Path of the Vampire forum

OOC: I earned no RPP through the posting of this roleplay. This thread was created in a board with no RPP bonus and moved here after it was completed.

Scene 1: The Necropolis Nightclub

Pi dArtois Pi was dressed casually, long black pants with her worn cargo jackets slung over her black tank top. The scarf around her neck was green, a mossy colour that pulled the emerald specks from her eyes making the blue a greener colour. She hadn't been into the Necro, not since her and Elliot had moved the pub and even longer since she had worked there as a bouncer and wait staff. So many memories tied into this place. It seemed newer now, fresher and Pi smiled, moving to the corner, over to the bat where Am's office sat. She didn't know if the woman was there but Pi knew enough of the staff to smile at them as she passed and greeted those she knew well.

Pi dArtois The music was loud, as usual. Which was one of the reasons they'd moved the pub to begin with. But it was a comforting noise, all raucous sound and thumping beats. She wound her way through the throng of bodies letting them move her even as she sliced through their mass with ease of practice.

Alexandrea ~Entering the bar, Alexandrea looked around for some friendly faces. She spotted several she knew gave them all a wave before going to sit with Madison, poking her friend in the ribs playfully.~

Pi dArtois It wasn't really her scene, too much black, too much eye liner and not enough perfume. Bodies that moved with this frenetic sort of speed sweat and it wasn't always a pleasant aroma, certainly not to her vampiric senses. Pi spied the door in the back, the Dungeon. She still had keys to that place, still owned a part of it, although she made a mental note to talk to Amaranthia about that. She wasn't meant to hold legal title there, and probably they should take care of that. It was hot enough in the throng to loosen her scarf, letting it dangle over her neck, uncurling it so it hung free.

CharlotteC moved quietly into the bar, glancing around a little bit before she spotted the girls. She smiled softly to them and moved over to sit next to them, slipping a freshly picked wallet into her messenger back as she sat down.

Madison The floor was clear as far as she could tell. As discreetly as she could, Madison had checked each of the tables, the chairs, and anywhere else a person could possibly think to hide one of the devices others were calling "crow eyes". She had been sitting at a table, watching people move about and debating leaving when someone approached her and jabbed her in the ribs. Looking up she smiled at Alex, "Hey lady."

Alexandrea Hey grilfrend. You doing okay?

Phoenix Phoenix had never been fond of the Necropolis. The owner set her teeth on edge and despite her historic claim on the building in the name of the Hellhounds, the redhead had never found herself attached to the establishment. It was probably the gaudy technogothy what the **** ever decor that just wasn't up her alley. No matter. When she found herself outside the building, she stepped inside. May as well check for those infernal crow eyes.

CharlotteC looks to Madison and Alexandrea for a moment before she glanced around the room. It was odd to see so many people here, and one she spotted made her growl quietly under her breath. The images of those boys still fresh in her mind.

Madison Yeah, just dandy," she replied as Charlotte came to sit with them. Madison gave Charlotte as polite a smile as she could manage. Truth be told she was uncomfortable in this setting. Rarely ever did she leave the confines of the Depot unless it was to go on a B&E run.

CharlotteC nods softly and smiles, glancing around the area again.

Alexandrea Been here before Charlotte?

CharlotteC A few times

CharlotteC never when it's been this busy though

Madison The smile fell from Madison's face, not because she had reason to be upset but because she stopped thinking about trying to force it. Her thoughts turned inward, her ears tuning out the sounds of the bar and the conversation Alex was starting with Charlotte. Pale blue eyes gazed over the crowd, an eyebrow arching as she spotted Pi. Someone who seemed as out of place as she felt.

Elliot dArtois The Necropolis had never been Elliot's favourite place, either; the music seemed to get into his head and stick there, throbbing and stabbing like some angry teenager that wouldn't be quiet. But there he was, feeling very out of place as he wandered by Pi's side, standing a full head above most. It was easy to follow her through the crowd, no matter how thick it was, and without holding her hand. The only thing he wore to even try to fit it was the black, button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Otherwise, he wore blue jeans, and his black leather shoes. The black ones, not the brown ones. He pushed long fingers through his hair, following Pi as she seemed to head toward the bar.

Pi dArtois She wore her gun, because she always did. It was as much a part of her wardrobe as her underwear and pants. She rarely left home without it and her wardrobe, all of it was chosen to hide the holster that sat at the small of her back, the gun tilted to allow her a seamless right hand draw. What wasn't so usual was the sword she also wore, made to look like a prop it wasn't sitting mostly hidden under her jacket. But nothing could disguise what it was, not really, but in a goth club with people with more black on than mourners at a funeral, no one bat an eyelash.

DM As the people in the Necropolis go about their business, shouts for help start coming from the entrance. A young man, wild eyed and covered in blood is brought in by the bouncers and seated on the ground by the door. While one goes to call the police, the other starts applying pressure to the man's abdomen.

Pi dArtois She sat at the bar, curled comfortably near the pass through, in the lee of the entrance to Amaranthia's office. It was the perfect place to watch the whole of the space. She wondered if Am used it like she had, to view everything from this position. Leaning back she smiled at Elliot her gaze lighting up, her lips curving into a slow languorous look meant for him and him alone. This wasn't exactly their idea of a great night out, but they should come see Am, talk to her, see how she was doing. Just because they were no longer business Partners, didn't mean they shouldn't... talk.

Madison The sounds of shouting caught her attention and Madison's head turned towards the source. She couldn't quite see from where she was sitting so she stood to get a better look. Her brow furrowed as the bouncers brought in a blood covered man. Leaving Alexandrea and Charlotte behind she started to move towards the door to get a better look and to hear what was going on.

Pi dArtois Turning slowly Pi watched the door, standing without knowing she had stood. Concerned for the club and the people in it even though it wasn't her club. Turning to Elliot she lifted her eyebrow asking silently if they should do something, say something, help since they were here. They might not own the Necropolis anymore. But it still felt like ... their people. Without knowing it, she moved forward. Intent.

CharlotteC turned her head sharply towards the doorway, her chocolate eyes narrowing in on the one that was screaming for help. She turned her head to look at Madison and Alex for a moment, wanting to see what they would do before she did anything herself.

