Path of the Vampire forum

The ornate push cart sat like a small beacon of warmth outside the locked mall. The lines were forming now as people waited to get the best deals on what some called 'Black Friday'. Waiting in line to be first in the darkness and the cold for such monetary gains was a pick pocket's dream come true. Or for a business to spread cheer and advertise itself.

Or both.

The two women worked as a team. All smiles, good wishes and steaming cups of tea, coffee or chocolate. Holiday cookies offered as well for a pittance of a price while a jar sat waiting for donations to prepare food baskets for the needy this holiday season. Jennifer working the crowds with business cards and flyers while her employer did slight of hand magic tricks for the amusement of the shoppers to be. The shoppers thanked them for their efforts, unaware their pockets were being lightened in the process.

"So, how we doing, doll?" Zodiac whispered to her co-worker's mind as she came back to the cart to reload her tray with cookies.

'So far, so good,' the mortal girl thought her reply, knowing Zodiac could read her mind easily enough while out loud. "I should run and make a deposit. Can't be too careful with all the thieves running around you know." she smirked.

"Oh yes, I know. Bastards! And how is the charity jar doing?" she tapped the side of the full jar.

"Great. We can probably get twice as many food baskets into play this year at this rate."

"That is wonderful. When we get a final count, we will add to it as well." the mystic replied while turning to face a pair of newcomers with a smile. "And our 'personal' account?" she continued in mindspeak as she inclined her head in greetings to the pair.

'Bonus time' Jennifer smiled as she took the people's request and began preparing drinks. The two were dressed the part. Warm fuzzy coats and the cart was decorated with blinking lights and tinsel. Jennifer was sporting a elf style hat complete with jingles while Zodiac hat a Santa style hat but in purple and white as opposed to the normal red. The only other addition to the landscape was a small display pole that held official permits in place behind glass for any to read and the words in festive red letters above them WE HAVE PERMITS AND PERMISSION while at the foot of it, a pair of black cats lay on a blanket. One large and one small sat watching the crowd with tiny hats sat upon their heads and colorful collars.

A second cart was also set up east of them in the Honeymead Market. This was the first time the mystic had tried to cover two areas at once. There simply was too many juicy targets and not enough of her to cover them all at once. The cards offered savings for those who decided to visit one of her three establishments while the flyers not only promoted her business on the front, but showcased other shops worth visiting on the back.

Zodiac began to sing in her mind as she went back to the line. "La, la, la, la. Time for Zoey to make money, Fa la la la la." Jennifer tried to keep a straight face as she head the mental singing. In another hour or so they would push off from here and try to tag the crowd gathering at the 8th Dimension, then finish off in Wickbridge outside the Metronome. The carts would continue in the daylight, but without the owner for the rest of the shopping day via Zodiac's more human workers.

'Always bigger and better,' Jennifer thought as she gave the customers their change. In the past four years she watched and helped with the gypsy's dreams and schemes (both when the woman was alive and now). It was a mutual relationship that had served them both very well over time. A flash caught the girl's eye and she saw Zodiac doing side show pyrotechnics to the delight of some of the customers in line. It was a process that never stopped. Her employer was in her element now. Smoke, mirrors and parlor tricks all to distract from what she was really doing as well as what she truly was. She finished putting their earnings (honestly and ill gotten) into a deposit bag after writing down the totals, and then dropped then into a slot inside the cart. Jennifer retrieved her own cup and took a sip, following it with a bite of cookie. "And the annual holiday blitz is off and running."

Simon Ward was waiting in the crowds because well...there was nothing else better to do. Also, he just loved the crowds. He didn't like standing in them. Gods no, that part was terrible. What he did like doing was riling them. There was one special, magical statement that turns the crowd ravenous. So Simon found himself liking to say it if he was waiting in these lines not as a consumer. That magical phrase is, "OH MY GOD I SEE IT! ME FIRST!" or some variation because there would always be some hard to find item. This year it was an Xbox One, Playstation 4, and probably some Elmo. Kids loved Elmo. Saying this phrase at the right time resulted in tramples. And Simon was the kind of guy that liked to watch youtube videos of tasings. So this was like watching these clips live and in person.

So when the Honeymead Market opened Simon cried out, "OH MY GOD! AN XBOX ONE!! I GOTTA GET IT!" then quickly moved to the left just to see the frenzy. That cry was like carrying a raw steak around the cage of a lion. Eventually the lion was going to go for the steak and so the crowd started move faster. Sitting down at a common area he just watched the disorganized chaos that posed under the charade of shopping.

Then a strange sight caught Simon's attention. Apparently Santa had hired strange helpers. The elf was clearly the bait then Zo did the trick. And that's how they worked. It was brilliant but it had all of the tells if you looked out for it. Add in some business cards or coupons then Zo could have gotten even more money from increased business. Brilliant move really and something he had to tip his hat off toward.

Being a former drifter and grifter he knew how the tricks were done. Time and lack of practice had taken away some of the skill. His dark eyes watched the elf whom he gave a knowing nod an smile to as she passed. His eyes continued to watch them as he sat in his black cargo pants, simple purple shirt and three quarter length coat. "Well played," Simon mouthed to Zo if she looked his way.

