Finding Lost Friends

Bella: *Standing in the foyer, I see a bustle of doggen rushing around carrying linens and stuff. All things needed for proper burials. I had heard them whisper about the massive attacks on civilians and that the Brothers brought all they could find back here for proper preparation for the Fade. Stepping forward I reach out to a small female doggen who jumps at my touch.* I’m sorry Lhissa. I did not mean to frighten you. I am wondering if you have seen two females, one red haired, the other raven haired. They were my friends and… * I look away as tears begin to build and my throat tightens* “They could be here. There have been so many brought back. Damn lessers. The gym has been set up as a make shift morgue. Perhaps they are there.” She scurries off and leaves me frozen. Morgue…attack…so many lost. What the hell had happened? Wiping my eyes, I force myself to head towards the door to the tunnels when I hear heavy footsteps* 

V: I was tired, not just physically but mentally, being drained of all emotions was putting it lightly. My mood was at an all time low and I wasn’t fit company for anyone to be around. But that wasn’t an option right now, none of the Brothers or anyone under this roof could afford to take any chill time. Too much needed to be done and it was all of our place to make sure that it all got done. Getting the lost ones back here was just part of the process, the next part for me was going in the next night and cleaning up whatever we couldn’t the night before. I had cracked into so many of the cities databases and cleaning out the last remnants of it all. There was no way that I’d be able to hit up each individual human that had been involved in seeing or working on each case but I could erase all data from their systems. I had taken a minute to go and catch up with Wrath when I saw a familiar figure heading towards the stairs. I stopped and my voice when it came out held a definite cold steel to it. “Have you come to see if you can sign up to be a Brother?” 

Bella: *I had been lost in my own thoughts and nearly ran straight into Vishous. He looked tired and extremely aggravated. His words struck a cord in my already messed up emotions and I all but snarled at him. Standing toe to toe with him, I looked him straight in his icy eyes * Sign up to be a Brother? Maybe it is time a female does the job seeing as you are all wrapped up in your own damn worlds. *Before the words finished coming out of my mouth I knew I said the wrong thing. But fuck if I cared. I lost two of my best friends and didn’t give a shit who I pissed off right now* Maybe this wouldn’t have happened if you would have been out doing what the Brothers are supposed to do…protect our race. *my anger and grief rose, causing my body to tremble as I stood before one of the largest males in the manse. I’d be lucky to leave this meeting with my life*

V: I had no issue stepping up to the female when she chose to put herself in my space. I listened to each accusing thing she had to say and waited until the last of them died on her lips. “Yes, maybe were are a useless lot that you paint, but just maybe if we didn’t have to deal with petulant childish females that thing they have the skills that it takes centuries to learn and hone to do a job then we might be able to do more than just babysit those like you.” My shit kickers even moved in closer until I was towering over the small frame of the female before me and I had to look down to see her clearly. “It is so easy for you to point fingers and blame, it is so easy for you to cast us all as useless but you have no fucking clue what it is like to walk in our boots. You represent just one female that we must protect yet we have had to do it many times. If you want to downgrade someone try looking in the mirror and fixing your issues before you feel you have the right to throw stones at another.” I took a step back and looked at the Doggens that had milled around and were now standing with their mouths gaping open. All it took was one look around the hall to have them scurrying and going back to what they were originally doing. “Because I am choosing to be indulgent I will say this to you, think of it like this, you have an entire race that depend on only a handful of males to protect them all in only a few short night time hours. Tell me, if you were a Warrior and all those lives laid on your shoulders, how would you handle it and all the other things that are expected and needed of it you in between?” 

Bella: *My fists clenched as I listen to his words. Damn if he didn’t make me feel small not only in stature but in character. I knew the Brothers had a lot on their shoulders. I knew they were doing their best to keep us safe, but it was my grief that was talking. He was right. Who was I to think I could ever be as good at fighting as they were? They had eons on me. But the race needed more warriors. Since the training program disbanded, it had been just the Brothers. I risked a glance up and shuddered as he gave the group of doggen an icy glare, sending them running* You’re right V. I was foolish but I was only trying to help. If the one that blindsided me wasn’t there I would have been fine. But some male took care of him. I don’t know who he was but I’m sure Butch does. I don’t know how you all haven’t completely snapped yet. I’m sorry. *looking down at my feet I all but whispered* I’m looking for my friends. Where are the dead being taken? 