Alexandrea ~Alex saw the injured man brought in and got up quickly, going to see if she could help~

Phoenix It was hard to be subtle when scoping the area for electronic gadgets. At least the bloodied man provided enough of a distraction to continue her search in a potted plant. Phoenix would never be accused of being a philanthropist - if he died, at least he'd served a purpose.

Alexandrea ~kneeling next to the bouncer, Alex offered to add pressure as well, hopingto try and heal without being noticed~

Pi dArtois It helped that Pi knew the staff, helped too that she had been an owner, standing next to the blonde woman and bleeding man her voice was sharp, cutting past the music and shocks titters of those standing around and staring "Charles" (is it okay I name the bouncer?)... "We need to get him out of the door... and out of the entrance. Can you move him?"

Elliot dArtois Elliot was about to order himself a drink, when the commotion broke out by the door. He couldn't see much from this distance, but there was the unmistakable red slash of blood. For once, he wondered whether he could sit back and do nothing. There was a reluctance in him that he didn't quite understand. But Pi surged forward, and Elliot went with her. There was a blonde woman already at the scene, helping. Someone Elliot recognised. Alexandrea. She'd be more help than most, and he didn't know what else could be done. He hung back, brows furrowed in obvious consternation, but otherwise had his hands shoved into his pockets.

CharlotteC stood up after a moment and moved to stand behind Alex, more in a protective way even though she was pretty sure she was the weakest link currently in the room. She glanced at the other people in the room for a moment and then back to Alex and the others that were starting to gather around.

DM The bouncer dealing with the man tries to tell those gathering around him to back off. The majority of those that had flocked to see what was going on began moving away leaving only a handful of spectators. "Hands off miss," the bouncer says to Alex. I don't want you getting covered in this guys blood.

Alexandrea yes, let's try and move him out of the entry way... here I can help... Charles."

Ariadne moved over from her seat at the bar to lean at Lan's side, her dark suit and heels putting her in stark contrast to the bright red of the walls. "Shame about the crime in these parts, Yes?"

Alexandrea That's sweet of you to worry but I have some experience in getting out blood stains.

Alexandrea ~still, Alex backed off and gave a frustrated sigh~

CharlotteC glanced the woman that spoke that she didn't know and then turned her gaze once more on Alex, smirking a little at the woman's comment. She patted Alex on the shoulder and shruged as she watched on.

Elliot dArtois The bouncer tells them all to back off, concerned about Alex getting covered in someone's blood. That seemed odd, in and of itself. The guy should be thankful for the help, shouldn't he? Or are there some new health and safety regulations that the Necropolis had put in place that Elliot wasn't aware of? He was about to open his mouth and say as much, but was interrupted. He turned an arched brow to Ariadne. "No worse than anywhere else, I suppose," he mumbled.

Phoenix Honey brown eyes flicked to the entryway. Leave it to Alex to play guardian angel to a bloody human (literally). With a shake of her head, the Shadow went back to her skulking, though taking the opportunity to blanket herself in shadows. This, it seemed, was about to get messy.

DM "Please miss stay back. Help is on the way." The bleeding male begins to splutter blood and is murmuring something about his attackers. The only audible words being; master, shard, protect. The male groans loudly in pain and tries getting up, the bouncer keeping him from moving too far.

Pi dArtois Pi hissed at the bouncer her eyes granite. "Leaving him in the doorway is not good for... business. Let us... move him and then call the... authorities?" With a growl Pi pushes the bouncer back, hauling the bleeding man up herself.

Madison Not moving away from the door, Madison watched and listened. Again her brow furrowed and she caught barely distinguishable words coming from the injured man. Master? Was this man a thrall?

Elliot dArtois Shards. Interesting. Pi liked to collect shards. And it would seem that the human knew more about their kind than they were supposed to. Didn't matter - Pi was already hauling the guy up and out of the door, regardless of what the bouncer was trying to tell her. Elliot stepped forward, ready to help should the bouncer give Pi any grief.

Alexandrea ~Alex heard the dying man, and she was sure he was dying and sent to Maddie's mind: *Can you read his memories*~

Pi dArtois Pi glares at Charles, her arms bunching as she tucks herself under the arm of the man and pulls him deeper into the club, people seem to give way as she worked her way to somewhere less conspicuous. No she shouldn't have moved him, no walking through the bar with a bleeding man was probably not a good idea but they needed to find a quiet, ... dark spot.

Madison Focusin on the human Pi had taken hold of, Madison looks over him carefully in attempts to glean any info she can from him.

Elliot dArtois Elliot slipped in between Pi and the bouncer, rolling his shoulders back just in case the bouncers decided to go after her, and challenge her decision. Elliot would keep them at bay, and would trust Pi and Madison to do what needed to be done with the bleeding and wounded human.

DM The bouncer follows the rather pushy female, moving patrons out the way and grumbling the entire time. The barely conscious male, groans and is more accurately dragged than walked further into the club.

DM "Must...Master..." the young male coughs up more blood as he's seated in a more appropriate, quieter corner of the club.

Phoenix Of course Pi would take it upon herself to drag someone around the club. A snort escaped her lips as she wandered over to hover nearby - close enough to overhear without getting in the way. She could heal, she supposed, but... why waste the energy? He was human. Those things were a dime a dozen.

Madison Pi was taking the human away, out of her sight and Madison followed hastily, trying to figure out who this human was. She couldn't tell whether or not the man was a thrall but that didn't mean she couldn't read his memories.

Ariadne shrugged and settled back in her seat at the bar. Interacting with others was indeed highly overrated, but at least there was entertainment for the time being.

Pi dArtois Pi gave Madison a long look her gaze questioning. "Did you pick up anything Madison?" She asked, knowing what the woman could do and asking the question just vague enough that those around them wouldn't get... too curious. Her gaze settled on Elliot again before switching back again.

CharlotteC glances over at Madison and then to Alex, she was clearly lost and in need of a road map with what was going on here. The words the man had said had her wondering but now nor the time or place. Her eyes followed the woman carrying the man off.

DM The young male had lost a lot of blood by now and was on the verge of dying.

