An Eternal Dance

[Maran]

August nodded in understanding when Adria told him of her former home. A happy chirp went off from his smartphone. It must've been the text Adria had sent him. He checked his screen, eyes perusing the words for a brief moment before saving her number to his contacts in a few taps of his thin fingers. Quietly he slipped his phone into his pocket, before nodding once more.


"Alright then. Call me or text once you've had your fill, and I'll meet you at this spot. Good luck. There's a Wendy's nearby if you can't find anyone good." He slipped off into a narrow alleyway between two buildings, and out of sight. Now he could stretch out his limbs for a bit. It was time for the hunt, and August was ready as ever.


The alley led out to a narrow street, still crowded with people, though nearby there were some abandoned buildings under construction or renovation. August leaned against a brick wall as he stood there, weighing his options. There was the possibility of moving to one of the buildings, where a passerby's screams could not be heard so easily before he knocked them out, or he could remain where he was at now, at the risk of being more visible. That is, if he didn't go deeper into the alleyway - but even then, the risk was still there. But it would be quicker.


And who would he target for tonight? The homeless were a viable choice and easy to abduct; not many would miss them if August happened to kill a vagrant by chance. But it would be unseemly in the eyes of the Lex Legis. With how much blood August had purged from his body, he felt as though two victims for the night would work. A couple - that could work, and many were about, despite the cold, arms linked with drunken smiles.

 

[Lucyfer]

There were many ways to obtain foods. If she recalled correctly, the ‘President’ of her domain, one Abraham Pilgrim, only fed off the homeless who wandered into the sewers after rendering them catatonic. Another, an underling to Valerius, Ian Stenson, only drank blood out of blood bags. There were some vampires who tried to subsist on animals. Adria wished she could, but she had nearly starved to death.


She wasn’t about to try it again and figure out how it worked for some. It was a plot for another day, when she felt like studying the blood.


Adria had adopted her sire’s manner in this respect. She found a man with a camera around his neck and approached him, “Having fun?” She inquired.


He jumped, focused on his shot of the park at night, and looked over at the speaker, “I know a place to get a better shot of that statue,” it had been in the line of sight of his camera, so she assumed that was his target.


Fortunately, she was correct, “Yeah? Are you a photographer, too?”


“Student,” she lied smoothly. “Journalist, but getting the right picture always helps a story.” And she motioned to him, and he followed. “What about you?”


“Student, too. Art. Digital manipulations.”


“From here?” She looked hopeful.


“No,” he chuckled, “My friends wanted to come here for New Years, since New York was too hectic.”


She smiled softly, “I see. I hope you enjoy your stay, then.” She came to a stop. “Here.” The moonlight did shine so nicely on the statue, and from his angle, the woman’s legs becoming the roots of a tree were evident. Adria couldn’t help but wonder what the artist intended with the image of the woman shifting to, or perhaps from, a tree. “Do you know the artist?” She asked as she stepped back to let the student take her place.


“No, but I’ve always loved Greek myths, and I never found a good picture of this Daphne on the internet,” he explained as he snapped a few pictures from the spot. “I plan to come back tomorrow, but we just got in today and I had to see it.”


‘Daphne?’ Adria was not up on her Greek myths. She knew Roman ones from her sire, but the name did not ring a bell. “What is the story?”


And so the student related the story to her as they began to walk from the statue, of how Apollo offended Eros, so Eros made him fall deeply in love with Daphne, but made Daphne hate Apollo. In order to escape Apollo, she had to be transformed into a tree. “I’d study the Classics, but there’s not really a job out there for it. And, I’d really just want to make art based off of it, anyway, and I can do that without being a Classics major.” He concluded, then asked, “So, uh, are you from around here?”


She nodded. “Would it be too much to ask to, um, perhaps get your number, and get a tour of some of the places here—the museums and the other parks?”


“It might be, I’m not sure if I am going home for the holidays or not yet.” He looked disappointed, “But we have the night, don’t we?” That glint entered her eyes. She didn’t need moonlight to appear to glow, “We should make the best of it,” she offered her hand to him and he took it, allowing her to lead him towards an area of the park that had more trees. Once there, she pushed him back against one of them and kissed him.


He did not protest it, even if it took him a bit by surprise. He returned the kiss, tried to shift his position so his back was not to a tree, but was not allowed to do so. He let out a moan, caught between frustration and pleasure, when her lips left his to pay attention to his ear, and then kissed lower, until it seemed to reach a point on his neck he’d never known existed before. He let out a gasp, and then entwined his fingers in the woman’s blonde hair.


He hardly realized that she had actually bitten him and was draining his life. The Kiss, as so many vampires called it, was often pleasurable for both parties. Adria used that to her advantage in disguising what she was actually doing, seducing and abandoning many humans. The humans always rationalized it.


Adria did not drain him to unconsciousness, but she did drain him to paleness and weakness, then parted. She licked the wound to close it, and licked her lips to remove all signs of blood.


The student slumped against the tree, “That…that was….”


Adria stepped back from him, “Fun,” she filled in, said, “I hope you have a fantastic New Year,” before she left him there.


Some steps away, she drew out her phone, texted.


Done.


It was to the point, though perhaps too curt, she considered on reflection. Oh well. She walked back to the area where she and the Enforcer August had parted ways. Another meal wouldn’t be a terrible idea, but she could do that another night. She survived three on the train without eating at all. She could survive one more night before filling herself.

 

[Maran]

In the end, however, August ended up choosing to take a single person, rather than a couple; the latter was too risky. He thought of Adria, and wondered how she was faring. Sometimes he felt as though being a Lacertus was more of a burden, rather than a blessing - undoubtedly there were more efficient ways to find and obtain victims. He thought of Adria, and wondered how she was faring. There were other ways. However, August did not really mind the effort it took, even if the situation became more violent than usual - once he had someone knocked out cold or worse, he could do his business and go on his way. He decided it was best to stay where he was at, just for convenience, and he slinked further into the dark alleyway and waited.