V: A tatted brow cocked and I watched her demeanor change from one who was hyped up with a fire under her heels to one that seemed tired and weary. “Nothing you say will convince me that you were fine that night, no matter if you hadn’t been blindsided. Again I will say this, it took brutal life long training for us to get to where we are. Not a few spells in a gym with someone giving is some instructions. What dwells on them streets is not something that you need to be taken upon yourself and until you realize that you will constantly be hit blindsided in some way or another.” I took a slow breath in and let it out even slower and nodded. “You seem to think you have no worth if you can not fight, in reality you have much to offer those of our race, but only you can figure out what that is. There is Havers Clinic that always is in need and there is also the females of our race, those that are unmated with no families that could use someone like you with the contacts and money source that you have at your fingertips. You have a brain in your head Bella, use it for good and not foolishness, create something that feeds this need in you to help but make it something that is beneficial for all those around you.” There was a female Doggen coming by heading towards the doorway to the tunnels and I stopped her. “Take the Lady Bella to the fallen ones and assist her in finding her friends if they are in with them.” I looked back to the female in front of me. “Have you spoken to your Brother, I am sure he has heard wind of what has happened and has provided you with sufficient security. Because if your next words out of your mouth are that you are out on your own then I would suggest you to take cover now.” 

Bella: *My head remained low, taking in every word that was being said. Maybe I could help in other ways but that would be something I could dwell on later. Right now I had to find my friends and make sure they were being prepared properly. Seeing the female doggen stop in her tracks, I nodded softly to let her know I would be with her shortly. I began fidgeting with my hands, a nervous habit I had never broken and thought carefully of my next sentence. Back at my farmhouse the alarms had been on but I had no contact with my Brother. I would be surprised if a bodyguard showed up there the next time I was back, which would probably be sooner rather then later if Wrath caught wind of my foolishness* I….I have not spoke to Rehv in awhile. My alarm system was active at my house and once I found out about my friends I came right here. *Waiting for the blast of anger from V I braced myself. He wasn’t going to like my answer but I really had no time to be in danger had I?* 

V: I heard the words but still I stood there floored that she was actually walking around with no protection. I didn’t say a word as I stalked off only to come back seconds later with two burly looking male Doggens. When I looked down at Bella and spoke my voice was full on commanding with no room for dissuading me. “These males will stay with you the entire time you are here in the Manse and they will escort you back to your home and while that is happening I will be making a call on your Brother and asking him what kind of fuck up he is to allow a female in his family to go prancing about unchaperoned.” I cast a look at both Doggens and they nodded in unison when I finished. “I am sure after my little talk with your Brother that there will be proper security, if not you will call and inform me. Understood?”

Bella: *I swallowed hard once he took off, not sure what he was doing, praying he wouldn’t come back with a leash and shackles. Given what had been going on and what I had been doing, it really wouldn’t surprize me. I stood rooted in my spot and actually gasped when I saw two large doggen on either side of V. They were gigantic for doggen and it made me wonder if they didn’t have some warrior blood in them. All I could do was nod as V barked out instructions to both them and me. My Brother was not going to like getting an ear full from Vishous but I wouldn’t try to stop him. He seemed determined that I be protected. My voice cracked as I answered * I understand. Thank you V. Now if it is alright with you, I would like to see if my fallen friends are here and take care of them and others if need be. 

V: I nodded once I heard the words I wanted to hear and glanced over at the female doggen waiting nervously. “If she needs anything be sure to get it for her.” I turned my attention back to Bella and stepped aside. “Any help would be appreciated, we will be holding a formal ceremony for those that we can not locate families for.” I grunted out a sound of approval when the Doggens closed in behind the small female. “I hope you do not find your friends Bella, Scribe be with you and yours female.” I opened the door leading down to the tunnels for the small group.

Bella: *I followed the tunnel with my bodyguards in tow, praying the whole time that I wouldn’t find Ahna or Thammy here. My stomach started to churn as I smelled death and preperation oils getting stronger. Damn this was going to be hard. Passing through doors I /couldn’t breath. Bodies everywhere. Some were missing limbs, others just a gapping hole in their chest. What the hell was going on out there? Shell shocked to say the least, I began my search. Walking the rows of sheets I slowly lifted each on and said a prayer for the poor soul that lay beneath it. After about eight bodies I stumbled upon Ahna. Her red hair matted with dirt and blood, her face bruised and her heart missing. Covering my mouth, I nearly passed out from the sight. Thankfully one of my lackies caught me in time.* Oh Ahna…I’m so sorry. *turning to the one on my left I asked for supplies to prepare her body. While I waited I cleaned her as much as I could and tried to keep the tears at bay. He returned a few moments later and I began my work, all the while praying to the Scribe for strength. *