Pi dArtois She could have been talking about the rain or some piece of lint off the floor. Some humans seemed to watch them, but others blithely wandered off to the bar, ordering drinks as if there wasn't really a man sitting there. Keeping a watchful eye Pi tried to block the view of the man from the rest of the room.

Madison Madison shook her head, a severely puzzled look on her face. Appraisal and read memories had NEVER failed her before.

Pi dArtois Pi was going to let him die, she knew it, she was going to stand there and watch him kark it and didn't feel a pinch of guilt about it, until she looked up at Elliot and knew what she would see there. "Should we call the police?" she asked, "what if it's something we... can't explain ." She finished, staring down at the man who was obviously losing way more blood than he needed to sustain life.

Elliot dArtois Seeing that he won't be getting any trouble from the bouncer, Elliot shifted through the crowd. As he did, he noticed a very particular red-head. Phoenix. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her. Had it been in the sewers, when she'd been weirdly amicable? He didn't know what to think of them woman, and thus turned away without a smile or a frown, without a wave or a scowl. He settled in beside Pi and Madison, eyeing Madison curiously as Pi questioned her. Maybe rather than invade the guy's head, it would be better just to talk to him. Elliot had a way with words - maybe he could persuade him. Madison had failed, anyway. Elliot leaned over the human, his voice low and comforting. "Hey.... hey! Who's your... who can we call to help you? What do you need?" he asked, doing his best to appear like the guy's best friend, someone whom he could confide in.

Alexandrea Alex couldn't tell what was going on but it seemed that Madison hadn't been able to learn anything. Although her friend was the stronger of the two with the telepathic skills, Alex tried herself to read the dying man~~

Madison Wondering if she had been mind-blocked without realizing it, Madison focused on yet another power. She stared at Pi and pushed her thoughts into the other woman's mind, "Pi, nod your head if you can hear me."

CharlotteC arched a brow at Madison. Was it a bad thing when a vampire more experienced than her was puzzled? Charlie moved closer but still chose to stay off a bit so that she wouldn't be in the way but could hear what was being said.

DM "The police have already been called miss." The bouncer replied to the concerned, pushy woman. The young male looked to Elliot, not really seeing him and only just hearing his questions. "George. Name is George. Attacked. Sorcerers. Need..." he started coughing unable to finish his sentence.

Madison Furious with the events, Madison moved away from the situation and slipped out of the club.

Phoenix Alright, so the guy was going to die and maybe, just maybe it had piqued her interest now that Madison had failed to perform a simple task on it. Still hidden behind her veil of shadows, Nix slipped through the dwindling crowd, the power to bolster the man's vitae on the tip of her fingers.

CharlotteC watched Madison leave and then looked over at Alex, giving the woman a questioning glance. She felt so lost at this moment, it would have been great to have Killian around for this. If for no other reason than to explain what the hell was going on.

Pi dArtois Sorcerers? Him talking about sorcerers wasn't a good idea and Pi's jaw settled into a tense line as she gave Madison a nod, turning to the woman and the voice in her head before giving her attention back to the man and to Elliot who had asked him the question. "Sorcerers?" she repeated. "Well, there's no such thing as sorcerers." she stated adamantly, injecting a tone of disbelief into her voice. "Have you taken something." She asked the man, covering his statement with a plausible excuse for delusion. "P? Meth?... something?"

Elliot dArtois Elliot tensed, sharp gaze glancing up at Pi, hardly noticing as Madison slipped away. He rearranged himself, before glancing sideways to make sure there weren't too many humans overhearing. He supposed, they could just call the guy mad - delusional at the point of death. He turned his attention back to the human. "George, it's okay. Keep calm. Help is on its way. Who attacked you, George? Why did they attack you?"

Alexandrea Alex returned Charlie's glance and shook her head, sad that Maddie left. She went ahead and tried to probe this "George's" memories.~

CharlotteC sighed and shook her head in return before she allowed her eyes to travel back to the bleeding human and the male she had met once before. It was weird. So weird. Still she didn't say anything, she just watched, she wasn't keen on letting this man die, but at this point there was very little she could do when she was surrounded by others that obviously had far more talent than she.

Phoenix Phoenix reached out to touch him, intending to blood heal him.

Pi dArtois They couldn't have the police coming to the bar and talking to a man who was bleeding and talking about bloody sorcerers. Stepping over Elliot, creating a small wall of her body and his Pi moved to position herself beside him, her hands reaching up, pretending to stroke his face, to care, to be concerned . Her eyes glittered with intent.

DM "Help...No. Crow... need sorcerers want my...."

DM The poor male expires, his last words being whispered as his last breath leaves his body. "Crow...shard...save..."

CharlotteC damn it

Alexandrea Poor man.

Elliot dArtois Elliot perked a brow, tongue darting forward to anxiously lick his lips. Before anything could happen, before it could be helped, the human died, his last breath leaving him. "Pi," Elliot said desperately. "He's got a shard on him. Search him. We need to search him," Elliot muttered.

Pi dArtois There there... Pi said, using her soft French accent to sooth him put him at ease. "We'll help you..." she said, even if she knew she wasn't. Pulling a short knife from its holster it resembled a dagger, short sharp and deadly. Using a movement that was short and sharp she attempted to stab it into the man, her intention to stab it right into this side, under the ribs, through the cavity there, and directly into the heart

Alexandrea ~Resists the urge to search the body~

Phoenix That was weird. Crow needed sorcerers and no powers seemed to work on the dying guy. Cool. "Want your what? Magical powers?" Nope, despite being perfectly invisible, witnessing some guy die and having failed to heal him, the Shadow couldn't keep the amusement from her voice. "Maybe if we stab him with a shard..." Yep, talking shadow.

CharlotteC rolls her eyes

Phoenix The redhead squinted at Pi curiously. So she'd stabbed the corpse. On a whim, the woman followed suit, retrieving the faeshard she kept on a string along with the rest of her relics, and stabbed the corpse with it. Would anything happen?

Pi dArtois Pi bit her lip and slid her gaze away from Elliot, slipping the knife into its holster and breathing a sigh of relief then followed his instructions, searching for the shard

Alexandrea Alex watched confused as the dead man became a pin cushion... why in the world would anyone stab a dead body?