Eventually a young man of a similar 'age' to August passed by, a slight stagger in his walk. He appeared inebriated as he proceeded past, moving at a casual pace; perhaps he was coming back from a bar or club - he certainly dressed like it. August knew of what could happen should he drink the man's blood, but he was the most desirable option. He could choose to be a bit more bold, but not in an area like this. He would have to find a less busy location, and that would take time.


To his luck, the man paused, and started again, this time, heading down the alley in August's direction. Alcohol could cause men to throw their caution to the wind, and a shortcut to escape the cold quicker must have been appealing in the drunk's state. As the man drew near, August readied himself, before walking towards him, his head looking downward as to hide his features. As the drunk sauntered past, August turned, grasping a hand tightly over his victim's shoulder, before spinning him around.


"H-h-ey, man, what the hell is your problem?" The man stuttered and slurred his words. He looked as though he might become aggressive if August didn't act soon.


"I'm not sure, what's with you?" August taunted, before quickly raising a knee to the man's ribs, knocking the breath out of him. The force of the blow pushed the man to the alley wall, his head against the brick. August closed the short gap, pinning the man's arm to the wall with an unnatural strength, not of human capability. Vigor. Strength. The hallmark of the Lacertus. He sniffed the helpless drunk's neck and face as the man struggled to break free, uttering swears and nasty vulgarities. There was not much of a choice tonight, unfortunately, but he would have to do.


August took the man's head, smashing it hard against the alley wall. Not too much as to kill him, but just enough as to render him unconscious. The man's head slumped - would he survive? August checked his pulse along his neck. Perhaps - more than likely there could be brain damage, and definitely a concussion, however. August lifted his victim's head before he bit down into his neck, straightening the man's body as to make him appear awake. August could feel the blood enter his system, a familiar pleasure, one he could never get enough of. He held the unconscious man as he pressed him onto the wall, as to give the illusion that they were lovers to any passerby who might see them while he fed. August felt a vibration and sound from his phone; could it be Adria? It could wait.


He drained the man sufficiently before wiping any blood from his drunk's neck; August was not very concerned whether his meal lived or died at that point - he had his fill, and it was time to return. He hoisted the body on his shoulder effortlessly, carrying it to the middle of the alley before setting it down behind a few trash bags. He took out his phone. It was Adria. He read her message, and texted back:


On my way.


August headed toward their agreed meeting spot, feeling better than ever. Undoubtedly the alcohol in the man's blood was beginning to kick in.

 

[Lucyfer]

The night air was cool. Adria felt it now with the fresh blood seeming to enliven her flesh. A deep breath brought about many scents that had gone unnoticed, and she paid more attention to the people moving about the park. ‘I was hungry….’ She needed to get a lot better at this. Perhaps she’d just have to pay attention to these physical senses to understand, since the Beast was no longer going to alert her.


The text came and she read it, nodded to herself, and returned it to her purse.


She waited patiently, clasping her hands behind her back and taking in the scenery. The mistake came in shutting her eyes and trying to think of happier times. All the happy memories began before the turn, when the sun didn’t burn her flesh.

‘Is this seat taken?’

​

Her eyes snapped open to remove the image of the once-great Roman from her mind’s eye. Fortunately, that was when she caught sight of August. He looked to be in a lighter mood ‘Shouldn’t have drank that alcohol. I’m not even sure why you did.’ No matter, he looked better now, rejuvenated.


She walked to greet him so he did not have to come so far into the park. A once-over showed there was no blood on him, so at least he was not that sloppy, even if the methods employed were violent in nature. “So, Enforcer,” she began, hands still clasped behind her back, “What are your plans for this night?” She would fall in step with him if he kept walking, but otherwise she would come to a stop near him.

 

[Maran]

"Er, well, wow," August said as he stood in place, keeping his body steady, though he was feeling the effects of the alcohol, and his head began to nod off. What the hell did that man in the alley drink? "In my youth, the best plan of all was no plan at all, Sera - er, Adria." He ran his hand through his hair, before letting loose a deep chuckle, his mouth grinning. "Though I think I might... might go back to my place in a bit. Fate handed me a drunkard tonight, who could probably drink any living man under the table. Can't be walking out like this..."


He narrowed his eyes, before blinking. "You look alright. How was your meal?" August asked, curious. He took a deep breath, before dusting off his clothes with a hand. He hadn't been this drunk in quite some time, not before he was embraced. The alcohol simultaneously felt light and heavy on him, more than likely in part due to the new blood coursing through him. He felt livelier on the inside and he could actually feel the cold much more intensely, though he could bear it. He crossed his arms - had he known this would happen, he would have brought a coat with him.


August waited for Adria's response. He wasn't averse to walk around more, especially with such a wonderful woman at his side. Well, not as wonderful as Serah, he thought, but - no. He was an Enforcer bringing a new arrival around, and he had to act the part if Adria had anything to ask of him - if not to represent himself, to represent the Lex Legis. He stood up straight as best as he could.

 

[Lucyfer]

August was light, but not as graceful as he had been earlier. Up close it was much easier to see that, and Adria just shook her head. ‘Why? Why do you always make me babysit drunks?’ This was going to be a trend, it seemed, no matter what city she ended up in. Now he was mistaking her for someone else, too. “I could escort you back to your home,” Adria offered, and with the verbal offer she also extended her hand, just in case.


“My meal was not intoxicated, so I am quite well.” She would have passed up anyone intoxicated, a bit too arrogant for her own good in that respect. Drunkards were easy to feed from, which was probably why so many did it.


“Or perhaps, we can walk, and you can reminiscence on this Sera I remind you of,” she knew the name was unfinished, but spoke all he had spoken of it anyway, wondering if it was just that, or if it extended out to something like ‘Seraphina’. That was a pretty name, not that Sera alone wasn’t. “A former lover?” She asked gently, “Or something else entirely?”

