Stakeout

Butch: -All of the Brothers had always had a need to kill lesser. That had only been amped up by the recent deaths of so many civilians. It was what tied us together. But tonight I was after something else entirely. My goal was to find out anything that I could about where the forelesser was hiding out. My conversation with Throe hadn’t helped me out much at all but at least it was doing something. I felt that so long as I moved forward with everything that I would eventually get what I was after. I was paired up with Phury tonight which was fine by me. At least with him I knew that I wouldn’t catch any flack if I suddenly decided to put my life on the line by doing something incredibly stupid. I kind of had a habit of doing shit like that. I knew it irritated Vishous and honestly I didn’t blame the poor guy. It was kind of written into my make up somewhere that I would risk life and limb on a hunch if I thought the goal worthy enough. And this goal was definitely worthy. I geared up to the teeth in an arsenal that would put most militaries to shame and waited in the Escalade for Phury. I couldn’t be certain but I think that it was all hands on deck tonight and for the next foreseeable future. We all had a portion of town, no more just going to the usual haunts. They had shown us that they could spread out all over the place and that is what we were going to do as well. Within each section we were made well aware of where the vampires were. Well, at least the ones we knew about. That way we could at least try to protect the ones that were still alive. I turned on some music to try to get my brain to shut up for a minute. The more I let my mind wander, the crazier my ideas became. At one point I even entertained the idea of repeating the process that had turned me into a lesser. I had Vishous to thank for tossing the idea in the garbage. I still remembered the look on his face when he saw me with pale hair. I’d given up on it all and there he was to pull me out of the mix once again. My eyes closed and I rested my head back. No sleep for me. Probably not the best way to go out there but what are ya gonna do?-

Phury: *My steps slow as I walk down the tunnel past the gym and PT suit and head towards the garage, pulling on my leather jacket to help settle it over my shoulders. The extra weapons I was carrying well hidden but causing the jacket to be more bulky in places, not to mention the throwing stars I was now packing, not my usual taste but right now the more the merrier. The Lessers had up their game and it was our turn to return the favour, just the thought of Tess or anyone I knew lying dead with their hearts torn out was enough to send me on a killing spree. The Fade ceremony had hit it home to me how easy all of a sudden the Lessers were able to get to us, had we dropped our guards so much? Or was something else going on that we just weren’t seeing? Pulling out my Glock and checking it then putting it back in, my shitkickers loud in the quiet of the tunnel. Pushing open the last door into the garage and hearing the music coming at me, turning my head to the left to see Butch in the Escalade. Frowning as I jog over, I wasn’t late but by the look on cop’s face he was ready to be moving and not waiting on my ass. Jogging around the front of the Escalade tapping the bonnet then getting in the passenger side, muttering a few curses in the old language as my extra ammunition and throwing stars dig into my backside and thighs. Grunting as I pull at the throwing stars till the the move around on the belt more to the each side leaving my back free form being stabbed by them, giving up on making my thighs more comfortable as I have no where else to put my spare ammunition clips. At last clipping the seatbelt closed as I feel the Escalade vibrate around me, the music loud and thumping in my ears, for the life of me I don’t understand my brothers insane infatuation with the noise they all call music. Turning to look at Butch close up and if looked just like all of us, over worked, over stressed, over used. A handful of us and a seemingly endless supply of Lessers for us to fight, hell they were odds even the Omega can bet on* So cop, you, me and your music for the night. Your driving so I am calling shotgun on the night, because right now our normal patrols aren’t cutting it so I say lets try some plain old human detective work?

Butch: -I cast a weary gaze at Phury as he got in the Escalade. If I didn’t know any better I would say that he had actually tried to shove his stump up his butt for how much he was wiggling around.- Are you settled now, Princess? -My brow arched in amusement, he was probably the only one that ever actually put on his seatbelt. I would say that it was a statement on my driving but I was pretty sure he did it all the time. So very law abiding of him.- My car, my music. And fuck yes I’m driving cause I’m the only damn one that can’t pop around like Samantha on Bewitched. -I was just about ready to pull out when I heard the last thing that Phury said. My hand hovered over the gear shift and I turned to look at the Brother. His statement came dangerously close to what my thoughts had been the whole time and I wondered what had put him on that line of thinking.- How exactly do you perceive ‘plain old human detective work’? Cause when I was doing it that involved a lot of smacking people around to get ‘em to tell you what you needed to know. Granted that wasn’t the extent of it but I’m curious how you see it. If it involves eating a lotta donuts and swilling coffee I will clock ya, so help me.

Phury: *Muttering at Cop’s comment, they all made fun of me most nights I was just waiting for the ‘Safety first’ jokes. All because I used the seatbelt and have a different taste in music, but the ‘Princess’ crack was new and I had to admit that I did most likely look like I was making a body grove in the Escalade seat. Closing my mouth as I cock my head to look at Butch, a slow smile playing on my lips* Yes, yes, yes, your car your choice of music, but I have to say I can’t believe you hard man cop. Staunch supporter of the Soxs has watched Bewitched! *My laugh was short lived as I listen to Butch, my frown plan on my face* Cop it is more that I have done everything I can think of to get to the bottom of what the Lessers are doing right now. I will not lie I have heard the jokes about cops and donuts, but for the jokes humans have been policing themselves for years. I watch the news and seen the serial killers caught by cops just doing their job. *Shrugging my shoulders as I turn in my seat to stare out the windscreen, my elbow leaning on the door of the Escalade* Cop I have fought for years and still the Lessers come, I would give anything right now to be able to hurt them as they have just hurt us. So if you want to throw a punch my way for that so be it, but the night is passing us by so can we get moving first.

Butch: My ma liked the show. It was on all the time. Though come to think of it I suppose you all are more like Jeannie. Them two shows were pretty much the same except ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ had a much better costume. Know what I mean? -My eyebrows waggled and I laughed.- I woulda totally hit that. -I pulled the SUV out of the garage and waved a dismissive hand at Phury.- I forget sometimes that you don’t have a sense of humor. -I pointed the vehicle the way we were supposed to be headed and just kinda autopilotted the whole drive.- So, speaking of detective work, I talked to that guy you all brought in the other night. What was his name? Vomit? Upchuck? No, don’t tell me… Throw. Anyways… talked to him and he left me with a fat lotta nothing to go on aside from the fact that it makes his lady parts tingle to think that we are actually going out here to dig up something. -I let out a huff and cranked the wheel on a sharp turn.- Instinct tells me just to beat the info outta these fuckers but I don’t honestly know what the hell that’s going to tell us, if anything at all. Most of the damn albinos live in fear of their ‘great lord and master’. -I shrugged.- Can’t say as I blame them. He does leave a lasting impression. -A shiver ran over me and I pushed down real deep, hoping that Phury hadn’t noticed. Another harsh turn on the wheel and the Escalade was parked.- Let the games begin!

Phury: *My laugh loud as I shake my head, of all the things for the cop to admit to. I Dream of Jeannie just about top of my ‘they will never admit to it’ list, the comment about hitting it stilling my humor as watch Butch’s face* Cop you are making salacious comments about a human female, do you really think that at your young age you would have been able to HIT THAT! *My grunt my only comment on my lack of humor, my yellow eyes locked on the road. Nodding as I listen to cop’s words on meeting with Throe, my eager ears happy that the bastard had at least tried to help Butch. Turning to look at Butch as his words sink in, trying to keep my laughter out of my voice* Cop it’s not THROW, his name is Throe. *Giving up and just laughing hard almost cracking my head on the side window as the Escalade takes a turn, steadying myself with my hand on the dashboard. Taking a deep breath to get my head back in the game, watching the buildings fly past as we speed to our destination* I’m all for a little Lesser beating but is it getting us anywhere ? *Turning to look at Butch, noticing a shiver run through him at the mention of the Omega. Turning back to look out the side window, we all have our demons, but cop’s could really kill us all. Gripping the dash as if my life depended on it as Butch turns us into a parking space I was sure wasn’t there, prying my fingers free as I step out of the Escalade* OK cop your show tonight, do we just patrol or you got a plan?