DM The bouncer looked around at those gathered there. "Okay guys. Thank you for your concern. I can take this from here." He picks the guys body up and takes it to Amaranthia's office. He closes the door and goes to the restroom to clean himself up.

CharlotteC crosses her arms as she moves back over towards Alex. "I'm so damn lost I don't think even the GPS could help me now." she said quietly as she looked around the place.

Alexandrea ~wonders how long they have before cops arrive~

DM The police were slow to respond and were still yet to arrive at the club. The males body lay on the floor of Amaranthia's office. The bouncer had obviously messed up the crime scene and the poor male had been dragged all over before bleeding out. The scent of his blood still lingered in the air.

Alexandrea me too.. ~Alex whispered back~ Would love to see what is in the guy's wallet tho~

CharlotteC smirked softly before her face fell into a stone like gaze. Cops made her nervious

Phoenix So, while they were busy searching the dead end lying on the floor, Nix went to Charles. She inconspicuously dropped the shadows hiding her from sight, then approached the bouncer. "Where'd you find the guy outside? Which direction did he come from? What did you see?" The tone of the questions left little room for argument.

Alexandrea ~wandering over to the office, Alex poked her head in to see if anyone else was still with the body or if it had been left alone~

DM Charles replied to Nix, "No idea where he came from. He pushed his way through the queue and practically died at my feet."

Pi dArtois Pi gave the dead body space, as if being dead made him more than the piece of meat he already was. She slowly searched the man, patting down his pockets, taking her time where before she did it in a hurry. Much like Alex had stated she was looking for identification, proof of idea and some idea of who he was, where he came from and what the hell he'd gotten himself into. Crow, was not something humans usually talked about and certainly not ones knocking on deaths door babbling about it. She needed to conduct the search before the police came and ignored the stares of the people around her as she did.

Elliot dArtois This wasn't their office anymore. This was Amaranthia's office. Elliot shouldn't have felt any obligation to clear up the mess, but the guy was dead. And Pi had tried to stab him - maybe she hadn't noticed that he'd died, but she'd tried to kill him, regardless. And for what? There was no ******* need. He was on the verge of death and anything he'd said could have been fobbed off as lunacy. "Jesus Christ, Pi. He's dead. You happy?" he shook his head. He now wanted nothing more to do with this. The guy was dead. They couldn't get any more information out of him.

Phoenix I'm sure they have shrinks for that. Rolling her eyes, the woman slipped outside. There was bound to be a trail of blood leading away from the club.

Ariadne pulled out her travel sized laptop and began pulling up the security feeds from outside. Find the man, where he came from, and you have a starting point.

Alexandrea ~Someone was already searching the body, Alex knew her as Elliot's Pi. Going towards the woman, Alex coughed lightly so not to startle her and then asked quietly; "Find anything?"

Pi dArtois Pi stared at Elliot her eyes hard. "How else do you think we're going to find out who he was.... have a seance? He was talking about crow and about shards... this isn't some poor ******** who needs to be shipped off to his family. Before the police get here we need to know... more."

Alexandrea Did you find anything, Pi?

DM As Pi searches the body she finds a tome hidden in the males shoe. The paper seems to suggest that Crow's Shard could be used to help resurrect Crow. She also finds a map of the city and the pub in the QZ is circled.

Elliot dArtois Elliot scoffed. "I don't care about what you're doing now. But the fact you wanted to put him there. You have no ******* clue who he was. Whose side he was on. You just ... wanted to kill him," Elliot mumbled. He waited, still, to see if she found anything.

CharlotteC looked around for Alex, she hadn't seen the woman leave so she figure that she had followed the body. Charlie moved over to the office and looks in. It was then that she noticed the paper the woman she didn't know was holding. She fell silent once more and moved to stand next to Alex, it was a smart place to be she felt.

Pi dArtois Pi shook her head at Elliot. "We don't ask questions of the Paladins or Hunters in the sewers and I'm not going to ask questions of teh nearly dying guy in a public space who could be carted off to the police to sing to them about what he knows." She said, her voice hard but trying to be... less so. Pulling a book and items from his pockets Pi palmed them without guilt, before standing moving behind Am's desk to lay them out under the lamp on the flat surface so she could see them properly.

Alexandrea ~Alex smiled softly at Charlotte, wondering if the young woman was as confused as she was~

Pi dArtois Pi spread the items out, first the map, her small hands pressing out the wrinkles in the paper. She gave Elliot a long look and then gave him the tome. "Help me?" she asked softly. Then to Alexandra, finally answering the woman. "Oui," she said softly indicating to the map. Pi stepped back from the map, to read the paper, her eyebrow arching meaningfully showing Elliot briefly before tucking it into her pocket. The map she left open, the pub in the middle clearly circled. "The QZ." She said again. "And the deserted pub within. What the hell does that mean?"

Alexandrea Why don't we go over there and find out? Maps imply there is something to find... what's the book?

Pi dArtois We can't be here with the body. Pi said then, looking at Alexandrea and the others in the room. "Before they arrive, ...." she stopped as Alexandrea spoke, nodded. "Oui... a good idea. We do not want to be here when the... authorities arrive."

CharlotteC smiled to Alex and nodded before stepping closer to the woman looking at the paper. Even if the woman hadn't said anything, her own photographic memory would have burned the image on the paper into her mind. She sighed softly and then looked to the woman she didn't know. "That's what i was going to suggest"

CharlotteC obviously that's where the thing either is or the next hint is at

CharlotteC had watched way too much national treasure for her own good.

Pi dArtois It wasn't that she was cold hearted, nor that she didn't h ave empathy for the poor ******** laying on the floor but she recognised pretty quickly that there was more going on here than one dead man in one nightclub and she set aside the concern for the man (obviously dead at this point) to focus on the other. The piece of paper burned a hole in her pocket and she stared at Elliot, asking a silent question, wishing like hell she could speak into his mind like he could into hers. They would need the information from that piece of paper... and she wasn't really sure if she wanted to give it." Instead she rolled up the map, ensuring everyone had a good chance to see it and tucked that into her back pocket as well.