 

[Maran]

So she did have an easier time feeding, August thought, as he took note of Adria's outstretched hand. There was a moment of hesitation, a moment of clarity within his addled mind, to decline the offer out of politeness. However, taking it in his own, August uncrossed his arms and accepted Adria's hand gingerly.


"You - you're lucky," August stammered out, "it must be easy feeding, you seem good as ever!" His head swayed off to one side, though he was quick turn it back into position. "Yeah, let's walk for a while," he muttered in a low voice. He wasn't keeping track of his words, nor did he care to do so. He just wanted to walk, and later go home. He pointed in the direction of his apartment, up an avenue, though he knew it would take some time getting there. "That way."


He began to slowly walk, mustering as much grace a drunken man could. His eyes fell on to Adria, before returning to the streets before him. "Serah... Serah Ambroise, Knight of the Blood, from Ann Arbor in Michigan, as I knew her... she was my sire, and once, a lover..."


He could remember Serah, still - fiery auburn hair, a drastically sharp contrast to her pale skin. Shorter than him, though only by a few inches, though she could easily pick him up as though he were a newborn and fight like no other. There was always a peculiar glint in her grey eyes, exuding both mystery and the self-assuredness that was found often in the Lex Legis. High cheekbones, and thin lips. Of course, there was always that smug expression August secretly loved.


"She was a Lex Legis as well, a mentor to me... she taught me everything. Sh-she's gone now." August's voice trailed off. Acknowledging her death always hit hard. The flames licking at her flesh, and the scent of charred skin and blood, the smoke rising - the hunters screams clashing with her own as both fell, Serah embracing the man in a tight lock. Why did they have to assign her that night? Why couldn't it end differently? He felt a few tears edge to the corners of his eyes, though he wiped them away - hopefully Adria did not notice. He hated thinking about that night, there was no getting over it, he felt. He kept silent, walking with a brooding expression now on his face.

 

[Lucyfer]

It was easy feeding, so she smiled and nodded at his assessment of her being ‘lucky’. He took her hand, and they walked in that fashion when he decided that was what he wanted, and not home. Not yet, anyway. She would see to it that he got back to his home, though. Adria couldn’t explain the concern she felt, so she believed it to stem from all the selfish reasons she needed him alive. He was her connection to everything else in the city.


When he started talking about Serah, Adria listened attentively. She had been much to him. A good sire. ‘You’re the lucky one.’ More than a motherly figure, she had been a lover—she wondered if they had been lovers even before his embrace.


In the silence, she could tell he was reflecting back on memories, before he picked up his train of thought and continued to speak of Serah. As expected, she was Lex Legis. Many childes followed their sires. In this, Adria was no exception. “I’m sorry,” Adria said as he spoke of the woman being gone now, “It is a sad state of affairs that many of the kindred who deserve a long unlife, lose it too soon,” while those like Valerius lived on for millennia.


Adria’s theory was that it had to do with age. The longer one lived, the less…human they were. Serah might have still been young by kindred standards, but she did not ask about that. She still wanted to know more about Serah, but not those things which were closely tied with her death. He was already starting to cry. The loss must have been recent. “How did you meet Serah?” Back to the beginning instead. It seemed safer, since clearly, August and Serah had been on great terms.

 

[Maran]

"It was, uh, 1985." August recalled. It was around the time Back to the Future had come out, he remembered, around summertime. He had met Serah at a bookstore, in his old neighborhood. "Not Edgewater... but North Center. We were at a bookstore, you see, I read more often back then. N-not that I don't read now, but you know, no-not during the day. That's beside the point though, she was there and I was there, and she told me that I had shit taste in books."


August laughed, as though then and there Serah had told him a joke. It sounded sincere, and it was loud, but he didn't care. They continued up the avenue slowly, his steps still in a daze, though his hand clenched a bit tighter onto Adria's. For balance, maybe - he wasn't sure why he was telling her this, wasn't it supposed to be the other way around? But he ignored his thoughts, continuing to ramble on.


"I hated Neuromancer, though science fiction is mostly terrible. You don't look the type to read drivel," Serah had explained later to him.


"I mean, she was direct in that sort of way - she apologized sorta, and we hit it off from there. She didn't have a phone so we just met whenever she turned up... and we were friends, just like that. I assumed she had a job, I was looking for work at the time, but I had the money. We started dating a short time before I was turned."


By then August and Serah had been very close, or he liked to think. He thought he knew all he needed to know of the woman, before that night a year later. He could still bring up the image of that fateful evening. He had said he could stay together with her forever; and Serah happily obliged. There was a crack of bones as she enthusiastically pinned him against the apartment floor and drank him within an inch of his life, as he struggled to break free. His protests, however, quickly melted into silent ecstasy and eventually darkness. He feared what was to happen next as he began to slip into unconsciousness; though before his mind went blank, he had felt something enter his body, strongly tasting of iron. Later, he had awoken, his mind overcome with a feeling of helplessness. And he was starving.


"There was a point where I hated her after, you know? We hadn't even talked about it. I - I felt betrayed. Sometimes I wonder why I even stayed with her. We worked it out, but..." August trailed off. "It took time. I think it was the loneliness that drew me to her again. She had good intentions but she didn't let me know at all." He glanced at Adria. "And you? Did you have someone?" August asked.

 

[Lucyfer]

Alcohol was as good as a superpower in getting information from another. The Desirae woman didn’t need to use an ounce of supernatural talent to get him speaking, but then, this was what he wanted to talk about. It was clearly on his mind, on the tip of his tongue, and she was a captivated audience.


So, of course, Adria listened. She didn’t laugh when he did, but her smile broadened just a bit since he’d been stumbling over words. Reading. She did a lot of that, though very little fiction. His hand gripped hers tighter, not enough to break it, fortunately. Some vampires couldn’t watch their strength well enough when intoxicated, and she did wonder if this had been a bad idea. Even though, she squeezed back, encouraging, comforting.