Butch: -I cast a knowing smirk over at Phury.- I know what the guy’s name is… -Tapping my temple with my finger- Cop brain doesn’t forget a perp. I just like making fun of it. -I flashed a wink and jumped out of the SUV. I raised my hands over my head and arched out my back with a loud pop before dropping my arms again and shaking them out.- So I did some research on this scrap of land we were put in charge of… -I rolled my head and popped my neck while I was in the mood to loosen up a bit.- And it seems that we have a vampire runned gas station over there on the corner. -I nodded my head toward the thing rather than look stupid and point at it.- I say that instead of running around like chickens with our heads cut off we cop a squat over there… -Nodding my head once more to indicate a hole in the wall diner.- Drink lots of coffee and maybe even eat a few donuts while we wait for the fucks to come to us. -A smile widened across my face, especially since we had /just/ talked about this very thing.- Good old fashioned stake out. Now that’s some real detective work there. -I was barely holding back my laughter at this point.- Ooooorrr… we could patrol the whole area and hope that we get lucky and are there when they try to hit some more civilians. -I pursed my lips and stuck my hands in my pockets, rocking back on my heels like I hadn’t planned this the whole time.-

Phury: *Laughs as I watch the cop stretch and crack all sorts of bones and muscles, I should have known he was only pulling my leg at Throe’s expense. Running my hand through my hair as I listen to Butch, his human cop background really shining through, I had looked at a map of our new route were he looked up members of our race leaving in the area as well. My eyes following Butch’s nodding head and looking down the road to the gas station, then to the diner a short laugh leaving my chest at his plan* So cop I am not allowed make jokes about cops and donuts yet you want us to sit around and eat said donuts while we do the real police work? Good old fashioned detective work my ass. *My shoulders shaking as I try to hold in my laughter as I look at the smile on Butch’s face, holding up my hands to stop cops words, his whole lost boy scout look as he almost rock in front of me not fooling me for a minute* Ok I will give on this, as I said I have been patrolling for years and you are right. It is pot luck most of the time when we meet Lessers. *Looking at the diner and then over to the gas station, my yellow eyes glowing* You know what cop I feel in the mood for some bad coffee and sugary donuts. *Laughing softly as I walk off my shitkickers pounding the pavement as with quick steps I walk up to the door of the dinner, pulling open the door and standing back as I eye Butch* But first round is on you cop, I hope you brought enough cash as I don’t think this diner takes mine.

Butch: Just to put this on the table though… -Following after Phury- … I’m not saying that this plan will work. So you know, if it all goes to shit no pointing fingers at me and saying it was my fuck up. But on the other hand, if it goes right… totally my idea. All of it. You’d be a lost motherfucker if it weren’t for me and I should get a medal or something for being such a damn genius. -I laughed and ducked under Phury’s arm to sneak inside in front of him.- Oi! What the shit is wrong with your money? You carrying around Deutsche marks or something? See if I ever ask you out again. You are a lousy date sir. -Of course I said that loud enough for everyone in the place to hear and they all kind of stopped and looked at us.- What? It’s true. I bet he won’t even put out after I pay for this! -I huffed and kicked my head back as I stomped through the place. I flopped down in the bench and the thing protested loudly with giant exhale of air. I made sure to get a spot with a good view of the station across the street and then quickly turned my attention elsewhere to not appear so obvious. I’m sure that we were already causing quite the stir just by what we looked like but this place wasn’t exactly high end either. I ordered a coffee and made it seem like I was perusing the menu.-

Phury: *Walking in after Butch, my eyes roaming the dinner and the handful of customers, smiling at the waitress as she walks past on her way back behind the counter with a coffee pot. Butch’s rant about a medal drawing a short laugh from my lips, my eyes passing over tables and looking out the window at the gas station across the street* Yes cop YOUR idea, your medal. *My words stopping as I hear Butch, all sound in the dinner stopping and turning to face Butch I can feel the eyes of all customers on us. My mouth opening and closing like a fish as I watch him stomp off to a table with a view from the window facing the gas station. Taking a quick look around me at the humans and the looks they were giving me, muttering under my breath as I walk over and sat with Butch. Ordering a coffee from the waitress  and staring at Butch as he reads the menu, keeping my voice low as I hear the parting comment form the waitress. “Don’t sweat it boys as long as you don’t go holding hands or swapping spit in my diner we’re A Ok.” Why did you do that, I thought the whole idea of a stake out was to be unseen? *Rubbing the back of my neck as I move around on the bench seat closer to Butch but getting my back away from the rest of the diner, my foot stepping on Butch’s hard as I get settled* Right now everyone in this dinner will remember us. *Looking back at the customers some of whom were still eyeballing us out of it, grunting as I turn to look out the window* So much for undercover or is that what you really want? *My yellow eyes glowing as I goad Butch*  Cop mister centre stage always.

Butch: -I flashed the most charming grin I could at the waitress.- No worries there darlin. He is not near enough man for me, he just wishes he was. -I winked at Phury and even blew him a kiss.- Why don’t you just get me some of that sweeeeet apple pie I’m smelling. And of course what ever he’s having since I have to pay for his his free loading ass too. -It wasn’t until she left again that I spoke in more hushed tones to Phury.- Would just take a look at us for a cotton picking minute here? We look like two rejects fresh from a Village People concert. That or big scary biker types. Which one would you like to be right now? Ya either getcha gay on or you start really frightening the poor folk in here. I guarantee ya they’d rather think we were flaming homosexuals than giants with guns and shit. -I waggled my brows and brought up my coffee mug to hide the huge smile I had.- Oh and by all means keep calling me Cop about a dozen or so more times. I’m sure they will never catch on. I swear if you guys didn’t have your mind games that you pull on people you would never make it anywhere. -I really shouldn’t be enjoying myself as much as I was right now but riling up Phury always was so entertaining. I was halfway through my piece of pie when I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I straightened up like someone had just pulled my strings tight. I stood up from the booth and threw down some money.- Showtime. -I was out the door without even sparing a glance backward at Phury.-

Phury: *Slapping my head against my hand at my own stupidity, looking over our appearances and one would think we were either up to no good or rejects from some sordid bondaged club. Placing my hands on the table my knuckles white for clenching my fists, my eyes down on the table as Butch chewed me out over my slip of my tongue. Nodding to Butch my voice low* Sorry Co… *Mutters* I mean Butch or should I just go ahead and call you my love muffin, as that is the best way forward right now. I’m good but I don’t want to have to fight off the humans in here over our choice of clothes, bikers indeed. *Picking a piece of pie from Butch’s plate after the waitress had brought it to him my eyes looking down the street away from the gas station, turning as I sensed the change in Butch watching as he stands up almost like a puppet on strings. Standing and waving a goodbye to the waitress as she watches us, most likely to make sure we had paid. Butch’s ‘Showtime’ not needed as I look past him as I left the diner to the gas station and the trio of white haired Lessers at an SVU parked at one of the pumps, bringing my eyes back to Butch as I keep my voice low* Looks like you were right cop showtime it is! I’ll swing around that building and cut through the alleyway, I will meet you at the gas station. *Taking off on silent feet, crossing the street and running away from the gas station to the edge of the apartment block and the alleyway, pulling out my daggers as I take the turn at the end of the alleyway, looking around as I head to the street the edge of the gas station just in sight. Stopping at the alleyway mouth as I look across the road, my eyes taking in the Lessers and the gas station attend before stepping out and crossing the street*

Butch: -It was a cinch that this wasn’t going to go down out in broad view of the public. Or was it? My arrogant steps faltered for a heartbeat as I thought about all of the civilians that had been left out on display.- Ohhhhh you are a dumb mutherfucker, Butch… It’s a good damn thing you’re pretty. -I laughed at myself and sauntered up to the opposite side of the SUV, the one I wouldn’t be readily seen from. A dagger was quickly in my hand and I stabbed it into the back tire. There was a loud hiss accompanied by a shout. ‘Hey! What the hell are you doing?!’ I popped up and flashed a big old grin at the lesser.- Hey there boys! Let’s play! -I took out my guns and started filling the lesser full of lead knowing full well that I was driving them in Phury’s direction. I hoped to God he was paying attention cause this place was going to hot with cops in no time flat. I only hoped that there would be one left over that I could creatively question. I shouted out at them to get them moving exactly where I wanted them to go. One would veer off to the side and I would strongly discourage him with a hole in his side.- We gotta be fast Phury! This is gonna get ugly soon. Leave me one to have fun with!