Elliot dArtois It was obvious Pi was trying to convince Elliot that she was in the right. Maybe she was. Didn't matter anyway. The guy had died before anyone could do any killing. Didn't mean Elliot was happy about the whole situation. He knew Charlotte - wondered whether she felt the same. He assumed, after their conversation, that she would be just as dismayed about the dead guy. But maybe he was wrong. She was just as interestedin the clues as the rest of them were - and Eliot had lost interest. "We were seen," he sighed, resignedly. "You guys go. I'll stay here and deal with the authorities," he said. There wouldn't be much to persuade them of.

Alexandrea Well I for one, do not need to answer any questions from any cops so let's get our butts out of here

CharlotteC same here

Alexandrea If you are staying, Elliot, I'd be glad to hang on to the book.

Elliot dArtois Elliot returned Pi's hard stare. He spoke directly into her mind. "We'll talk about that later."

CharlotteC glances at the two and then looks at Alex.

Pi dArtois Pi stepped forward and touched Elliot's arm, her fingers soft. They weren't ones for public affection or displays, not like she'd seen in others. Holding out her hand she looked at the tome she'd given him. "I'll take that with me." she said, "Just in case it's important."

Elliot dArtois He then turned to Alexandrea: "It's just scribbles. I'll have a good look at it while you guys go treasure hunting," he said, implying, kind of, that he'd let them know what he found. But nor would he lie.

Alexandrea Alex arched an eyebrow but said nothing. She felt slighted somehow. As if she wasn't trusted.

Elliot dArtois He arched a brow at Pi. Everyone seemed to want the goddamned tome. He shrugged, and handed it back to her.

CharlotteC had no use for the tome other than perhaps to sell it, hir mind and memorized the map.

Alexandrea Let's just get out of here you guys...

Pi dArtois Tucking the small book into her jacket pocket she turned to Alexandrea and the other woman she didn't know. "Can you both make sure we can leave without being seen... check for police and then we'll make our way out?"

Alexandrea Can't we all just run there?

Alexandrea no one can see us if we run fast enough, lol

Phoenix Since she was already outside searching, she'd just tag along when the others left. Not that she psychically knew they were going to leave, she was just kind of loitering outside following circular blood trails and was bound to see them all leave.

Ariadne Dude, just stuff him in a bow and carry it out

Alexandrea Okay, ladies. Let's buggy. Catch y alater, Elliot.

CharlotteC sighed "ich sometimes i hate this run.." she said but nodded to Alex, keen on foolowing her the hell out of the club and to whereever else the clues would take them

Pi dArtois Pi nodded to Elliot. He was the best one to stay. Calm, collected and as a former owner of the place he had an authority here, assumed, not real but better than nothing. He could tell them about her, the other ex owner and the reasons they were here. It would give him an air of authenticity and with that acknowledgement Pi left, following Alexandrea out the door and making her way to the entrance and out into the street.

Elliot dArtois Elliot gave a short and disgruntled wave as they all left, happy to do his part, and trusting that Pi would be absolutely fine.

Scene 2: The Sewers

Pi dArtois Pi stood outside with the rest and nodded towards the sewer entrance. She could use her tome and the fadeportal but she didn't want these people to know she could. She could have walked off and got there herself but it seemed they were a group, this little huddle of women and she didn't want to look, ungrateful for the help and their concern. And she might have held all the cards but it paid to keep your enemies close and your friends closer? Or was that the other way? Pi couldn't remember. So she heard someone suggest the sewers and she nodded and followed. She hated the smell of the place and the stink of the standing water or the knowledge that other people's refuse swam there with them.

DM The group were walking through the sewers since that wa the only way they could all get there without losing sight of one another. As they are moving through the system, they suddenly hear a noise in the tunnel ahead. As they approach, their keen sight picks out a team of 5 men. The men are dressed in camouflage and appear to be armed with a variety of weapons. "Stop and identify yourself," the commanding officer calls out.

Phoenix Ooh, government people with shiny weapons. Thankfully, as always, she was armed to the teeth with all the latest and greatest. Not that they could see her. While she'd dropped the shadows whilst searching outside, she'd picked them up again to tail the group. She'd let Pi deal with the situation. No need to get her shoes dirty when she could simply slip on by.

CharlotteC stuck close to the only woman that perhaps she could trust, maybe because it was the only one she was even remotely familiar with. As they moved through the sweers she sighed when she heard the noises. Almost automatically she had her handgun in her hand, though still hidden in her bag. Should she need it.

DM The men hear something about them and move into formation to block anyone else from getting through. Being quick off the mark, Ariadne gets through without a problem. "Identify yourself" shouts the commander again.

Alexandrea Alex smiled brightly up at the men and cast pacify on them then used her charm to talk them passed the humans...

Phoenix Well **** this. She simply levelled her sword on the men and waited for Pi or Charlotte to response.

CharlotteC smirked as she looked at Alex, watching her work on the men. She didn't say anything though and was careful to keep the fact that she was palming her gun inside her bag.

Pi dArtois Pi looked to her left and then to her right at the women with her and sighed. She didn't know one and the blonde, Alexandrea, didn't look like much of a weapons person. They didn't look like fighters and she wasn't entirely sure how well they would do and Pi wasn't keen to take the soldier dudes on herself. Lifting her hands she smiled an innocent innocuous smile. "Bonjour. My name is Pi” she replied shaking her head pretending an calm she didn't feel and wondering what the hell Alexandrea was trying to do.

Pi dArtois Letting the woman do her thing, she rolled her shoulders and gave herself easy access to the handgun in the small of her back. It would be a close fight if it came to that, but that would work in their favour. She wouldn't get many shots in before she'd need to use the sword, which wasn't her preferred weapon. Close was good, when you were outnumbered. Close was really good when you had two people with you, you were unsure of in a fighting situation.

DM "State your purpose Pi"

Alexandrea Smiles sweetly at the man "My friends and I are just down here looking for a lost teenage girl who was last seen heading this way. She wouldn't trust anyone but us, can we go ahead with our search please?"