He talked on. Quite a bit of their history occurred before his turn, and the Embrace hadn’t been as pleasant as it could be. She still imagined Serah young—good intentions and such. “I’m glad you and your sire were able to salvage some of your relationship,” she said before it was turned on her.


She allowed a chuckle, but she looked away from him to mask the fact that there was no laughter in her expression at all. “Well, I had a sire, of course,” had was appropriate, even if she didn’t want to discuss it, “But we weren’t lovers. Before I was Embraced, I did have a boyfriend, but that had to end.” Though back then it was not by choice, in hindsight, it was the better decision. “It was in the 80s as well. I thought you were young—no offense intended, Enforcer, I’ve just been in the presence of many elders and you didn’t strike me as one.”


Questions would delay questions from him, “Let’s not dwell on losses, though. Tell me a bit about this Metis. Should I bring roses to our date?” Light-hearted. Distracting.

 

[Maran]

It did seem that Adria was quite reserved in telling August the details of her life before she turned, but the Enforcer decided not to press the matter - he was confident in the fact Metis would be able to derive some information. It was in her hands now. She was not a Commissioner for nothing, after all. Metis had also known Serah, though not as well - but upon hearing of the latter's death, August knew she mourned beneath her cold exterior. When Adria had brought up the matter of gifts for the Commissioner, he simply shook his head.


"No, no, no, no, no," August said anxiously, "she hates flowers. She doesn't like gifts. You'll see." Metis was a normally hard-hearted woman, though her voice suggested otherwise. She could see and cut through flattery like a knife.


August's apartment building was coming up, only a short distance ahead - about a block away. It looked typical of the Lex Legis - an imposing edifice of dull grey stone, formal in nature, its domed roof resembling a minaret. Stone gargoyles perched on the ledges between apartments, a few crowning the edges of the roof itself. "I didn't realize we were so close," August drunkenly remarked. "Walk me up? At least to the elevator, I can go the rest of the way."

 

[Lucyfer]

The topic of losses was left off, and Adria took in the haste in which gifts and flowers were denied. ‘Ah.’ A no-nonsense sort, then. Someone not easily bought. That might be a bit difficult. She’d have to figure out all of her half-truths to hypothetical questions before meeting Metis. “I understand, I’ll make sure to be empty-handed, then.”


How far would Metis’s connections run? That was the only concern, whether or not Metis would find any trace of her history. ‘You know she’ll ask after your sire. The Lex Legis love lineage.’ Adria wouldn’t lie about it. Gnaeus Valerius Avitus at least had a name worth saying.


The building that August was staying in was quite obviously Lex Legis, formal structure and gray. No nonsense. “I’ll see you to your room. The last thing you need is to get jumped just outside your room in your state.” Not that such a thing ought to happen here. The security had to be the envy of all, but accidents happened.


Unless August insisted he go to his room alone, Adria would follow him to his door at the very least.

 

[Maran]

The doorman at the entryway to the building stirred as he caught sight of August and Adria, before narrowing his eyes suspiciously at the Thanatologist. He turned his body to August, though his face remained on the woman, with a wary expression. "Mister Hudson, is she alright to enter?" he inquired.


"Y-yeah, she's with me, don't worry. I just got a bit drunk, that's all," August answered, giving an affable smile.


The doorman nodded, before ascending the steps to the heavy wooden doors of the building, swinging them wide open. He still held a cautious expression, eyes vigilant as August shambled to the lobby, Adria in tow. "Have a good night then, Enforcer, recover well."


"I'll try..." August muttered in response, as the doors shut behind him. Inside, the lobby was empty and silent, light emitting from various sconces rendering the room dim. The light bounced off of the bone-white marble flooring, August's skewed reflection shifting within. The place had a high ceiling, of which an chandelier hung from, though it remained unlit. There were two elevators on either side of the lobby wall, though to the back wide staircases were present, in case of emergency, as he knew. He called for the elevator with a push of a button, and waited.

 

[Lucyfer]

As expected, there was security of a sort right at the door to the place. Adria remained quiet as August vouched for her and tried to size up whether the security was kindred or human, before August made his way in once the doorman accepted her presence.


She took a look around once she was inside, eyes lingering on the chandelier to admire it, before moving about to the scones, the floor, and even the elevators themselves. She walked with August to the elevators and let him push the button to summon it. ‘Lex Legis indeed.’ It screamed luxury and elegance. Old money.


The elevator arrived and Adria entered with August, let him hit the number for his room, “I suppose only the Lex Legis get residences such as this?” Well, this place wouldn’t quite suit her needs, but she liked the luxury of it all the same. She’d just need a lab. Yet another reason to figure out who the other Thanatologists were. One of them would have a lab, certainly, and she could gain access to it. Somehow. Gnaeus was always letting others work in his lab—given, he charged for it, but it had worked for him.


‘Or buy your own.’


Once she was more certain of the situation, she might have to do that.

 

[Maran]

"Mostly," August said, as he let go of Adria's hand, allowing it to fall to his side as the elevator went upwards. "In your case, perhaps..." He took out his phone from his pocket, deciding to text Metis. His fingers were slow, as he took care to spell out each word properly - he wouldn't want Metis thinking he was impaired, though that was certainly the case.


Returning home. Report will be handed in tomorrow. Adria available before next week, send me the details. Let's talk later.


August hit send and tucked his phone away. As he did so, the elevator chimed, signaling they had arrived to his floor. He stepped out with Adria, before turning down a wide hallway, decorated in a similar fashion to the lobby they had come from. A few moments later and they were at his door, silver letters indicating the apartment 14F. He dug into his pockets, retrieving his keys, nearly fumbling them as he proceeded to unlock his door. August turned to Adria. A sudden feeling of remorse overcame him. There was no way he didn't look bad in the eyes of this newcomer - tonight was a failure. How many years as an Enforcer, and tonight he blew it all to hell so easily with a feeding and a glass of whiskey. The simplest mistakes sometimes were the deadliest. "Adria," he said, swallowing and inhaling before he went on, "T-thank you. It's not... it's not often that I talk to others like... I did earlier." What was he saying? "Sorry for the bad impression." August laughed, though there was no fooling others, not even himself - he was disappointed. Mistakes were made. "The others, the other Lex Legis, they're better than this, trust me."

