[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/gThsDx1.png[/img][/center] [center][color=#dbe3af][u][b]Location[/b][/u][/color] 🌑 Duncaster Streets. [color=#dbe3af][u][b]Interactions[/b][/u][/color] 🌑 [@Shard] 🌙 Aiden. 🌑 [@MsMorningstar] 🌙 Violet. 🌑 [@NorthernKraken] 🌙 Colin. [/center] [hr] The afternoon sun had long since dipped into obscurity, fading with memories of a previous day. Rather replaced by darkness, Aiden made his way down the dark streets of Duncaster with hands gently resting within the warmth of jacket pockets. [color=#b18f71][b]”Think it will ever end?”[/b][/color] A quiet question escaped Aiden’s slender, pale lips, and were promptly met by a manifestation of his very own reflection. With a dim light emanating from Lumen’s shape, the angelic spirit found himself pondering the notion for a brief spell. [color=#b18f71][i]”Are you asking me if mortals will cease their pursuit of gain?”[/i][/color] The statement was followed by a raised brow, before Lumen continued, [color=#b18f71][i]”for that will never come to pass, unless the very nature of humanity shifts.”[/i][/color] Without the ability to prevent thoughts from finding their way back to his father, Aiden clenched his teeth. The very agency this Angel secured for his own was designed to exploit conflict. [color=#b18f71][b]”Maybe we should.”[/b][/color] Again, Lumen mulled the statement, and offered one of his own. [color=#b18f71][i]”You still consider yourself human?”[/i][/color] Unable to answer, Aiden paused, his eyes lowered to view the rain-soaked ground beneath his small feet. Was he human, still? He had asked himself the question more than once, and never did an answer surface. With a shake of his head, the boy continued. He left the alley behind, Steve’s hideout now secured behind a self-locking door, and started into the open streets. [hr] [color=6ecff6][quote=Momma] Where are you?[/quote] [/color] [color=ed1c24][Quote] 13 Missed Calls[/quote][/color] [color=6ecff6][quote=Vince] Vi I'm sorry but you need to get home. Everyone is...[/quote] [/color] Violet scrolled through her notifications, face scrunched up with distaste. Anxiety bubbled up, manifesting in the form of a slight aching in her spine. Fire lit up behind her eyes, willing tears to the surface. [I]Fuck[/I]. She was in so much trouble. Maybe cutting her losses would be best. Turning around, heading home and confronting her problems. Yeah. Yeah, that was best. Right? Turning around, she began pacing in the direction of her apartment complex. She made it five steps, before freezing in place. She couldn't go back home, not yet. Seeing their faces, full of pity and disappointment, would only serve to further the throbbing. With a sigh, she shoved her phone back into her purse, lifting her hands to press her fingertips against her temples. She was so goddamn tired. And confused. She felt alone in the world. [I][color=thistle]Turn around.[/color][/I] Shoulders hunched, she took a step back and began to pivot. Halfway through the rotation, she halted. A glow in the corner of her vision left her wary. It was blinding, more than the other auras she had seen. A pristine white, with no odd mixing of opposing colors. Part of her wanted to see more, the other part was attempting to ignore the churning in her stomach. Curiosity --and the urge to not look like a crackhead who couldn't decide where they were going- won out. She turned fully, staring at the side of a figure. Closer to the figure's body was the overwhelming radiance. The aura stretched outward, though, in a way she had never imagined one could. It was wispy, elegant. Looked almost like a wing. Violet would've loved to think on that more. Would've called out, perhaps. Instead, she doubled over and began to puke out the cake, beer, and chicken fried steak she had eaten not too long ago. [hr] With eyes widened, Aiden halted his stride. A peculiar woman had made herself known, and proceeded with such pleasantries once her dinner presented itself to the rain-soaked ground. One could only hope that too much of a good thing was what lead to her less than sublime state, but as Aiden watched the display play out, he found himself somewhat paralyzed. Fitting, indeed, but perhaps also a sign. This might very well have answered the question brewing within the teenager. Was he fully Angelic, only one point of interest would have lingered, which was wholeheartedly the mission at hand. However, as Aiden’s feet brought him closer to the woman who had now slumped over, humanity shone brightly from within. Had the situation warranted less urgency, Aiden would undoubtedly have paused to ask Lumen why a small, tender smile found its way to his lips. It was one of pride. [color=#b18f71][i]”Yes, we ought to offer aid,”[/i][/color] the Spirit commented. [color=#b18f71][b]”H-hey!”