Phury: *The sound of gunfire loud or was it that I was running towards it, watching the Lessers coming my way as I moved. Butch’s gun doing its job of corralling the in my direction, my only main worry was that we were all out in the open. One quick glance past the Lessers and Butch to the dinner and I could see movement inside, Butch’s request causing my to laugh out loud as I jumped the first Lesser, the one Butch had shot, pulling both his arms behind him till I heard the pop of his shoulder blades. Kicking him forward knocking into one Lesser as I gutted the last, my taste for hurting them all first new to me but after all the murders of late it seemed right. Stabbing their heart right off was too easy, to kind to them, I needed them to suffer as our race had. Growling low as I kick the first Lesser with the poped shoulder blades closer to Butch, the only standing Lesser in front of me, cocking my head as I yell out to Butch* Floppy arms on the ground is all yours cop, but we need to hurry I saw movement in your diner of choice. *With quick practiced movements I punch the Lesser repeatedly, each punch was followed by my hand with my dagger, the ground around us was splashed with The Lessers blood as at last I grab his coat. Taking a few punches to my ribs as I pull the Lessers wallet free then stab him through the heart, grunting at the flash turning and slipping in the black oily blood of the Lesser on the ground that I gutted moving towards him. My yellow eyes locked on my prize, the Lesser wasn’t looking at me, he was trying to hold his intestines inside of his body. Kicking his hands free as I kneel down over him into his black bloody innards, slicing deep with my dagger at the top of each of his arms cutting the muscle so his arms hung loose. My ears picking up the sound of cop sirens heading our way, without looking to see what Butch was up to I call out* Times up cop we need to beat feet and fast. *My smile one of pure hatred as I pull the Lessers wallet from his jeans back pocket, placing my dagger over the space where his heart should have been. Slowly pushing my dagger in bit by bit, the look in the Lessers eyes as he starts to scream like a stuffed pig was one of fear. At the last minute turning my head to shield my eyes from the flash, standing up and wiping my dagger on my leathers than putting it away the two wallets in my other hand* I mean it cop you ready?

Butch: -Our plan had worked for the most part except for the fact that we were entirely too much out in the open. What I wouldn’t give for V’s mhis right about now. My head flipped around when Phury mentioned the diner and I cursed a blue streak.- Shit, this is gonna be close. -I tucked my guns away and knelt down to the lesser that Phury had kicked toward me. He was having no small amount of difficulty with his arms and wasn’t that just entertaining. I held him with his back flat on the pavement and dug my elbow into his shoulder, that nice spot just below the collarbone. I shifted my entire weight into it and he screamed out like I knew he would.- Now that I have your attention, let’s talk forelesser. -He instantly shook his head and his gaze darted quickly from side to side. I slapped him square across the jaw and pointed my finger at him.- Pay attention! You’re gonna die anyway so do something good with your damn miserable existence and just tell me where the fucker is and I’ll make it quick instead of dragging you behind my car. -The pale asshole thought it funner to hiss at me so I helped him make up his mind by sticking my finger into his bullet wound at his side. He screamed and squirmed so I laid into his shoulder harder to keep him where he was.- Oh! That has to hurt. It’s oozing real good, you should see it. -He rolled his eyes almost like he was tired of my stupidity and flicked his eyes away again. This time I noticed that he was looking at the SUV that I had just given a flat tire.- Shiiiiiit!… Seriously?! -He let out a relieved breath like he was glad that I was finally catching on. I heard the sirens approaching and Phury’s shouts for me to hurry up but my gaze was fixed on the vehicle in front of me. The door opened and it was like a shock of electricity ran straight up my spine. All thoughts of the lesser below me were given up when I saw the bastard step out of the SUV.- FORELESSER!!! -The word ripped from my throat as I charged forward. The guy clearly saw me and didn’t really give a fuck. He was in no hurry to get away from me, he even stopped to straighten his coat out. He was probably in his late thirties when he was turned but his hair was stark white now so it made him look much older. Tall, athletic with a gigantic ego that exuded outward. My guns found my palms again and I raised them to take aim. This was the one that had been responsible for all of the terrible deaths and it wasn’t going to end until the forelesser was dead. I was distantly aware of the door opening and closing on the opposite side of the vehicle but I didn’t stop to ponder who or what it might be. My focus was entirely on the forelesser. My finger was on the trigger when I felt icy fingers slide into my mind. Thoughts and images instantly invaded my conscious. Memories dragged up from the darkest parts of my mind took over and I dropped down to the ground right where I was. I dropped the guns and curled into myself, my hands came up to claw at my head almost as if I could rip the images from my skull. Bugs… Bugs crawled up my skin, biting every inch that they found. I was back there, in the symphath colony. Chains from the ceiling held me dangling off of the floor in some dank cave. The whole place moved with scorpions, spiders and millipedes. The last time I was here Vishous had been chained up directly opposite me and I was almost scared to see if he was there this time as well. I slowly rolled my head and looked at the space he had been in. My breath caught in my lungs and I screamed out at what I saw. My Hellren was there alright… but he was dead. And he had died long ago from the looks of it. Bugs crawled in and out of his body, dropping out of his empty eye sockets and wiggling between his teeth. I yelled so loud and long that eventually my voice gave out.-