Pi dArtois "In the sewers” She responded as she looked around, knowing there wasn't a possible likely scenario she could come up with that would explain why three women would be walking casually through the damn sewers. She blinked and let

Alexandrea explain, her expression deadpan.

Pi dArtois "Oui," Pi supported blandly. "A lost little girl."

Pi dArtois Pi then moved forward, as if she was allowed to be where she was, as if she could just blithely walk forward and continue this search for this little girl lost down here in the dark ugly place.

Phoenix Uh huh, lost girl. Right. She kept her blade poised, intent on the closest man's neck.

DM The male under her control buys the excuse and tries to get the men around him to back off but the commander isn't going to let the women pass without appropriate identification or orders. "No lost girls have passed this way ma'am. I suggest you turn around and go back the way you came."

Alexandrea Yes, she heard the silly tales about strange things down here and got it into her head to explore. Her parents asked for our help.

Alexandrea Are you quite sure? She's small and sneaky, she may have gotten passed you.

Alexandrea Surly it wouldn't hurt just to let us take a look?

DM "Ladies turn around and go back the way you came. I assure you that no-one has passed this way," repeated in a more authoritative voice.

Alexandrea Alex tries pacify on the commander again~

DM The commander lowers his weapon. "At ease men. Let the ladies through."

Alexandrea Thank you so much... ~smile and blows him a kiss~

Pi dArtois Pi smiles at Alexandrea and arches her eyebrow at her. Impressed. Walking through the men that had made way for them, the tension in her shoulders easing.

CharlotteC smirks as she gives alex a sly wink and then slowly ease her hand out of her bag, leaving her gun safely at her side.

Alexandrea Alx was very releived they wouldn't have to fight, she hated killing humans~

DM "Sir are you sure we..." one of the men begins to protest but the commander shuts him down with a single glance.

DM "If you need any assistance ma'am you know where to find us. Good luck finding the young lady you are looking for."

Alexandrea Thank you and I will....

Phoenix Nix lowered her weapon. If the others had been able to see her expression, the disappointment would have clear. Sheathing her sword as quietly as she could manage, Nix followed the others through the line of men.

Scene 3: Deserted Bar

DM You are standing at the doorway to the pub.

CharlotteC looks around the pub, she hadn't been here in a while. She sighed softly and then looked to Alex.

Pi dArtois There was nothing here, nothing of note anyway. After years of using this is a platform to enter the Quarantine Zone Pi had become immune to what it was. She ignored the grime because it was no different from the grime that was year last year or the year before. Staring at the door to the deserted pub she knew what she would find when they opened the door. There were overturned tables and slowly corroding woodwork. Things that your mind no longer registers because they are meaningless and unnecessary. She paused now, looking around better, her gaze trying to see beyond the **** and the… other stuff. Turning to the women she spoke quietly. "Doesn't look any different from here, but this is where the map said … was important.” Pi stepped forward to open the door.

DM You can hear chanting coming from inside. There are 4 oriental looking men in robes gathered around the ritual alter.

Alexandrea sounds like a ritual going on...

Phoenix Before entering, Nix scoped out the area for any obvious signs of struggle before slipping inside. "Damn right it's a ritual," she muttered, having forgotten she was invisible.

Pi dArtois Pi nodded to Alexandrea. "Oui..."

CharlotteC nods silently

Alexandrea hears Nix but can't see her,looks around confused~

Pi dArtois Turning Pi looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. "Who is that?" she asked, wondering if it was coming from inside or if she was just hearing things.

Pi dArtois Opening the door Pi pushed it open stepping through and making room for the others to follow.

Alexandrea My gut has a bad feeling about this... humans doing a ritual... here?

Alexandrea that can't be good for our kind...

CharlotteC it can only mean bad **** is about to go down

DM The chanting is intensifies as the group stand outside and whatever the me are doing seems close to completion.

Alexandrea ~pulls out her sword~

Ariadne slips just inside the door to the building

Alexandrea I think we better stop this... hope you are all with me... ~rushes forward and attacks the closest one~

Phoenix **** you, that's who. You've got more important **** to worry about. Yep. She was just the voice of pleasant reason. Once she was inside, her eyes fell on the group - oriental. Standing around the altar. Bad news. "Alright, enough of that ****!"

Phoenix She'd snapped, hoping her voice alone would be enough to break their concentration.

CharlotteC slides her hand into her bag once again and palms her gun, her finger resting on the trigger.

Pi dArtois Asian men, chanting. God, that can't be good. It was never good when there was chanting. Pi was an absolute hopeless ritualist and what she saw in front of her looked like people who knew what the hell they were doing. "This, can not be good." She muttered stepping further into the room and spreading out, away from the women she came with, keeping to the shadows, watching carefully as the men kept chanting. The tome in her jacket pocket felt like a lead weight and the note with the words written there something she probably should have shared.

DM Charlotte hits her target who after a moment of concentration launches a fireball in Charlotte's direction.

Alexandrea Alex uses walking nightmare on her target and then tries to hit again....

Phoenix Everyone else seemed to attack, so the woman drew her gun and unleashed a volley of bullets at the ritualists.

Pi dArtois This was for Crow, she knew it, not only because the note in her pocket told her but instinct, self preservation or something more that made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. They were trying to bring him back, make him flesh. She watched as the others attacked and if it weren't for the tome in her pocket or the knowledge on the piece of scrap paper she might have been one of them too, except she did have the tome and she did understand what they were trying to do and with that knowledge she stayed her hand. Moving to flank the now distracted chanters Pi moved closer to the circle, to observe. To see, even if she couldn't understand it completely, what they were trying to do.

DM Almost everyone seems to be hitting with accuracy, the ritual the men are doing fails and each breaks off into their own mini battle.

CharlotteC pulled her gun and managed to hit the ********, however what she hadn't been expecting was that fireball, thankfully though she seemed a fir bit quick on her feet thanks to all the time she had been spending breaking into other buildings and ditching cops.

Alexandrea Alex uses walking nightmare on her target and then tries to hit again....

Pi dArtois Stepping closer to the circle, Pi slides a glance to those who fought trying to stay as close to the shadows as she could, away from the fighting, out of sight of the others who seemed preoccupied with fighting the asian men. Pi stares down at the circle, looking at what they had collected, what they were doing.