 

[Lucyfer]

It had taken this long for their hands to release each other, as Adria let go of his when she felt the pressure leave of his fingers leave hers. He offered up a pleasant lie that her case might be different, and she chuckled at the idea. She’d love to believe herself an exception to most rules, but she was not foolish as to sincerely believe it.


She looked away when he began typing in his phone. Much as she wanted to observe the text, she figured it would seem better if she didn’t ‘eavesdrop’ in that fashion, for the time being.


They went up to his floor, and Adria stepped out with him, made note of the room he was in. He found his keys, and they were right—so he wasn’t drunk enough to forget where he belonged.


When he spoke, she let her lips move into a half-smile, canted her head, and placed one hand on her hip, before chuckling and shaking her head, “Enforcer August, your impression was not so bad, but I would not want the stiff and formal greeting I’d expect,” and she smiled, straightened her posture, “I thank you for the evening out and the introduction to your town. I’ll let you recover, but I will look forward to hearing from you again.”


She would, if only for business means and this Metis. She might have to pick up some information on this Metis from others. The night was still young, after all.


Of course, there was also Ishara’s fears to consider. Might be good to try and track down what was doing that, as well.


Decisions, decisions. “Good night, Enforcer,” she inclined her head slightly, before turning to the elevator to leave for the night. It’d be highly improper to stay until the next night. The guard at the door would certainly take note.

 

[Maran]

August silently regarded Adria as she turned to the elevator, and soon exited out of sight. He opened the door to his apartment, slowly stepping inside and locking the door behind him. It was a large space, the furnishings elegant yet minimalistic in nature. The entry hall led out into a living room, containing a few plush sofas, a glass coffee table, and a flatscreen television mounted on a wall in the corner, though he was not one to watch TV often. Late night programming was not of much quality for him, barring the local news and a few other stations. The room was connected to an empty kitchen, devoid of items except for an unused fridge and stove sitting its dark tiles. One might have expected a more decadent decoration from a Lex Legis, but the apartment seemed cold, even lonely. The windows were normally hidden behind thick, heavy curtains, ensuring no light entered. However tonight they had been drawn, a steady stream of street light pouring through.


August entered his bedroom to the side of the entry hall, before flopping down on his mattress. Unlike the rest of his apartment, this room had no windows at all. A few bookcases and drawers lined the walls, and a desktop computer sat, a numbing electrical hum the only noise breaking the quiet inside.


His phone rang - another text from Metis. Let's meet in two nights to let the newcomer settle in - is she with you? it read.


No. He pressed send.


Another text popped up, a minute or two later. It'll be important. The meeting place will be at Navy Pier - 10 or 11 P.M. Submit your report before this time.


August wondered what would be in store, and what Metis would be able to unearth. August forwarded the time and location to Adria before the phone left his grip, slipping onto the bed's sheets, as slumber overtook him and all went dark.

 

[Lucyfer]

In the end, Adria had decided not to find others. Her one connection was good enough for the time being, and shortly after leaving his building she received a text about the meeting with Metis.


Received. Thank you, Enforcer.


So she had some time to reconsider, as well.


The first night, she tried to get familiar with the town, but it was large. There was just so much to do, and so much to see. She barely made it back to her hotel before the sunrise.


The night before she was to meet with Metis, she opted to try and track down the reason that Ishara was all but screaming at her to leave. She didn’t quite find it, getting lost amidst the cities, but unbeknownst to her she had gotten close. The Beast within had also chosen to urge her away with what little strength it had for self-preservation, presenting itself instead as hungrier than it truly was.


She had roamed near a graveyard, which belonged to an asylum. She never made it up to the building. “There’s nothing here,” she said into the phone, not talking to anyone on the other end.


“There is! It is best if you do not find it!”


Adria rolled her eyes, “Knowledge is better than ignorance.” She reminded the demon. “You know I won’t leave off until I know what it is. But tonight, I will.” She felt hungry, too hungry to ignore, “I’ll talk to you later, when you want to be useful.” The cell phone was put away. She feasted that night on three different humans to ensure none were drained, and to ensure she would not be plagued when meeting with Metis.


The next night came, and Adria caught a cab to head to the location early, so that she would be able to get a feel for it.


~***~


‘Get out.’


Ian remembered the loop, such a simple loop of thought, as he sat in the airplane as it landed in the airport. He had been worried, then. Now he was certain there was a reason the girl had decided to pursue the Study of the Mind so relentlessly, and a reason the ashes were only Gnaeus’s. He had only gotten a flicker of the incidents that happened when he touched objects around Gnaeus’s lab.


What was clear, was that Adria was responsible, which was…surprising. Gnaeus was old, and not exactly a slouch.


What wasn’t clear, was how terrible a crime this truly was. He needed to find Adria.


He looked out the window to watch, anxiously, as the plane pulled up towards a gate. He brushed a few strands of black hair out of his face, and watched it fall back over his eyes. He rolled them, undid the ponytail, and redid it. ‘Chicago.’ Not where he wanted to be. Too big for his tastes. He’d gotten his fill of large cities when he did a stint in New York. It was dizzying. Even now, off in the distance, he was concerned about the large buildings and how lost he’d become. ‘That’s why you got in touch with others.’ They’d find her. He’d figure out what to do about this situation, when he actually found her.


Soon enough, he was let out of the plane, and he picked up his luggage. His green eyes skimmed the area, then he picked up his cell phone and found the number he had recently saved of a Thanagologist in the area. He hadn’t informed him of his business, exactly, in case the phone was tapped.


He dialed the number to figure out where it was he was supposed to go. He would get a cab to the location.

