge of the couch. Moving so that he could see the door while still looking directly at Asia. He watched the rabbit hop off.

Skiff knew he didn't come off as any type of intimidating, and coming in at 5'8 and a slim athletic build didn't help. After a while he didn't try, he got the idea to let them make their own judments, come to their own conclusions. It was because of this that most people always underestimated him. He didn't boast or brag, had no reason. He knew what he was capable of and he was comfortable with it. For those who knew of him knew when you needed a job done he was the guy to do it, and for those who didn't..... it was usually their corpses lining the trail of his journey. However now his journey had led him here, to this woman on the couch and the man that had followed him through the door. Skiff sighed knowing that once again, somehow this was going to be the start of an.... Interesting adventer.

So what's his name, Bugs, Roger, Bucky, Peter?? Pointing to the rabbit on the floor hopping about, clearing his throught when he heard it still sounded rough.

If it is formal we are to be this day then let me say it is my very good honor to meet you and my name is Skiff Farkas. However if it is not formal that we are being then I will just say ....... Sup

[Iosif cel Tradat]

There are thought to be two natural reactions to stress responses: fight or flight. The response instantly causes hormonal and physiological changes in the body, allowing one to act quickly in order to protect one’s self from threats and danger. Specifically, the fight-or-flight response is an active defense response where the body readies itself to fight or flee. The body's sympathetic nervous system is activated due to the sudden release of hormones, stimulating the adrenal glands into triggering the release of catecholamines, which include adrenaline and noradrenaline. This results in an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. After the threat is gone, it takes between 20 to 60 minutes for the body to return to its pre-arousal levels. However, there is also a third known stress response: freeze. Freezing is effectively the fight-or-flight response on hold, where the body is further prepared to protect itself. It’s also called reactive immobility or attentive immobility. It involves similar physiological changes, but instead, the body remains completely still and gets ready for the next move. These stress responses aren’t conscious decisions, but automatic reactions.

Iosif was rarely comfortable around other people and was far less comfortable when those people became startled within his proximity. Thus, when the male in front of him panicked and leapt to the side, the Necromancer dipped his head, shrunk his tall frame into the shadows, and froze there. Perhaps he would have disappeared entirely if Asia’s honeyed words hadn’t coaxed him out, encouraging him to take a seat on the sofa opposite her with such a calm, soft voice. Iosif moved slowly, like a small fox creeping out of its den, and made a wide berth of the other male in the room before he sat himself on the couch. His aquamarine eyes were fixed to the male’s weapons as he’d passed, but once he was seated, he watched the rabbit. She cradled it possessively and stroked the velvet of its long white ears before allowing it back on the floor to hop about.

Iosif recalled his disdain for the overgrown rodents as it jumped up onto the cushion beside him, but he didn’t notice how his entire body was leaning away from it even as the other male in the room spoke. He found it difficult to focus on what was being said when he was fixated on the rabbit beside him, especially as it edged closer to him; its nose twitching, its beady eyes leering at him. The Necromancer found it remarkable how those creatures could be both curious and terrified of everything in equal measures, which most likely explained their capacity to breed. With one quick movement, he could spook it and have it run off, but he didn’t want to upset Asia. It was too close to him, however. He could hear its tiny heart pounding in its tiny chest like the flutter of butterfly wings in his ears. Iosif moved his hand around the shell of his ear and clutched it lightly, hoping to drown out some of the sound, hoping it wouldn’t drive him nuts as he sat there and pretended everything was normal.

[Asia Rae]

Asia took notice that the killer nearly jumped out of his skin when he noticed his sibling of sorts behind him. She took note that he was one of those non-trusting brute types and would need to keep an extra eye on him. Luckily for her, she had the capability to do so but what her concern now was how her beloved her necromancer was about to wither into the stone walls of the crypt. She continued to keep her composure but made a mental note to meet with him personally on his own. She wanted his new life to be fruitful and welcoming, not wanting him to become one of the lost childer before they just simply faded from existence. It was comforting to know that her words brought him back to the room and he chose not to flee as he took a seat next to the killer on the other side of the couch.

Skiff insulted her with the basic childish names that she would give her for the bunny that was now roaming free. A single shake of her head as looked at the black and white bunny. "Not at all. I'm not that basic. Her name is Blackheart." As the bunny bounced up upon the couch, she took note that Iosif leaned away from the bunny while his eyes remained fixated and still on her pet. It didn't take a rocket scientist to notice that the creature made him feel uncomfortable and the shadow, stood up and gently picked up her companion since her husband had been long lost to the void to carry it to the other room. Placing the bunny in it's cage that she rarely used unless she had to, to keep her childer comfortable while they were in her home. This meeting was important to her so she would take all precautions necessary.