"Okay, I will stay with the cart for now while you go make a drop at the bank." Zodiac leaned her elbows on the surface of the cart. She handed the girl the keys to the secure box made into the bottom of the cart to store their drops while she keep watch on her herd of 'sheeples'. They were getting antsy now, and there was still several hours before the real thieves got a crack at them. Her own thievery was kind in comparison. They got what they paid for-quality beverage and Christmas cookies, the donations for food baskets were for exactly that purpose. Whatever havoc she was wrecking on their wallets was the main difference. Twenty dollars here, five there, a hundred there. It depended on what she found when she strikes. Later her marks will swear they had a bit more in their pockets when they started out, but not enough of a difference to matter to each of them alone. Now, if the herd all asked each other the same question, THEN something might be assumed to be going on, but considering the shoppers viewed each other as the enemy rather than fellow human beings, the odds were highly against the con being discovered. The mindset of the such easy picking only came once or twice a year, so why scare the flocks into action? A nibble here and there as the line kept getting longer and wider and no one would be the wiser.

She blinked as she head someone screaming about Xbox. That single word began to agitate the sheep worse that if she had been caught with her hand in someone's pocket. The security inside looked worries as the crowd surged against the locked doors. Video games! She already had the newest one of Xbox (Xbox One) and Playstation, plus a few extras for gifts for her staff and games. Apparently Zodiac was the only thief in Harper Rock (or at least the only one who would be honest about it in the right conversation with the right kind of people.). The man who had sold her the units (for less than any of these shopping experts was going to get them for in a couple hours) insisted he did not steal them, but found them after they fell off a truck. "Little girl, you have no idea how many things fall off of trucks in this town. You would be totally amazed! " he told her and then he encouraged her to write him a list of other things she might be interested in just in case what she was needing 'fell off of a truck' as well. "It could happen!" he insisted.

Her eyes quickly scanned the crowd and found one person who was not suddenly all excited about Xbox. Old habits told her this had to be the one shouting, but why? He did not seem to be taking any advantage of the sudden disruption of the crowd at all. Boredom? Like someone screaming Fire! in a moviehouse? She laughed and waved the man over to her cart. She let her senses wash over him as he approached and she smiled. Inclining her head she began to whisper to his thoughts.

"Thank you for the complement, Mr. Ward." She recognized him once he had gotten close enough. "And where has that sire of yours been hiding? Too good to come hang with common folk anymore?" she teased while reaching under the counter. "I would offer you what is for sale in front of you, but I doubt either of us could deal with that very well."

Two, white foam cups were quickly capped and the mystic slid one to Simon. Zodiac opened the end of hers and sipped a bit as a hint of steam escaped into the air. "This, however, will indeed hit the spot."

Taking the mug Simon thought back, "Mom went gallivanting with Raven err ummm Quoth, sorry nickname for him. So yeah her and my brother are enjoying each other's company I think. Her group is quiet. Much has changed sadly but I am the acting super of the family grounds because someone has to. Until her returnif you have a message for her I can relay it, but she's earned the break too," the sadness could be heard in his thoughts. Simon wasn't sure if Zo could hear his thoughts. He wasn't a telepath so it wasn't like he could actively talk back via the mind link. He repeated the message in his mind just in case.

Looking at Zo he had taken the drink, "And how is my Grandmother?" an image of Temperance ran through his mind. "How are you by the way? Gotta say this is an impressive operation. I'd offer to help but I'm more of hacker, bodyguard type these days. The hacking isn't top notch either," he was skilled just not the smartest usb plug on the market (the understatement of the year).

His eyes looked over the various elves and other shoppers. Part of him yearned to be out there. Everything about the score, the thrill of the hunt, it sent a shiver through his spine. Old habits died hard. Standing with the mug in his hand his gaze looked back to the mastermind of this.

"And how is my Grandmother? How are you by the way? Gotta say this is an impressive operation. I'd offer to help but I'm more of hacker, bodyguard type these days. The hacking isn't top notch either,"

Zodiac smiled while she focused and picked up the impressions of what he was thinking. "Temperance is doing better now. Still sorting herself out after her trip but we are talking a lot." she nodded. She took another sip of the warmed blood and quickly dabbed her lips clean. "A bodyguard, eh? If I had known I would have asked you to shadow- no pun intended-Jennifer as she went to the bank. I'd hate to see anything happen to her."

A sharp hiss broke her concentration. Ginny was not pleased that some of the sheeples were taking an interest in her and her daughter and was swatting at a hand intending to pet her. "Get over here." her thoughts called. The smaller cat jumping at the sudden sound of a voice in its head. She was learning, slowly. Ginny gave her offspring an encouraging nudge and made her way to the cart, jumping up to perch on the corner. The smaller one whining and milling around the feet of the pair who stood there chatting. She rubbed the familiar behind her ears briskly and turned her attention back to Simon.