Ariadne found herself on the receiving end of a gun and something that looked like flaming bullets. She rolled to the side and fired a couple more shots at the monk

Pi dArtois I was a strange role reversal to be the one who wasn't fighting. Who wasn't the gun man in the thick of it except she was pulled towards the ritual table. She felt a tug on her senses at what she thought the men were doing. Were they human? Were they vampire? Did humans even know about Crow and if so, why would they bring back and man who… who what? A vampire and betrayer of their own kind. To humans would Crow be a salvation? Pi didn't know, and didn't always keep up with what was going on in the city enough to put the threads of this moment together. There was a weave here, a tapestry of history being woven and Pi had coloured threads, blue for the tome in her pocket, red for the map and a glaring green for the note that burned a hole through her mind whispering to her about what these men were about. Yes, that's exactly what this felt like, like something big, something more than she was and because of it she didn't pull her gun, she turned her mind instead to… what lay in front of her.

Phoenix She'd shot one of the apprentices and he'd turned on her, attempting to use some sort of wind spell to... what? Blow her? She laughed, shaking her head as she closed the distance between them, switching her gun for her sword in the blink of an eye. A second later, the blade came down, severing bone and muscle midway up the man's arm. The limb fell to the filthy floor with a wet smack. To his credit, the man recovered quickly, drawing a gun and shooting off a few rounds of enchanted bullets, but the weapon was hardly much use at such close range with him so thoroughly disbalanced. Phoenix took advantage of his attempted retaliation and brought her sword around, severing the man's head with a single hack. God she loved her Lazarus.

DM Pi can see a few odd items scattered around the ritual table. Lots of cloured sand has been set out in intricate patterns on the flopr and the men were standing in 4 voids. As the battles begin the patterns in the sand are disturbed and the ritual fails. Of all the items collected on the table only one seems to stand out, a purple and aqua stone in the centre of the table.

CharlotteC fired off another round at the man but she missed this time, however when he tossed another fireball at her she was ready and rolled away, dodging the thing. And again, she missed when she fired of one more round, but this time, the baster when he fired back hit her. She screamed in pain, the sound echoing off the walls. she quickly patted out the fire and then took one more shot, aiming for his head, but she missed again. This was a day she hated. She closed her eyes as another ball hit her and she one cagain found herself trying to put out the fire.

Phoenix After shooting a quick glance around the room, she spotted Pi and hurried over to the altar. The rest could fend for themselves.

Pi dArtois Pi darted forward, breaking the already broken circle and reaches for the stone on the table her eyes alighting on it making to grab it up.

Phoenix she saw Pi reach for... something. What the **** was it? Her eyes narrowed at the woman. "Put whatever that was back down."

Pi dArtois It was a beautiful thing, purple and aqua and shining from the same that lay there discarded as the bodies of those men were discarded as they were dispatched. Turning to Nix Pi nodded a pleasant greeting. It had been a while since she had seen Nix, not long after she'd met with the woman to disband the Under Secretary Office. She looked good, but why wouldn't she. They were immortal, her and Nix and they would always look as they did when they were turned. "I thought it was your voice I heard Phoenix." Pi said in greeting, nodding quietly.

Ariadne ducked behind a broken table as the monk fired a second round. The flaming bullets whizzed past her, almost masking the sound of her reloading. She quickly slipped into shadows and ran around behind the hooded figure. Pulling out her knife she reappeared and grabbed the man's head, yanking it back and slitting his throat.

DM Two of the ladies are still battling for their lives against two of the sorcerers as Pi retrieves the shard.

Alexandrea Alexandrea managed to avoid the fireballs but couldn't land a hit on the human, even failing with her powers. Angry, she stepped back and then launched into a new attack.

Pi dArtois Pi rolled the stone around on her palm, staring at the thing and wondering what the hell it did. Very carefully she placed it into her pocket, burying it deep and turning to Nix and nodding congenially. "It is good to see you again Nix… how have you been.” She said, ducking as what she thought was a weapon was fired in their direction.

Pi dArtois Throwing herself to the side Pi rolled away from those that fought, wincing as one of the asian men tried to incapacitate the other

Phoenix her eyes remained narrowed as she watched Pi, oblivious to the goings on in the rest of the room save for the minimum required to ensure she was relatively safe. "You're not keeping that," she smiled, deliberately drawing her gun and levelling it at Pi. "Stone and you can walk out of here."

CharlotteC growls a bit as she kips up to her feet, glaring at the man as she calls forth a swarm of bees. She had never liked bees before but this time it seemed fitting. She watched as the things srounded his body like a second skin, stinging him all over.

Pi dArtois Pi stared at Nix, her eyes widening wondering what the hell she just picked up. Whatever it was it must be important and just because Pi didn't know quite yet how important didn't mean she wanted to give it up. Especially not if Nix was planning to shoot her *** to get it. Back pedaling Pi tilted her head to the side, narrowing her eyes and reached for the tome in her pocket, wanting to use it to get the hell away from Nix and that gun. Nix could shoot her, but if she was lucky, she'd escape with only one bullet hole and potentially something bright, shiny and… important.

Alexandrea Alex struggled with the weird man but couldn't get a scratch on him, frustrated she looked around for help and th atched as Ari moved to join in her fight and saved her bacon.

Pi dArtois Pi watched Nix her gaze steady. This is what greed looked like, or avarice or something like it. Pi had come to help but Nix had come to.. well, there was no telling really. Because what did they know when they first all came. When opportunity knocked you took advantage of it. You let it smooth your path or head you in the direction it was leading, and fate had a way of knocking on your door when you least expected it. Fate brought her here to this place and put this thing in front of her and Nix, well, Nix was only an opportunist who was willing to take what she wanted, no questions asked. Pi could respect that in her way and understand it.

CharlotteC shook herself out of her thoughts as she watched the man fall tot he floor, the bees still covering his dead carcus... it was something else seeing that in person. Shaking herself out of it again she looked at herself and sighed. Damn it that was going to scar, just two more she'd have to find a way to hide.