Phury: *My head whipping around when I hear Butch screaming, the humans coming out of the diner forgotten as I see another Lesser and a Symphath. My mind reeling as I look from them down to the ground to where Butch was curled up in a ball screaming like he was on fire. Looking back to the gas station seeing the scared faces of two of our race staring out at me, back to the diner and the humans now on the sidewalk. Then looking straight ahead of me, one Lesser down on the ground using his legs to try and push himself towards another Lesser and a Symphath with Butch between both lost to his now constant screams. Running towards Butch pulling my dagger out again, dropping to my knee and stabbing the Lesser on the ground through the heart. Turning my head away from the flash my eyes falling on the two cop cars pulling across the road blocking the gas station in, standing up as the cops start yelling at us all. “Stop, hands where they can be seen!” My yellow eyes locking on the other Lessers and the Symphath as I jog up to Butch, crouching down, Butch’s screams piercing my heart as he doesn’t seem to even know where he is. Covering Butch’s body with mine as a bullet passes over our heads and hits the SVU, the yells from the cops drawing my attention as they fire again but not at us at the other Lesser and the Symphath. Growling out as I drag Butch with me over to the door to the gas station, taking a last look behind me as I close the door. Turning to the two males behind the counter my voice loud over Butch’s screams, my hands grabbing Butch under the armpits as I back up towards the back of the gas station* You know who we are? *Watching their nods and panicked looks from us to the window, following with my own eyes seeing one cop car chasing after the fleeing Lesser and Symphath. The other cops walking towards the gas station guns still drawn, looking down at Butch still screaming and hunched almost into a ball between my hands. Turning back to the two males, then looking around the gas station, a toilet and closet and a back door. Muttering to myself as I realise there is no way I am getting Butch away from the cops in this state, looking back to the two males as I pull open the broom closet* I’m locking this and you two are telling the cops we both ran out the back door, can you cover up the sound of his screams for me? *Dragging Butch into the closet and closing the door, locking the door with my mind the sound of Butch’s screams almost muted. Running out the back door, the cops coming in the front, the sound of music covering cop’s screams. Backing up against the wall of the gas station, slowing down my breathing as I scan the area. Dematerialising to the rooftop of the diner, looking down and through the window of the gas station. Watching as the one cop runs out the back the other out the front jumping into into the cop car and tacking of around the gas station, waiting for a few minutes then dematerialising down to the street beside the Escalade. Muttering as I try to open the door, turning to make sure all the humans had gone back into the diner. Sliding into the Escalade and fishing the keys from the viser, turning the key starting the engine, pulling out across the road and into the gas station. Jumping out of the Escalade and into the gas station, unlocking the door to the broom closet, pulling the door open and hauling Butch out, his voice sounding hoarse* Cop come on buddy work with me here, I could really use your smart ass comments right about now. *Throwing Butch up over my shoulder and running back out to the Escalade, opening the back door and dropping Butch onto the seat. Running around the front of the Escalade, getting in behind the wheel and hitting the gas before I even have the door closed. Spinning the wheels as I tear out of the gas station, my mind working over time as I talk back over my shoulder to Butch* Cop you need to stop screaming for a minute, we’re heading back to the Mansion and if Vishous hears you like this he is going to kill me. *Leaving behind the last of Caldwells traffic lights, Butch’s screams the only sound as we speed towards the Mansion. Passing through each gate my hands tapping the steering wheel, Butch’s screams getting more hoarse. Pulling up to the front of the Mansion and swinging around to the pit, sitting in the Escalade and staring out the windshield my own voice low* Well cop here we are, home sweet home. Now do we knock or play hide and seek forgiveness. *Getting out of the Escalade, I turn off the engine, pull open the back door and look at Butch* Ok cop here we go, I wish you could do this yourself. *Dragging Butch into my arms his screams seeming overly loud in the stillness around us, walking over to the pit and punching in the code. Calling out as I place Butch down on the sofa, propping some sports magazines under him to stop him rolling off* Vishous you here man? *Looking down at Butch then taking out my phone, sending a text to Vishous. - Man get back to the Pit Cop needs you.- Rubbing the back of my neck, calling Fritz* Hey Fritz can you send someone down to sit with Cop I need to sort out the Escalade. *Looking back down to Butch as I hang up, sighing* Cop I love you but damn I am out before Vishous sees you. *Almost running out of the pit when Fritz gets there, my only thought was saving my own hide*

Questioning The Prisoner

Butch: -Ever since we had been called out to pick up all of those bodies I had been itching to get back out there. I think everyone was feeling the same thing to tell you the truth. It was like a cloud that settled over the entire mansion. I knew the truth of it though. Nothing would stop until the forelesser was found and eliminated. He was at the root of these recent attacks and if he wasn’t taken out they would just continue. You could kill the peons all day and night and still not see an end to the slaughter. Many different ideas tumbled through my mind and none of them were things that V would appreciate. I was beginning to think that whatever I did would have to be behind his back and I didn’t like the idea. I had taken out the forelesser once before, at the time it was such a simple thing. I was a lesser, I walked right into their camp and slit his stomach open before inhaling his essence. For a hot minute there I was the forelesser. Thoughts along these lines weren’t exactly going to help me right now though. I remembered what it took to get from point A to point B and it wasn’t pretty. And coming back from it… another death under my belt. It wasn’t smart to cheat death as often as I had. My other thought involved some creative questioning of lesser and from where I was standing that was probably the best plan of attack. What everyone needed was more information. I heard the whispers through the mansion that one of the guys that had rescued Kisa was now holed up with us here. Maybe he would know something. It was a long shot but it was at least doing something while the sun was up and no one could go out. After some asking around I found out where they were keeping the male and I went to his holding cell. I poked my head through the door and blinked a few times at the sight of the guy sitting there.- Well hello there. We meet again. -I came all the way into the room, closing the door behind me. I snagged up a chair and spun it around before swinging a leg over and sitting down.- Butch, in case you forgot. You’re Mr. NoneO’YourBusiness. I knew that was you the dude described as a Thor looking mutherfucker. -I put my hands on the back of the chair and rested my chin on them.- Sorry, still didn’t bring ya any chocolates or flowers. -The corner of my lip quirked up.- Such a small world this is.

Throe: -I was walking in circles around the room I was locked up in. Cabin fever was slowly setting in and I was aching to get out, but I knew it wouldn’t happen. So I walked. Stretched. Lay down on the cot and started at the ceiling. Got up and walked again. I had developed quite the routine. Once again hearing the faint sound of footsteps headed my way, I stopped my pacing and sat down in the chair, waiting as the steps slowed right in front of the room. Looking up as the door slowly opened, I wasn’t sure who I’d find headed in here until a familiar face looked in. The male from the alley, when I had come upon that wounded female was standing in the doorway, looking probably just as shocked as I did that we were coming face to face once again. As he moved inside the room and sat down before me, I crossed my arms tight over my chest and smirked as he started talking to me in the strange accent of his- I’d really hoped for some flowers. Could use a little decoration in this place. It’s a little dull for my taste. -Chuckling low and shaking my head at the irony of having him here with me now, I sighed and looked him over- Are you next on the list to question me, or did you just come by to say a quick hello?

Butch: -Looking around at the bare walls I couldn’t help but agree with the guy across from me. This room would drive me nuts in no time flat.- You could always take up finger painting. But flowers would improve the smell as well… -Wrinkling my nose at the improvised shitter in the corner.- You really stepped into it this time didn’t ya? Were you born with a giant bullseye on your back or do you just like trouble? -I laughed and then scratched my nails through the stubble on my face.- So yeah, I did want to ask ya a few questions. Though from the looks of ya not the kind that some others have been. -Nodding pointedly to the obvious knife play on your chest.- You are one of the only ones to have lived through the attacks of the other night and come out the other side with some info. I wanted to know what you could tell me bout it.

Throe: -Almost laughing at the Brother when he spoke of the room making him nuts, I silently nodded. Between the lack of airflow and what I was using as a toilet, I was practically chomping at the bits to get out of here. This room was it’s own brand of torture and it was messing with me more than the scabbed letters in my chest. Narrowing my gaze at the male, he seemed so comfortable, so sure of himself; it almost made me relax a little. Almost. I liked people who were straight to the point. The less bullshit, the better- I think that my life has turned into a series of ironic events. If I wasn’t living this shit, I’d never believe it. -Chuckling low, I shook my head and sighed- Go ahead. Ask away. I’ll help in any way I can.