"This particular effort is still a work in progress. Every year some new elements are tried. What works is kept and added to the base package." She bent down and picked up the kitten and sat it on her shoulder. "Some say I am successful as it is, but I see no harm in keeping older skills fresh and current. Fate could frown on me one day and I'd loose everything so would have to go back to basics anyway."

His eyes went to the cat as it approached. Simon looked at Zo, "I've never said it but if you ever need my skill," and he gave her an impression of his skills. "Mom always liked you and so that makes me trust you a little bit. And in turn the same should run both ways to you. I'm not about to cross you due to that alone," his thoughts were just blunt. Crissy liked Zo so he wasn't about to do something stupid to mess that up. So he would be blunt with useful skills that she could have used in future schemes. Plus any cut he could have gotten would be nice.

Her comments about wanting to keep his skills sharp were on point. "This is why I tussle with blood thieves and gangsters still. Not as good as a vampire fight, but keeps you on your game," again he shrugged. Smirking he thought toward the woman, "You have my sword should you want or need it." He didn't open himself up to employers like this before, not that she would pay him for it because he didn't ask. Honestly the man just wanted to help.

"My my my, between the elves and the long haired blondes I would swear a rendition of 'Lord of the Rings' was happening right at my front door. Honored, I assure you."

The voice came from a man that seemed to have just stepped out from inside of the war zone that was his holdings. Well, part of them. It seemed as if even Blake could dress up nicely for the holidays and was sporting a white suit and matching top hat with an old fashioned cane under one arm. If Zodiac thought she had a hell of sales hook then Blake would definitely have to figure it out. Sadly he hadn't been here for the pre-opening fun and had missed out at a majority of what had gone on. He had been far too busy giving his security the run down and giving them their orders for the night. No one was to be touched or harmed unless they harmed someone else, he wasn't going to subject that poor fledgling he'd just hired to cleaning up blood all night.

Stepping forward he removed the stark white gloves that covered his hands and smiled to the pair of them. It was quite nice to see Zodiac out and about, and it was also quite nice to see her so festive. Sadly, his attention could not remain on the mystic for too long for he had been utterly and completely distracted by the kittens and their mother. His gaze lingering on them as he continued to speak.

"I do hope your both enjoying the mad rush. It seems that by telling people that Veil will beat any other prices any where in the city might have been a bit of an asset to more people than just myself."

She grinned all silly-like at Simon's offer of being her body guard if needed. Behind them, the guards finally relented as the doors opened, allowing the sheeples to run in and head to wherever they thought had the items they could not live without. As long as some of them went upstairs and stopped in The Eye of Zodiac for some of their shopping needs, she'd be happy.

"Well, are you just too sweet," she beamed. "Very well, for the rest of our time out and about, you are hired." she grabbed a new straw and tapped him on the shoulders and on top of his head. "I dub thee Sir Simon." Zodiac giggled.

"What's so funny?" Jennifer asked as she returned from making her deposits.

"Just hired you a bodyguard," Zodiac winked and was about to elaborate on the subject when a rather dapper looking man in white appeared before them.

"I do hope your both enjoying the mad rush. It seems that by telling people that Veil will beat any other prices any where in the city might have been a bit of an asset to more people than just myself."

"That was the general idea," she replied with a bow and a smile. "You are looking rather dapper and festive yourself, Mr. Blake. Thank you again for allowing me to do this." Truth be told, Zodiac did own one shop in the complex but Blake owned the entire building. She had sent him her idea to make sure he had no objections to her plans. Between the sales within and the refreshments/coupons while waiting, it should turn into a profitable venture for them both. "I would offer you something, but I know your 'digestion' habits are the same as mine."

"And where are my manners!" She exclaimed. Zodiac gestured to each of her merry band in turn. "This is Jennifer, my right hand in all of this. You have probably seen her in and out of here to check on things in The Eye, this dashing fellow is Simon, one of my many bodyguards. Can't be too careful with all the thieves around." she jested. "And of course, Ginny and..." she bent down and picked up the kitten and sat her on her shoulder. "My newest addition. Ginny Jr. I guess till I get a real name for her. All of you, this is Mr. Blake. He owns the complex behind us and has assisted me in getting a few ventures off the ground."

Simon bowed his head to Jennifer, "Fair maiden. As Sir Simon I am inclined to inform you that nary a head shall befall your head if things go rough for you via outside forces." His eyes went to Jennifer then to Zodiac. He was happy to have the work when it was required of him.

His gaze left Zo as she was introducing a festive looking man to the cats, people and anything else worthy of an introduction. The man got a once over by Simon, "Sir Simon," he corrected Zo while grinning. He was going to run with the dubbing until he left the store, if not a little longer. "How do you fair this day? Well I would hope.

Compared to Blake, Simon was the fashion polar opposite. His pants and jacket were devoid of color, as opposed to the embracing of all colors into one. The coat was a mute black leather number that was three-quarters in length. He had a button up black shirt, but clearly the man was business casual or a new money to Blake's white suit, old money styles.

"Also, I'm technically her grandson via partnership," a grin pulled at Simon's lips as he brought up Temperance.