Pi dArtois They were in a Mexican stand off and for a moment, a pregnant second stretched like rubber they looked at one another.

Ariadne let the body of the dead monk drop to the floor. Her vision unobstructed she spotted Alexandrea struggling with another man. Her feeling for the woman aside, they were all in this mess together. Dropping her blade to the floor she quickly drew Juggernaut and delivered two head shots to the monk.

Phoenix She saw Pi reach for something - she could only suspect it was a weapon or a tome, a means of escape. It was point blank range, she had a second to react and she chose indeed to react. Aiming for that lovely, smooth spot between the brunette's eyes, Nix exhaled and squeezed the trigger. Whatever Pi had stolen, she wouldn't know how to use.

Alexandrea With a sigh, Alex looked gratefully at Ari and smiled. "Thank you... wasn't doing so great with that guy"

Ariadne holstered her gun and picked up the sword, wiping it clean on the leg of her pants. "Yeah. I noticed."

Alexandrea What's the deal with Nix and Pi?" Alex asked Ari~

Alexandrea 1k on Nix. No offence, PI...

CharlotteC moves over to Alex, a slight limp showing where one of the fireballs had managed to hit her. She looked over Alex and sighed. "Don't feel bad, I was having a hard time of it too."

Ariadne just kind of stared at Alex

CharlotteC My money's on Pi

CharlotteC i like to root for the under dog

Alexandrea You got hit!" Alex looked Charile over~ "Want healing?"

CharlotteC smiles softly and nods "I would love one... if only you could heal scars too..."

Alexandrea ~gives her a blood heal and smiles~ I know some makeup tricks I can teach you to cover those scars..."

Pi dArtois Pi tried to reach for the tome, the one that would take her back to the portal room but she pulled out the wrong one. Scrambling nearly dropped the one she picked up from the gangster and with a guttural growl she back pedalled and tried to get the hell away from the woman. "Dammit.” She said, swearing under her breath she back pedalled, winding up now where the other women were her expression annoyed she stole a look at Alexandrea. "What is wrong with her?” Pi needed to get the hell out and this time she ran for the door. Sometimes, even as a fighter you needed to know how to get the hell out, dodging to the side she barely missed Nix hitting her in the head with a bullet and she glared at the other woman, pulling her tome and trying to get out. Again.

Alexandrea Alex looked at Pi and shrugged. "You'r asking me?"

Phoenix You can either hand over the ******* shard or I'll chase you down to the edges of the goddamn earth, Pi d'Artois. You don't want that. Her voice, when she spoke, was cold as ice. And then, without warning, she launched herself at the other woman.

Alexandrea Alex watched as the two fought and didn't know who to root for. No on else wanted to bet so... she just watched and wondered about that book, hoping for a shot at stealing it~

Pi dArtois Pi tried the tome again and growled, realizing that there was just too damn much going on to make that work. Pi had never tried to use the tome in a fighting situation and it was pretty clear that it wasn't the most efficient way to get the hell out of a situation. And then Nix was jumping at her. There was something going on, something about that shiny piece of gem that Pi just wasn't getting. But it had to be good, there had to be something and more Nix tried, the less inclined Pi wanted to give it up. Pi stared at the other women wondering why they were just standing there. Did they really want Nix to get this thing? Or didn't they care? Pi figured it was probably a bit of both, neutrality was like a cloak you wore when you didn't know which way was the best way to turn. Nix was coming in for the thing in her pocket and Pi dodged the woman, turning to the side and rolling away.

Alexandrea ~goes to offer Pi a hand up and tries picking her pocket as she does~

Pi dArtois Pi felt exhausted and tired. She wanted to growl at how the night ended but she couldn't fault that this was probably the most excitement she'd had in… a long time. The d'Artois were a quiet lot, which suited Pi just fine. She wasn't one to get in the middle of the city politics, nor did she like being too public. Darting away from the woman Pi gave her one last filthy look at ran out the door of the deserted bar. The gem was in her pocket so too was the tome, the map and the note. Throwing herself out the door Pi used celerity and got the hell out of dodge. This time. For real.

CharlotteC kneels down, shaking her head, feeling a bit out of it. She looked back over at Alex, wondering if she could get that heal now.

Alexandrea Alex loots the bodies and gets ready to leave~ Charlie, you reday to get out of her. Seems like the excitement is over.

CharlotteC nods as she stands up

Phoenix Scowling as Pi ran, she went to examine the remainder of the altar for anything that was left behind of potential value.

DM Alex pockets a piece of paper and a tome. There was nothing of value on the alter besides the shard.

Ariadne made a face as Pi left. It was just like the woman to leave others in the lurch while she snooped around for things of value. Ari kicked at the monk she had killed and sighed, noting that Alex had already looted her second rightful kill. These were the reasons she didn't like working with people.

Alexandrea Charlie... if you want I can throw you over the river and then jump after you so we can avoid the sewers...

Alexandrea Ari... I'll throw you as well if you want.

Ariadne I water walk.

Alexandrea Nix, pretty sure you don't need my help, right?

CharlotteC blinks "you can throw people?"

Alexandrea sure.

Phoenix I'm fine, thanks. And she simply vanished.

CharlotteC Killian really needs to explain stuff to me sometime...

Alexandrea and I promise not to aim you at any buildings

CharlotteC snorts "if you do just aim for one of the office skyscrapers"

CharlotteC smirks

Alexandrea kk, lol

Ariadne Not Wendigo's

Alexandrea deal, shall we?

CharlotteC don't want him to be robbed blind?

Ariadne stared blankly at the two women. "He'll kill you, you know."

CharlotteC only if he catches me *laughs*

Alexandrea only if he catchs us

Alexandrea ninja

CharlotteC smirks and winks

Ariadne blinked and pulled out her tome. "If you can be so blithe about it, you know nothing."

Ariadne vanishes

Alexandrea nice goodbye, lol

Alexandrea couldn't she tell we were kidding?

CharlotteC aparently she lost her humor in the transition

Alexandrea let's split, Char.

CharlotteC sound's good

Alexandrea ~waves bye to Nix~ See ya!

CharlotteC waves to everyone left and scats with Alex