Butch: -I nodded when I saw that the bastard was willing to share whatever he might know. Which was good considering the last time I met him he didn’t even want to tell me his name. I think I heard somewhere that he was called Chuck or Toss… no Throw that was it. Goofy name if you asked me but I wasn’t going to bust his balls about it.- Where these lesser that you all chopped to bits trying to punch a hole in your chest as well? Or are they limiting themselves to the weak and defenseless? Oh! And where they new? Fresh recruits with color to their hair still? Or all washed out and aged a bit? -I tilted my head and hoped that some question in here would give me an idea, something to go on.-

Throe: -Listening as the Brother rattled off question after question, I tilted my head in question, actually taking a good look at him. He looked different than last time I had seen him, although it was only in the dim light of the alley. His face was a bit paler and had prominent circles under his eyes. There was also the scent coming from him, not of a vampire but that intertwined with something else. It gave me pause, but I shook it off and focused- I did notice that the Lessers had a new focus of trying to get to the center of the chest. I wasn’t sure if it was a new fetish of theirs, of if they had a reason to be doing it. I had seen it happen several times, in civilians that I couldn’t manage to save. -Frowning deeply, I thought of the times I’d spent fighting alone, choosing that instead of fighting with the other Bastards, because my bond was no longer with them- As far as the hair? It was combined. It seemed as though the older Lessers were training newer ones right out in the field. -Shrugging my shoulders, I let my hand wander to my hair, trying to remember anything more that I could-

Butch: -I chewed on inside of my mouth trying to piece something from the grand scheme of things.- I don’t like this new direction that the lesser are taking. I mean it was bad enough when we were just out there killing them every night but when they get organized like this it means that some new forelesser thinks he’s hot shit. -I looked at the guy straight on.- You all have been fighting lesser just as long as this bunch has. Can you not think of anything that would help me get to the bottom of it? I mean, were they staking out vampires or was it all just random? -I hated random, I really hoped it wasn’t random. There had to be sense behind it somewhere I just needed to find it. The one piece of the puzzle that made everything else make sense.-

Throe: -Shaking my head solemnly as the Brother questioned me, I had no answers. The lack of technology and the space that grew wide between myself and the other Bastards had me on the sidelines of most theories. I cursed myself for not paying better attention, more focused on myself than Xcor and his theories- I don’t know. I spent my most recent time fighting mostly alone. If it’s a new Forelesser than this is very bad. They seem to be quite developed. More structured than usual. It could mean very bad things for the civilian population if they are allowed to continue like this. -Frowning, I imagined all the lives that could be lost if something didn’t happen quickly- Surely you have the ability to track them better than I, do you not?

Butch: -I huffed out an annoyed breath at the lack of anything to go on.- That’s alright I guess. I mean I hadn’t really expected to get anything earth shaking from you but I thought it was worth a try. -I ran my fingers through my hair and even pulled a bit out in frustration. I stopped perfectly still as soon as I heard the last bit though. The corner of my eye twitched a bit and I wondered if he was just taking a shot in the dark or if he had heard things about me specifically. I spoke slowly, carefully.- I do… But it aint exactly like it points me straight to the head guy in charge. I would be kickin ass and taking names if that were the case now wouldn’t I?

Throe: -Narrowing my gaze at the Brother, I tilt my head in question as his emotions change, becoming more defensive than before. It was almost like I had hit on something that I had known nothing about, but he wasn’t sure of how ignorant I was. It was amusing, to say the least, trying to find this equal plane between him and I. There was something different about him, that was for sure, but what it was I did not know. Yet. -I would assume that if it did lead you there you would not be here in this room searching for information. I may not know much, but it does not mean that I don’t care. These Lessers need to be stopped and that is the final of it all. You and your Brothers have been deemed capable of doing so, the sons of the Scribe Virgin and the saviors to us all. I’ll be interested to see how you respond to such a challenge from here on out. If I get out of this room, that is.

Butch: -My eyes widened and rolled dramatically as I got up from the chair.- Way to tow the party line there buddy. We ever talk again I’d thank you to leave the cow of a deity out of the convo. -I scrubbed my hand down the side of my leg as I always seemed to do when V’s mom was ever mentioned.- I’m sure you will get out of here eventually. I mean they will have to take you out to spray it down right? Trust me the doggens won’t stand for this smell for too much longer. -I flashed a wide, toothy grin and turned toward the door.-

Throe: -Rolling my eyes with a snort, I lift my arm to sniff at myself- I hear I smell pretty bad. Let’s hope they let me shower soon, or I’ll stink up your whole fucking… -shrugs, looking around- Wherever I am. Keep on top of that Lesser issue, Warrior. It actually leaves me feeling a little fuzzy inside that one of you actually gives a shit. -Smiling wide, I sit back in my chair and wave as you make your move to leave- I’m always here to help!

The Fade Ceremony

Wrath: [There were so many bodies. This would go down as one of the worst massacres in the history of our race and it had happened on my watch. It was up to me to make this right and I was intent on doing just that. Most of the bodies that we had recovered had found their way back to the families. That had been a difficult task in and of itself. Knocking on all of those doors only to greet the faces behind them with the terrible message that their son, their daughter, hellren, shellan or sibling was dead. I hadn’t made all of the house calls but I did share in the load. Maybe I should have made them all. The race was my responsibility after all. Now, all over my kingdom, numerous families were holding ceremonies. They were all mourning their losses and I mourned with them. I felt the pain of it all as acutely as they did. At one point I had even thought that I lost my Queen in the same manner. So many bodies and we still had four that we could not identify. Vishous was very good at his job and even he hadn’t been able to identify these four lost souls. They deserved the same ceremony that everyone else was getting. And for these ones that had no name we would see them into the Fade. Fritz had seen to the all of the arrangements. On the back lawn there now stood four pyres that were ready to meet the fiery hand of the son of Bloodletter. The whole mansion felt the heavy weight of all of these deaths. We needed to move past it properly so that we could get to the task of making the lesser pay for what they had done. I ran my hand down the front of my silk robes and stood up straighter. I still wasn’t entirely sure what I would say or what I should do but I was the King and this was all part of my job. I took my strength from the fact that Kisa had made it home safely. Had she not this would be an entirely different thing right now. She was by my side now and that was where I planned on keeping her. Together we were stronger, together we were King and Queen. My arm hooked out to catch her hand and I leaned in to whisper ‘I love you’ in her ear before stepping out the back door. Kisa would be my eyes tonight, I knew that Fritz had made it as easy as possible with a straight path forward but I relied on Kisa to tell me where to stop. I could hear the torches that must be lighting the way to the funeral pyres. It was split evenly down the middle, two females and two males, that hadn’t been identified. Every scrap of information that we had about them had been taken down just in case someone came up later looking for these four. My back was stiff and my head held straight forward as I walked. I left the bo staff with Fritz. This was a solemn occasion that had no place for weapons, even ones that helped me see my way. I stopped when Kisa did and stood there quietly waiting until everyone was ready and assembled. I could feel the cool wind blow across my face and heard the soft sounds of nature. I waited until everything around me grew quiet and then I raised my voice.] We are here tonight to honor the lost ones that have fallen. These four that lay before us were cut down too early. They were not the only ones that were struck down and we mourn the terrible loss of every life this night. The race has suffered a blow I can only pray that we will come back from. We know not who these souls are, we don’t know what greatness they may have accomplished or who loved them while they were here. So tonight we will stand here to offer up our love and see them safely into the Fade in the arms of the Scribe Virgin may they at last know peace.