 

[Maran]

August woke the next night, a dull throbbing plaguing his head, and his mind clouded. There was a vague recollection of events in that time, and a flush of shame overcame the vampire. How foolish he had acted - hopefully he had practiced caution in revealing details about himself. Did he? August wondered, though only for a bit. There was no use in wondering if he didn't have the answers already. He would have to ask Adria directly - of course, sober. But that could wait for when they met with Metis.


He had composed his report for the Commissioner on that night before he went to feed. The next passed by rather uneventfully, but he felt better - a rare night inside for August, reading up on the ritualistic Oaths of the Lex Legis. There were quite a few August was unfamiliar with. Oaths were not the most practical, but they symbolized the trust and confidence between the covenant's members. Serah had been the one to tell him that - though in one of the few times members of the Inner Assembly decided to show their face, they had reminded him the same.


At last, the night at the Navy Pier arrived. This time, August decided to adopt a more formal outfit for the occasion, donning a dark overcoat over his clothing. He decided to hail a cab to take to the pier, the festive lights of the attractions there lighting the dark up. The place was akin to a carnival, even in the dead of winter - there was even a large ferris wheel. Why did Metis pick this place?


As he arrived, August could make out the form of Metis patiently waiting, though her face suggested a natural frown around her lips - she was a woman born from hardship. He walked up to the Commissioner, nodding his head with a pleasant smile in greeting. "Good evening, Commissioner."


"Good - you're here," she answered back in her velvety voice, acknowledging his presence. "Now, we wait for that new girl. In the meantime, let's talk."


----------------


There was never a night Ray did not take a look at himself in the mirror. The reflection was always distorted and skewed, but there was no mistaking what he could see - a stain, an imperfection, a curse upon his body. He leaned closer into the silvered glass. He radiated a certain unease from his being, and even when disguised that aura of disquiet always permeated whomever he spoke to.


By now, he was used to being a vampire - unlike the early days. If that was what God decreed he would become, then so be it. But why like this?


A ring went off in Ray's pocket. There was a bit of hesitation in his movements, as though he'd rather not answer the call, though the Nocnitsa finally picked up. A Thanatologist had contacted him recently in the middle of his studies, a certain man named... Ian? He tried to recall the name, before finally speaking.


"Ian?" Ray answered gloomily. "Are you around the area now? If so, we can meet at Grant Park downtown."

 

[Lucyfer]

The location was lit up like a carnival, and perhaps it was. Adria had always thought these places only existed in states like Florida and California, where it was perpetually warm. Not here in Chicago, when it was freezing and no one could possibly want to go on the ferris wheel. ‘Well, maybe someone.’


The cab paused and she handed her bit of plastic up to the driver and waited for him to take the funds from her, before exiting the cab. That night, she did not have her purse on her, though she had everything she needed within the pockets of her peacoat, including her throwing knives sheathed in kerosene. She did not know how this meeting with Metis would go. She did not intend it to end in violence, but she would not be unprepared, either.


Adria did not have to wonder long where she would meet the two, for it seemed the two had remained outside. Adria recognized August some distance off, and besides him, a woman with darker blonde hair than she had. Adria assumed it was Metis.


Adria tucked a strand of her own blonde hair back behind an ear. Her hair was not put up, but she had made certain to dress nicely for the meeting, not that she ever dressed poorly any longer. The dress fell to her ankles, dark blue with a silver design tracing up from the left side, obscured by the coat. August appeared to think similar, since he appeared more formal than when they’d met.


Adria’s heels clicked over the pavement as she walked to where the two of them were, examining the posturing of the woman to get a feel for her. Certainly a hard woman. Definitely Lex Legis to the core, but not one of those ‘born’ into it, as it were. The hardness to her showed none of the softness that natural luxury brought with it. If it was Metis, she must have worked to be where she was now, and likely aspired to more.


“Greetings, Enforcer,” Adria inclined her head when she was close enough, and then looked to Metis. It might not be the safest route to assume it was Metis, so instead Adria extended her hand to the woman, “I am Adria Serin of the Thanatologists,” she introduced, to the point as she had been with August. The woman was clearly kindred, even if she was not Metis.


~***~


The phone was answered after a couple of rings, and his name spoken. “It is I,” he answered the query. What followed was another question, and a statement. Ian smiled a bit, “I’m here. I’ll catch a cab to that park now that I have my things. I guess I’ll be the strange person walking around with luggage,” he chuckled as he realized he probably should go to a hotel first, but was opting not to.


He should be able to stay with one of the Thanatologists. If not Ray, another. Certainly someone here had a decent residence with a library and a lab and could put him up. This was Chicago, after all. Lex Legis territory or not, if they were allowing Thanatologists, then they were certainly letting them have more than just apartments.


Ian walked outside, “I don’t know how long it’ll take to get there, but I should be there soon. Lots of cabs out here. Sound all right?” He’d wait for an answer, and if it was affirmative, he’d give his farewells before hailing a cab and getting on his way to the park.

 

[Maran]

August tilted his head in interest. "Er, what of, Commissioner?" he inquired, edging closer to Metis.


"I received your report, Enforcer. Well done." Metis said.


"I thank you, Commissioner. Unfortunately it would have been more comprehensive had our new arrival not shown up, but I appreciate it."


"I do wonder, however, what you plan on doing once you rise past Enforcer? That is, should the Inner Assembly grant such a thing. They are waiting for something worthy to come from one of your rank." Metis looked August over, her vivid green eyes assessing him - no doubt, waiting to see his reaction. "You had mentioned Knighthood once, if you still desired to pursue that?"


"Serah had been a Knight of the Blood, Commissioner. I may very well walk down her path once the time comes," August responded. Knighthood was a formidable undertaking - members were expected to serve as both lorekeepers and carry out some of the duties Enforcers typically executed, albeit more dangerous tasks were assigned. Such as slaying hunters... or if the worst were to happen, cutting down a fellow Lex Legis. If Serah had travelled the path of the Knight, then he would follow. But Metis was right - he knew the elders were waiting to see he could prove himself - but how? He was curious as to why Metis asked.