Walking back into the main room, she gently placed her hand upon his that grabbed upon his ear before ran her hand down his back. Her words came across softly and reassuring. "It's okay, Love, you can relax now." Smiling down at the man before she took the few small steps to take her place once again in the chair that sat across from them. "I want you both to feel safe here."

[Skiff Farkas]

Skiff sighed when he saw the look of insult on Asia's face. Great another one that didn't get his warped and twisted sense of humor. Watched her pick up the rabbit and put it in the cage, the other man looked like he was trying to melt into the walls, or the couch, or just disappear from sight entirely. Sitting back against the couch he watched as Asia tended to the other. This day for him just kept getting weirder and weirder. He felt lucky that he was able to acquire a sword and rifle. His mind raced trying to make sense of the day, yet outwardly he was calm. The other hadn't attacked him, so he wasn't an enemy. With the way Asia was treating him, Skiff figured he was someone important. Seeing that she was currently occupied he with the other, he took out a rag. Pulling the sword he found into his lap he began to inspect it. The metal was dull, however running his finger across the blade lightly he could feel that it was still sharp. Slowly, and gently he started to buff the metal of the hilt. His hands moved of their own accord, the movements helping calm his mind. He let his mind drift, let it empty. When his hands came to a stop the hilt of the sword was cleaned of all the grim and dirt. Inspecting his handy work he leaned the sword back against the couch getting up to go rinse the cloth. Checking quickly as he got up to make sure he didn't ruin her couch he came back and sat down. He didn't think she would be happy if he cleaned the blade. He eyed the rifle, he knew he was going to have to practice with it. It had been a long time since he had used one and he had the feeling he was going to need it in this city. Hearing the murmur of her voice, he brought his attention back to her as when she touched the other and spoke to him. He waited a beat after she returned to the chair.

"If you don't mind, maybe you could explain what is going on here? I will fully admit to be confused. I remember loosing a fight, not much after that. Next thing I know I am picking myself up from the ground. My armor and Weapons destroyed, and the only thing I had to my name was a phone. Now please understand I am not saying that I am ungrateful for your invitation. Nor for your hospitality. Yet I will ask humbly for information." Skiff said noticing she never did answer him as to whether they were being formal or not. However just in case "In short, what have I gotten myself into this time?"

[Iosif cel Tradat]

The freeze reaction hit again as Asia entered his personal space. Aquamarine eyes were big quavering pools looking up into her chocolate orbs. Her warmer hand curled around the back of his hand, giving him the silent instruction to relax and return them both to his lap. Iosif followed the command when she prompted vocally, but he certainly didn’t relax - he likely wasn’t capable in a room with other people in it. There was a memory that clung to her as sweetly inviting and intoxicating as a perfume, and yet, there was a warning in his heart. Iosif recalled his siring. He remembered what had happened in wisps of desaturated images, broken up and scattered over his mind like foggy mirror shards. It was difficult to form a clear picture, but he remembered what he had become after meeting Asia and he remembered that it was a choice he had made.

Iosif considered the male beside him with a look of sympathy, though the affection in his gaze waned as he acknowledged the weapons again and how fit this man was for battle. It almost seemed like a waste to pity him, as even despite his confession for being out of sorts and having lost memories of his own in the process of being turned, he seemed far more capable of handling the situation than the Necromancer did. Iosif was relieved that the rabbit had been put back in its cage, like cookies hidden out of sight. Still, information was a different sort of satisfaction and wasn’t one he minded enjoying in public. It was the male’s question and right to know, but the Necromancer looked to Asia expectantly as well, hoping she would share that insight with him too.

[Asia Rae]

Asia took notice that Skiff didn't really seem to care what was going on as his weapons seemed to be more important than the rest in the room. Making a mental note that he was probably going to be harder to get to know. He was like a walnut and she would be happy to be the nutcracker that would bust him open. Smirking at the thought as she crossed her leg over the other. Looking between the two new additions to her eternal family but then Skiff spoke. Smirking boldly as she listened to his words and nodded. "Hell yeah you lost the fight and you were near death. Now you are here. Welcome."

Her foot began to bounce on her leg while it remained crossed over the other. Asia's arms rested upon the arms of the chair to keep her from using her hands to talk and make her looked like a flailing fool. "The reason you are here is because I am your sire. What you got yourself into was a fight that you couldn't win, Skiff and now you get a second chance. Both of you get a second chance and the possibilities are almost limitless."

Looking between the pair across from her as she ran her tongue over the back of her teeth. This wasn't turning out how she thought but then again, she wasn't sure what to expect. The two were opposites but that is what made this adventure all the more amazing because even though she had the powers of each of their path and could train them, the training would be completely different from the other person. Asia loved a challenge. "Family, even an eternal one, is something to embrace. I personally am loyal to those that are my family. I protect, inform, and teach where I am needed. You are now venturing into a new life and need at least one person that you can turn to. I would like us to get to know each other and why not now?"