Kisa: ~I had never went to a funeral, I never had any family so there was never anyone to lose. Tonight though I would be going to something like that, Wrath had called it a ceremony. It didn’t matter what anyone called still in the end it was people who had lost their lives way too soon and in such a violent way. My head fell forward and I repeated the process of counting. This all was hitting so close to the bone. I could easily be out there lying in the ceremonial wrappings and why wasn’t I? I should have been but that night my father swooped and changed the fates for me. Now here I was with a great many of people to send off these poor souls to a place Wrath had called the fade. I could only assume that was what I knew of heaven and I had no doubt that each one of them would make it into the fade. I believed in God, I had prayed to him often enough and more times than naught he had saved me from myself and situations but right now I prayed to the race’s Scribe Virgin. I said a silent prayer for each soul and when I was done I gratefully took a hold of Wrath’s hand when he reached for mine. This was not a walk I wanted to repeat often and when we stopped I looked up at Wrath and my heart constricted painfully for him. The man had that all-consuming aura that a King should have and I doubted he even knew that about himself. Just as I knew now he carried each death like a cut across his beating heart. I gave his hand once last squeeze and I moved aside but I kept my eyes locked on him even when he was done speaking and the next Brother stepped up and then the voice of an angel filled the wintery night.~

V: It had been hell, no that wasn’t right, hell would be a vacation right now. After all the retrieval and cleanup work had been done I had helped with the bodies and finding where they belonged. Their faces burned in my mind and the taste of revenge lodged in my throat. We all were stretched thin but I believed the constant going helped in not giving us much time to think. Tonight though we had to do one last thing before we as the Brotherhood threw all other bullshit out the window and focused only on taking out as many of those bastards as we could and then some. I stood on the back lawn, my shoulders stooped down and I looked over at Butch. My source of strength right now, the nights since the attack I had taken to stealing moments to just hold onto him. I didn’t question it and neither did he thankfully. Everything was set up to perfection but I knew that didn’t even need to be requested by the King. My diamond eyes lighted on the Doggens milling around to pay their respect to our lost ones and the looks on their faces even had my cold heart flinching with the pain I saw. This should have never happened, but it did and here we were left to fight through the pain and loss of it. With my head bowed slightly I quietly spoke in the old language a prayer to the Scribe to receive these children of hers and guide them on. Even in a time like this I knew who to speak to, she was all they had now. My head came up and I watched Wrath walked down the lighted pathway and stop at the end. His words fell on me like a weight and I welcomed it. It would serve me well when I hit the streets. After he spoke I walked up to stand at the foot of the first wrapped body. I unfolded my hands and let them hang loosely at my sides as once again I said whispered prayer for the one I stood at. When the last syllable fell from my lips I took the leather glove from my hand. I didn’t have to work up the power it was just there. My hand was aglow and as I laid it on the covered feet of the one I stood at the flame crawled over the body like a blanket. Covering it from head to toe until every inch was covered and before I moved to repeat the process on the next one the flames were taking on a life of their own and growing upwards. With my head bowed I repeated the same prayer and the same touch as I did from the first until I stood on the side to the last body. By now all four lost ones were blazing and the fire between them danced and rolled together in unison.

Butch: -I was still not really accustomed to these robes and ceremonies that went with them but a funeral, that I understood pretty well. I’d seen my fair share of funerals and all of them reminded me of Janie. My eyes shut and I reached up to close my hands around the crucifix at my neck. Under my breath I said a prayer for the dead. I could see the tension that rested on the shoulders of my Hellren. I wanted nothing more than to take that pain away from him but that wasn’t possible. We all felt this one, each in our own way. I listened to Wrath’s words and I saw Vishous step forward. My brow wrinkled until I saw him free his glowing hand. Of course, who needed matches when they had a built in supernova? I knew exactly what that hand could do but for me it was something completely different. The ultimate cleanser. I watched as each body was set ablaze. The heat grew and grew all from the simple touch of that amazing hand. And then, through everything, the voice of Brother Zsadist cut through the night with the most heartfelt sounds I had ever heard. I may not have understood the words but it was easy to understand the feeling behind them. I saw Vishous set fire to the last body and I made my way around the edge of the gathering to be next to him once more. My hand found his glowing one and I squeezed it tightly.-

Z: [Listening to every word that the king spoke I felt this unfamiliar ache in my chest. To me it felt like I did the race wrong by not protecting the ones that we lost. Sure we have lost civilians before but this was just…too many. Reaching a hand up to scrub at my skull trim as I watch my brother Vishous now steps forward. Listening closely as he whispers a pray that I say silently in my head. All these different emotions were forming and it was all new to me. Long ago I taught myself to hold it all in and now I felt like I was reborn and everything was changing with me, and not just my eyes. Pinching the brim of my nose I watch closely as each body is set to flames causing a soft shuddered breath to fall from my parted lips, only once my brother steps back do I take one forward. I could feel their eyes on me but I didn’t care…my golden hues were locked on the ones we lost…the ones that were burning to a crisp before my very eyes. With my lips still parted I take in a deep breath before I start to sing a soft song in the old language. My voice just barely a whisper until it grows to be heard all around us. As my vision grows blurry I quickly close my eyes but stays strong and sings my fucking heart out with the sweetest, softest voice that only an angel could have. But I was no angel no…I was just me and dammit I was going to sing for the ones we lost until my voice gave out. Tentatively I open my eyes to watch them burn as I continue to fill the air with the soft sounds of my voice. My hands clench at my sides, fingers curling and causing my blunt nails to dig into my flesh as I feel a new emotion form. I wanted to seek vengeance on the fuckers that did this to our race. My eyes flicker to the side and I watch out of the corner of my eyes all of my brothers. Seeing that their eyes were locked onto the burning bodies before us and for once I wanted something…I didn’t know what it was but I felt the need to be closer to them. I step back a bit until I’m back in line and beside my twin, my voice still going strong as I sing my heart out. Turning my head to look over phury before looking back at the bodies…this is where I belonged…with my brothers. I knew that we would seek revenge and all work together to make sure the lessers paid for what they did. I gently let my shoulder brush my twins before closing my eyes again and just keeps on singing]

Phury: *My head down as I stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers, my silk robes although light felt as heavy as chains right now. We had returned the fallen I had only been called on once to back up Wrath and I was glad for that, the look of horror on the faces of the family when we brought home their son was one I hope never to see again, yet it was a look that I had seen for years on my own parents eyes as they look at me. Taking a deep breath as I watch Wrath come down to the pyres, his words ringing true in my heart letting my past fall away I say a silent pray to the Scribe for the four bodies before me, not only lost to life but lost from those that loved them. My eyes falling from Wrath and Kisa to follow Vishous as he strides forward to set the pyres alight, the glow on his hand overly bright as in places it not once but four times down on the pyres as he lights each one in turn. The look to Butch not lost to me as turn my own head to look at Tess standing beside me, taking her hand in mine just to feel her as we all needed to know the ones we loved where here and safe. Turning back as I hear the angelic tones of Zsadist rising up into the night sky, the old language falling from his lips warming my heart even if I did feel a single tear fall from my eyes. Their names may not yet be known but all here will remember them till the ends of our own days, my eyes locking on my twins as his voice along with the flames Vishous set alight rise up to the sky and with the will of Wraths words and the blessing of the Scribe will send our fallen unto the Fade. Watching Zsadist walk back to stand by me the brush of his shoulder comforting as I brush back, after tonight all bets were off, any Lessers we meet better hope we finish them off quick as I wanted blood for what was taken from our race. I wanted black blood to flow till I was drowning it it, maybe then I could make sense of all the murders that happened to our race*

Tess:  *I stood there just as I had at my friends ceremony still and trying to keep my composure. Phury’s robes had been cleaned. My hand brushed against them and my heart stopped for just a moment. It wasn’t long ago that he’d been in them  and I’d been beside myself trying to see him back to full strength and well. Tonight he wore them and honored the four souls before us who’d never have a chance to heal. Whose families wherever they may be didn’t know they were gone. We knew, and I prayed harder than before that somehow these souls would find peace and joy in the fade. I looked up to see Wrath walking down with Kisa. I was mixed between the emotion for the loss of life and the pride in seeing our race’s King make sure that no one was left without proper honors. A sense of belonging fell over me. This was home, here was where my heart lived. Wrath spoke , V stepped forward and gave  a prayer and set the pyers aflame. I had been holding on until Z started to sing. My hand fitted into Phury’s and all of the strength I had left fell away. The hot tears flowed freely down my cheeks. Out of the most unlikely of places the most beautiful song filled the air. I watched Z back up and stand as closely to Phury as he could without actually holding his twin. I watched Wrath and Kisa stand closer and Butch take V’s hand I could see  the seething under the surface for each and every one of the Males here. My eyes fell last to Avarice. We’d both helped to wrap those who were lost. It had been painful and we knew all of the faces. I doubted I would ever be able to remove them from my mind.  I was grateful that she had such a strong male with her. It wasn’t that she was weak by any means but I knew how hard all of this was on her. I knew that each of us was going to be feeling the toll of this for a long time. My only solace was that All of these males were going to seek retribution, they would stay sharp and focused knowing they all needed to stay fit for duty as it were in order to seek justice for each life lost. It was in that moment that I truly understood the importance of what the brotherhood was all about.*