Metis paused, giving only a thoughtful nod, before they silently waited in the night. They saw Adria, August returning the Thanatologist's greeting with a nod. Metis took Adria's hand with one of her own after the woman introduced herself, giving it a firm shake. "Metis, Commissioner of the Lex Legis," she started. "I understand you are new here - or so my Enforcer reports. How are you finding our domain, so far?"


---


"It sounds good, Ian. See you there." Brief. Ray hung up the phone as he approached his wardrobe. Dressing in the right clothes was a hassle for him, though he felt fortunate the coldness of winter allowed him to pile on a few more layers. Of course, there was the damned mask, first and foremost. There was a certain shame in never being able to reveal one's true self into the world - but Ray would never wish others to see the scars and deformations his Embrace had brought him. It would only drive others away, and the looks of pity and fear he usually received haunted him.


Ray settled on a heavy sweater and jeans - casual wear. He had seen it on those online catalogs. He wasn't rich, but he wasn't exactly poor, thank God. There were a few unfortunate souls that were not as lucky, however - but there was nothing he could do. It would give his existence away, and all would be lost - all of his efforts would be put to waste. Such charity would have to wait. He chose a parka for the meeting; hopefully his new colleague would have dressed similarly. Or he would, at least, understand.


He exited his house, locking the door behind him. The place was situated in a less affluent section of Chicago, but it was close to the downtown area - everywhere he needed to go. Ray adjusted the mask on his face. He would have to walk to the park - there was no way he'd take a cab. His back was hunched over as he walked through the lit streets, taking care not to look any in the eye - not that it was needed, passers-by tended to avoid him as he went through the crowd.

 

[Lucyfer]

Adria’s own grasp was firm, though it did not hold the strength August showed he could have. Adria had none of that strength. She maintained eye contact as she answered the statement. “The day your Enforcer met me was my first day in the domain, so he does not lie, Commissioner,”


The woman was Metis, which was good. No middle men here, no further complications. There were likely people higher up than Metis, but for now, this worked. Commissioner didn’t sound like the highest title the Lex Legis had. Thank God her memory would allow her to remember all those titles later, too, without getting confused. It was a wonder the Lex Legis themselves could do it.


A query followed, and Adria responded, “So far I find your domain to be larger than I’d imagined it to be, so I must withhold judgment. I have not seen nearly enough of it, nor enough of the kindred population, to know if it is to my liking,” it was an honest answer. There was no reason to lie at the moment, these questions were harmless. “Do you wish to converse here, Commissioner, or did you wish to sit down some place?” She did find it odd that they were speaking out in the open like this, though she supposed the view wasn’t bad.


Any mortal might be caught here, conversing with a group of friends. It seemed normal, but it also seemed proper to find out if Metis had another location in mind, something a bit more formal.


~***~


Ian managed to hail a cab with relative ease, and he informed the driver that he wanted to go to Grant Park. Once location was confirmed, he settled into the back and brought out the phone of Gnaeus once again. He’d been keeping it near, trying to draw more information from it of the night of Gnaeus’s death, since Adria had used it.


‘Taking funds from Gnaeus’s bank.’ That’s the only secret it had given up to him.


He took a glance at the driver, who didn’t seem to be paying him any attention, and then gingerly touched the phone and pushed his own consciousness forward.


Nothing.


A phone ought to have more memories than one, but it seemed even all of Gnaeus’s memories associated with the phone were gone. He didn’t understand it, and mentally cursed as he shoved it back into his coat pocket. He’d figure it out. It was highly unnatural that the only memory it had left was of Adria’s transferring of funds.


There should have been so much more.


“We’re here,” the driver soon said, and Ian passed up the bills to pay for what was on the meter, as well as a bit of a tip, before he pulled his luggage out of the trunk and walked off into the park.


His eyes glanced around, immediately picking up on some kindred in the area, but he wasn’t sure who Ray actually was, or if he was among them. ‘Well, I should still be obvious.’ He thought as he found an empty bench. He set his luggage right besides him, and considered touching it to hide it, but resisted.


He said he would be there with it, and so he would be…even if some of the mortals eyeing it, and eyeing him, set him on edge. He knew exactly what they were thinking—he skimmed their surface thoughts to figure out just that, and to be prepared in case one wanted to act on their deviant thoughts. ‘Come on, Ray.’


He dug out his phone, and sent a quick text.


Here. On a bench.


Blue luggage.

 

[Maran]

Metis shrugged, indifferent. "You will adjust. This place is nice, no? It is one reason why I chose it. And of course, to give you more ideas of places to feed from. Sometimes it is ideal to speak in plain view." She angled her head, her brow raised, questioning. "Unless you have a better idea than I. Then I'll listen."


Metis was normally an enigma, but it was obvious to August that she was sizing up Adria by the raised tone of her voice. It was normal to be suspicious of newcomers for some Lex Legis, and that seemed to apply to Metis as well. But was it wise? There was no telling what Adria was capable of. "Commissione-"


He started, but was interrupted with a piercing glance from Metis, her eyes meeting his. "I will ask you for your input soon, let me take care of her for now," she said. "Stay silent for now." The command seemed to echo loudly in his mind as she spoke the words, and the sudden need to submit arose within him. Reluctantly, he did so, shutting his mouth.


Metis began to walk forward, before turning to Adria and August. "We'll go along the boardwalk," she declared. She gave a look to Adria, before continuing. "Once we get to more... private matters we'll go somewhere else. But to start off, you claim you are a Thanatologist - what made you come to Chicago? There are a few around here, if I remember."


-----


A ringtone went off in Ray's pocket as he continued down the street, walking briskly. Pausing at an intersection, he brought out his phone - it was a text. His eyes went over the text - Ian was at the meeting spot already. How quick, Ray remarked as he began to cross the street. If only he had a car of his own, that would be nice - technology today never ceased to amaze him; it was a fast and efficient method, unlike the old times. In this age, no one ever had to meet face-to-face, a blessing indeed.


He wondered what Ian would think of him. There was a sense of trepidation stirring in Ray - what would this fellow Thanatologist think? His other colleagues had begun to accept him after a while, but what of Ian? The feeling was not overwhelming, but it lingered at the back of his mind. He would find out once he finally made it to Grant Park.


Finally nearing the park, Ray quickened his pace - Ian would be at a bench with a blue luggage, so the text read. Now was the time. He took a deep breath through his surgical mask, before entering. He scanned the area warily. This place was not the safest area at night. At last, his eyes spotted a man sitting on a bench, with the luggage described in Ian's message. Was this him? Perhaps Ray had arrived in time - it did look like a few mortals were keeping watch on the man and his belongings. It'd be best if trouble did not rear its ugly head. He hoped it didn't.


He approached the seated man, the hood of his parka covering his face from the others within the park. "Is... this Ian?"

 

[Lucyfer]

At the query of whether or not the place was nice, Adria only nodded, as Metis continued to talk. It was not a true question. The second one was, and Adria shook her head, “No, I don’t have any ideas.”


She almost felt like saying ‘Your Grace’, but did not. Now was not the time for mockery, but she disliked Metis’s tone. August must not have liked it, or something about it, cause he dared to speak up to his superior. He was rewarded for it with an order, but not just any order. Adria’s eyebrows lifted as she saw the eye contact and the flash of difference in the eyes.


Not all Kindred truly understood it, but most knew that for some reason or another, Imperators could command, much as many knew that the Desirae were hard to refuse.


Adria knew why. The power of commanding was her own, as well. She imagined most Kindred did figure it out, that the reputations were associated with powers. She was lucky the Thanatologists actually researched the condition of vampirism and she had access to a wealth of information on just these things. She didn’t know all the bloodline specialties, but one day, she would.


Adria voiced no complaints to walking along the boardwalk, and did just that, always waiting for the indication she could speak by a pause after a question. It came soon enough, and she echoed the half-truth she’d given to August, “The major reason was that I’d simply hit a brick wall in research. You could call it something akin to writer’s block, but in research. I thought a change of scenery, and a change of minds to interact with, would assist me in overcoming this block. There wasn’t much of a reason for Chicago in particular. That was more of a whim.” A whim called Ishara who was regretting that decision still. “If I may know, Commissioner, do the other Thanatologists work with the Lex Legis here, or do they simply exist in the domain?”


~***~


Reading minds was a fantastic power, but it kept Ian’s worries high. He wasn’t a fighter, not really, and now a cop was noticing him.


He also didn’t deal with humans much. Not anymore. It seemed he was suspicious because of his suitcase and straight-backed posture. He should relax, but he couldn’t convince the rest of his body of that.


He looked up when one finally approached him, and actually smiled in relief when he recognized he was not human. He was kindred, and looking for him. Ian rose, “Yes, I’m Ian,” he considered offering him the wealth of titles he had in order to confirm it, but opted not to. It was probably unnecessary.


The Lex Legis had their titles for merit, and so did the Thanatologists for their research.


Instead, Ian offered the strangely dressed man a hand. He guessed that he must have disturbed Ray in doing research by the surgical mask, but the rest of the attire was a mystery. “Pleasure to meet you, and I do apologize for coming here out of the blue. Not much of a choice, though.”


Regardless of whether or not Ray accepted his hand, Ian would still reach out his mind to try and read Ray’s mind. It was a habit to do with new people, his way of figuring out what he should truly think of them. It didn’t always work—especially not with other Thanatologists. Studies of the Mind were popular for a reason.

 

[Maran]

August walked, trailing behind Metis and Adria. It was frustrating not being able to get a word in at all, but there was no debating with the Commissioner - or, at least, her commands. It felt as though the command to stay silent was a heavy weight he could not lift, even as a Lacertus. So he simply observed and listened as he traversed along the boardwalk. The bright lights seemed to cheer him up, at least a bit. But it was frustrating all the same.


Metis' interest seemed to be piqued at the mention of research. "What kind of research did you partake in, Thanatologist? Most of your kind tend to keep to themselves and their colleagues, though a small few of the wise ones have turned to us for work." Her hands reached behind her head, feeling for the pins that inhabited her hair. Every time August did see the Commissioner, it seemed like her collection grew. "And Enforcer, I must ask, what do you think of this woman? You may speak now."


The question took August by surprise, and he felt the weight of Metis' command lift. "She... seems keen, Commissioner." He flashed back to what he could remember of the events a few nights ago. "She seems eager, and certainly could pass for one of us if she pleased."


Metis frowned. "We are more than just looks, August, you know that as much as I do." She turned to Adria. "Where might you come from, exactly?"


-----


Ray shifted in his parka, reaching out with a bony hand to meet Ian's. "It's fine," he responded to Ian's apology. In truth, he was normally a solitary individual outside his few acquaintances, and the sudden contact between him and the man had interrupted time otherwise spent alone or in his studies - but then again, he had chosen to give him help, after all.


"I did not choose the best spot to meet, it seems," Ray remarked, turning his head to keep a wary eye on a cop by the area, and of course, the other suspicious individuals loitering about the park. Since entering the park, there had been a slight sense of unease. "Have you found a place to-" he started, but he felt an intrusion upon his consciousness, something foreign, not of his own. The secrets of the mind were best left guarded, which had been Ray's primary reason for learning the Studies of the Mind. But he hadn't thought to keep his protected before he left his residence. It couldn't have been Ian... was it?


Ray looked this way and that, for a good minute, before settling his eyes on Ian. He folded the hood of his parka back to a degree, allowing a glimpse of his face, and the scar tissue marring the skin around his eyes. He lowered his voice to an audible whisper. "I've no secrets to hide besides that of our covenant's, so I figure I should show you my true self," he started. If it was Ian breaking in, he would be undoubtedly disappointed. He began to focus, working on bringing up the safeguards to cover his mind. It was possible that whoever intruded had skimmed his thoughts by now, but hopefully they had not probed any deeper.