Tohr: *My eyes are lingering on the four bodies ready to be sent into the Fade. Knowing that there are families out there not knowing if their loved ones are going to come back home or not, twist at my heart. Even for the ones who might have been by themselves without a family, they should not have died the way the did. This was a low for the Lessers and a blow to our race. I can feel the wind caress my cheek as I am deep in my thoughts. As warriors we know that we put our bodies on the line every night we go out, but this. These civilians had no chance to fight back. It is eerily silent as everyone is lined up for the ceremony for the dead. Wrath’s voice tears through the still night and every word is solemnly said, the unnecessary death’s hanging heavily on everyone present. I say my own prayer to myself in my head and watch as V unsheathes his hand, the light spilling out of the glove as he takes it off. As he begins to light the pyres, I watch; gaze unmoving from the fire overtaking the night. Zsadist’s lilting voice begins to sing, causing me to shiver at the melodic overtures that brush my sensitive ears. It is beautiful and a fitting way to send off the dead. As I watch the flames burn, I clench my teeth and make a promise to myself to get as many of these fucking Lessers as I can.*

Kalea: Standing there and bearing witness to something so heartbreakingly tragic was new to me. The only time I had ever been to something similar to this was for my mother but I had just been an infant. It threw me a bit, like a shock to the system to see the brothers in their robes and the rest of the family gathered there to see these four off to the Fade. The air was heavy with despair at all the losses even more so for those with no name but it was lit with anger for the same reason. I had only ever cared for Darius and his safety and after he had died that had gone but after Fritz had explained to me the ceremony taking place I couldn’t help but feel the grief at the lost of so many for our kind. I couldn’t help but steal a glance over at Tohrment as Zsadist started to sing. He stood strong and unyielding as his gaze stayed focused on the four pyres, like the warrior he was. I knew that him along with his brothers would seek justice for what had been done to the race. Listening to Wrath’s words, Zsadist’s singing, and watching as Vishous lit the pyres aflame brought tears to my eyes as I bowed my head. Praying to the Scribe for these souls to find peace in the Fade.

Rhage: [[Once outside, the white silk robes sitting like lead against my skin as I took my place and looked at the bodies laid before us. As was tradition they’d been wound with linen and the utmost care had been taken to give them the respect that they deserved that the Lessers had denied them in their deaths. I was seething inside, we’ve been a war with the bastards since beyond recorded time but this was the first time open war had been waged. My thoughts were interrupted when Wrath started speaking. The words were poignant and said with such emotion that my anger only grew. I watched as V stepped forward and removed his lead lined glove. Closing my eyes I silently offered up a prayer to the Scribe Virgin to welcome the souls of the lost and see them safely unto the Fade. The glow from the pyres was nearly blinding even with my eyes closed. Again I was pulled from my thoughts when Zsadist started to sing. The Brother might be a lot of things but the Scribe had gifted him with a voice that could make angels weep. More than any prayers that we’ve offered, that voice would see them safely on their journey. As soon as this was done it was time to start planning for retribution.]]

Murhder:  [I felt out of place a little bit. I hadn’t worn these robes in so long. I hadn’t fought or helped find these bodies. But yet here I was. I felt like I was invading some private moment. Watching V burn the bodies tore at my gut. Gritting my teeth, my fists clenching beneath my robes. Oh these Lessers would pay. This felt personal to me. Don’t know why. But each dead body felt like a slap in the face. The Lessers were upping the game taking more risky moves and it was our job to take them down. I was way more than ready. Z’s voice carried over to me and immediately the tension inside my body loosened. When was the last time I’d heard Z sing? Way too damn long. I snuck a glance at Z then back to the fire. Each lesser, I swore to myself would feel the pain and suffering that these people had. I would torture them with my damn bare hands if I had to. Call it vengeance, call it revenge I don’t care, I call it getting even.]

J.M: *I hated burials that much was true, they were a vast reminder of Sarelle, of course I knew the cause was bigger than her but my anger stemmed from her. I remember when the time I found out I couldn’t remember which brother it was but he said to me ‘That anger and regret use it to your advantage but don’t let it eat you up or it will be your destroyer’ I knew what he meant instantly of course. My hands instantly attempting to slide my hands in my pockets then realising I had no pockets on the robe, old habits die hard.  My cold hardened stare was on the  blazing fire surrounding the coffins, I thought of the families when Wrath said his piece.  Folding my palms in front of me saying a prayer to the holy scribe for their acceptance to the Fade.*

Blay:  * I watched the whole scene unfold with my jaw clenched tightly. I was breathing slowly to keep the growl that wanted to rip from my chest at bay. So many lost and all but four home with the ones who would miss them. These four would be honored by us. I itched to be out on the street hunting down every white haired chicken that dare to cross my path. It was one thing to come after the warriors and the trainees like myself who were ready for this battle. It was another thing completely to go after the civilian population. The females pissed me off more than anything else. I held my place. My hands folded in front of me steadfast. I looked around taking in all that was going on and Z’s voice filled the air. I was ready for it all to be finished. It was time to pay respects , send a prayer and then go avenge their loss with as much lesser death as possible. *

Qhuinn: (I was here but I didn’t want to be, not that I didn’t want to pay my respects but because none of this should have happened. I had been out since this hit on our race had happened and the civilians were scared shitless and who could blame them. Their faith right now in the Scribe and the Brotherhood were being tested harshly. Day after day we all worked tirelessly, even now as I look out at the inhabitants of the Mansion I could see weariness and deep seated pain etched on their faces. My head shook and I unfolded my hands so that I could reach down and take a hold of Avarice’s. I heard our Kings voice and I watched V step up and then there was fire and it was all tied in with the heavenly sounds of the Brother Z singing. My heart ached and I had to squeeze the hand in my hold just to keep me from leaving. All of this was too much and I wanted to scream from the injustice of it but what good would that do anyone. So I stood there and waited till our King gave the go ahead on a killing spree and that couldn’t come soon enough.)

Avarice: *Oh god, I wasn’t going to make it through this. I thought I would be able to but standing here now, looking out across the bodies, it was just too much. My whole body was trembling with the tears that I was trying to hold back. It could just as easily be me on one of those pyres. These vampires were just like me. If I hadn’t met Qhuinn I could have been one of the ones that no one knew. Gone, just like that. And I’d helped wrap them up so they could be here right now. I remembered the female closest to me. Sure I couldn’t see her face now, but I remembered wrapping that one because she was the first one and I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. Part of the cloth hung out funny because I didn’t tuck it in properly. Damn it, I’d screwed it all up. This was her last time to shine, to be in front of everyone and I’d botched it. I took a step forward, itching to fix my mistake, when suddenly a very large Brother stepped in front of me and whoosh! up in flames. I more fell back against Qhuinn than anything. My lower lip trembled and I managed to hold it together for exactly two seconds before I heard the singing. My eyes instantly filled up with tears and I turned into Qhuinn’s chest to hide my break down. I literally clung on to him to hold myself up and buried my face against him. I didn’t like losing it like this but I couldn’t hold it in any longer. But I also knew that Qhuinn was here and if I could cry on anyone’s chest it was his. I was one of the lucky ones and I would never forget it.*

Bella: *I stood with my head down and my hand clasped together. Actually more like clenched. After wrapping Ahna, I was numb, both inside and out. Wrath’s words struck me to my core. This could have easily been my Fade ceremony with all the foolishness I had done as of late. As I looked around at everyone my heart tightened. Hadn’t we all lost so much already? Hadn’t the race lost enough? Anger rose as I wiped a few stray tears from my cheeks. I wanted to scream at the Scribe for allowing this to happen to her “children”. But I wouldn’t out of respect for the dead. These poor souls had no family. No one to mourn them except the somber crowd gathered here who didn’t know them from Adam. But we made sure they had the proper ceremony. Heat from the pyre danced across my face, warming me against the chill and drying my silent tears. I sent my prayers up to the Scribe that these fallen souls would find peace on the other side. *

Havers: /Though I saw death often, it never became any easier. We’d cleaned the bodies, the women had wrapped them, and I’d worked with Vishous on identifying the dead and returning them to their families. It had been clinical, nothing more, until I stood here and watched them burn. The prayers for their passing into the fade, the smell on the air, and the soft song filling the night with words in the old language left me struggling to keep my mind in the present. I didn’t often attend these ceremonies for that very reason, but today these four nameless souls deserved someone to mourn them. The King’s words had been strong and assuring, and the race needed to hear that we could heal from this tragedy. I sent up my own prayers to the Scribe Virgin for the families all over the city that were mourning their loved ones as well, prayers of peace and comfort for today and the days to come. I looked across at the faces of the Brotherhood and their companions. The heaviness of the moment was not lost on these well-trained warriors, and at times like this, I wish that the judgmental Glymera could see them and witness the deep emotional toll the protection of our race took on them. Maybe if the council saw what I did, they wouldn’t be so critical, tossing out their scathing statements behind closed doors and outside of meetings. Our race was struggling, and the last thing we needed was division./

Zsadist: [Soon the bodies are nothing but ash and as I end the song I watch as one by one the brothers, the doggens, and the females of the house slowly leave and head back inside. Phury gives my shoulder a pat before he heads in as well…leaving…just me. Swallowing the dry lump in my throat I decide to step forward and kneels on the cold grass and looks at the piles of ash. Taking in a deep breath I whisper a prayer to the Scribe Virgin then bows my head before parting my lips to once again sing again in the old language. Slowly I rise and looks down at the ground, my voice cracks and I shake my head as a growl builds up] Those lessers better fucking run [I mutter under my breath then shoves my hands in my pockets. I watch fritz come out holding flowers. He almost blinks surprised to see me still out there. He hands me a white rose and sets the rest down on the ground before heading back inside. I twirl the stem a bit before saying another prayer holding the flower up before I place it down on the ground. Humming softly I turn bringing my hands back into my leather jacket and lastly heads inside]

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. *

Guess who’s back in town?

Vishous: I pulled my phone out and listen to the VM from Z and then read the TxT from Tohr. Both brothers needing to talk about something at the same time…….Interesting. I plugged my phone up to the computer in front of me and punched in both males numbers and set it up on a conference deal. Kill two birds with one stone kind of thing I thought. Now I just sit back and waited for them both to join me on the the three way phone call.

Tohr: *I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and I look down to see that V is getting back to me. Doing a double glance, I notice that it is a conference call with Z as well. I look at the little mini computer with furrowed brows. Why would V call me back with Z on the other end too. I shrug in the frigid Caldwell air, as I stand there like a jackass just looking at my phone. I press the accept button on the screen and hold it up to my ear, the metal and glass contraption warm against my skin from my body heat.* V? *I nod like he could see me as he acknowledges himself. I feel like a fucking moron, not like he’s standing in front of me to see my body language.* Hey Z. You guys. I saw the weirdest thing while on patrol. Do the words ‘Ride or Die’ mean anything to you?  *My brow is arched at this point as I wait for it to sink in that I’ve just seen the phrase that our lost Brother  Murhder used all those years ago. So, who’s using it?*

Zsadist: [Shifting on the pallet I dart my eyes over to my phone that buzzed on the hardwood floor. Noname stretches besides me and before he can bat at the device I reach out to take it. Petting his head before I look at the screen. Raising a brow..hell I knew I would be expecting a call from Vishous but not Tohrment too. Shrugging I answer clearing my throat] hey…[Pauses as I listen to tohr then I blink at the information he was saying. Slowly I move to get up and heads into the bathroom where I stashed the sheet. I look at it] yeah I got..much of the same here…um [blows out a breath] when I went to havers I found in one of the rooms a bed sheet and written in blood across it was “Ride or die” [I pause and inhale it] fuck I have it right here with me it smells familiar…hell

Vishous: I leaned back in my chair and listened to both brothers spew out the different shit they came across. It all fell right into place and no sooner than the last words left Z’s mouth I was silently cursing and not so silently. “That fucking bastard is playing with us.” I raked a hand through my hair and sit up straighter in my chair. “Brothers pull your head out of your ass because we have a shit storm coming our way and the name of that tropical storm is Murhder.” I drummed my leather fingers on my desk and filled in the last or as it was the first clue when I found the same words carved into the table at ZS.” Z man, this shit lands on you. Tohr is already on patrol and I have a fuck load of addresses to track down on the bodies I am able to gleam any info off it. But you best get your nose to the ground and search Mur out before he gets impatient and we all know what a bored and impatient Murhder is like.”

Tohr: *It slowly sinks in that Murhder is back around and leading us on a merry goose chase. Could it really be? I haven’t seen him in ages and isn’t that a shock that someone you had presumed wouldn’t be coming back has suddenly come back to bait us.  What a mind fuck. I scrub my free hand down my face.* Z, you said you found that sheet when you went to Havers? *I hold my breath as I wait for his the confirmation again. It is hard to wrap my mind around this and part of me wants to blow off my patrol just to see if I could find the lost Brother. But, I know I can’t; it is my duty to keep looking for those white-haired baby powdered assholes. At Z’s reconfirmation, I swear.* Do you have any idea of where to find him Z?

Zsadist: [Sighing I look down at the sheet in my hands] well I have his blood and hell he has all of our blood in him but I dunno..guess I can do my best to track him…I mean..it’s murhder…Do you think he is being smart and hiding some place good or do you think he’s hanging out at the fucking donut shop [Snorts then gets serious] he knew all about where to leave these clues for us and I’m curious how he was figuring out how…I mean..[Pauses then murmurs] you think he would go find xhex..?

Vishous: “I’d say expect any and everything man, this is Murdher and he’s always done shit ass backwards so go from there.” I thought back over it all once more and threw out the only thing that kept coming around. “I’d say he’s either between a whores thighs or riding something fucked up since he repeated this riding shit each time.” I chuckled and was already pulling up a list of vacant places surrounding all three locations and shot them to Z’s phone.” I have no clue if any of those will be a hit but it’s a start.”

Tohr: *I’m hoping that Zsadist will be able to find Murhder before this night is up. I don’t know if it would be a good or a bad thing. I should have listened to my gut instinct that night that I saw those words that it was the one and only Murhder. I realize that I am just holding my little gadget in my hand, not saying anything. The freezing breeze flies by my face again, the scent of sickly sweet Lessers wafting on it.* I’ve got to go. *With that I hit the end button, before placing it back inside my pocket and beating feet down the street.*

Zsadist: [Nodding as I listen to what Vishous has to say..he was most likely right. Taking a deep breath I head straight to the closet now to get dressed. Knowing I had to get out there right now. Nodding a bit] alright I’ll check those places first and well just look around..I mean he obviously wants to be found yes? [Hearing Tohr saying he has to go I nod then murmurs to v] guess I’ll hang up too I gotta get dressed and get my ass out there. Later V [Hangs up then starts to put on my leathers]