[/b][/color] Aiden exclaimed, upon approaching the unfortunate sight. Little did he know that the source of this woman’s discomfort was the very boy attempting to present assistance. How did one act in a situation such as this? It was ironically the first time the Angel had come across another individual puking onto a sidewalk. [color=#b18f71][b]”Are you alright?”[/b][/color] A foolish question escaped the boy’s lips, one which warranted an answer of silence as sight was surely enough to reveal reality. [color=#b18f71][b]”I mean..,”[/b][/color] Aiden tried, [color=#b18f71][b]”do you.., do you need any help?”[/b][/color] The fearsome, unyielding celestial warrior, uncertain and out of his depth. Yes, it was quite ironic. He was prepared to face a cult of bloodthirsty vampires, but one sick young woman caused him to stumble through his words. [hr] Violet held up a hand at the sudden approach. She could see the white cast, even though she pinned her gaze to the puddle of vomit decorating the concrete. She must've looked just as trashed as Thane was. [color=thistle]"Hey,"[/color] she croaked out at last. [color=thistle]"Thanks, dude, but I'm all good."[/color] In all honesty, throwing up [I]had[/I] made her stomach feel a bit better. Empty, at the very least. That being said, her vision was still spotty and the world was still swerving around her. She needed to close her eyes, calm down. Take her mind off her family and stress and focus on the boy trying to help her instead. She planted her hands on her hips and began sucking in deep breaths. They tasted disgusting and burned her throat, but it was beginning to ease the pain in her scalp. [hr] Not entirely unexpected, the woman’s answer was enough to maintain a short, if noticeable distance between herself, and Aiden. [color=#b18f71][b]”You’re.., vomiting like.., all over the ground,”[/b][/color] he found himself saying, a slender finger motioning towards a rather disgusting puddle which by now had formed itself fully, with gut-wrenching aromas emanating from its discolored surface. [color=#b18f71][i]”Ah, splendid, she would not have noticed, without our inquiry,”[/i][/color] Lumen added, the Angelic spirit trading his previously soft smile, for a more mischievous smirk. It warranted a small sigh from the boy, but Aiden was not going to argue. He had been singing all the wrong notes ever since this scenario began playing out. [color=#b18f71][b]”Sorry, I haven’t, uhm..,”[/b][/color] the boy continued with the grace of a felled rhino. [color=#b18f71][b]”What do people usually do in a situation like this?”[/b][/color] Claiming to be was far too rich, and Angelic to ever have witnessed such a lowly sight was perhaps not the best way to go about this display. [color=#b18f71][b]”I can.., call someone for you?”[/b][/color] The statement managed to leave the boy’s lips in the shape of a question, more so than a steadfast suggestion, but at this point, Aiden had essentially abandoned the notion of vigilance, and confidence. [hr] Another deep breath. Inhale, hold...exhale. She repeated the process several more times, until the glow was nearly gone and the world spun in a manner she found tolerable. She found herself leaning on the heels of her feet, and forced her body back into position. Popping an aspirin or two or three sounded incredible at the moment. Then again, perhaps taking one in front of this strange kid wasn't the best idea. Speaking of the kid... [color=thistle]"I...uh, thanks."[/color] she managed a grateful nod. [color=thistle]"But, no thanks. I'm already feeling a lot better. I just...get nauseous."[/color] She slowly edged away from the vomit, moving toward the side of a building. [color=thistle]"And, in situations like this? People usually just walk around the vomiting lady."[/color] A chuckle worked its way out of her throat. [color=thistle]"But that's just the guys I know, I guess."[/color] [hr] Colin’s fingers grasped at thin air, Vitius was gone. He frowned at the strip of empty darkness where the vampire had stood. The space had twisted, as if the air itself had swallowed him whole. The portal hadn’t been Samael’s only means of transportation - he had ways to do it that didn’t let people follow him. Or… Colin waved a hand round in front of him, waiting for the same tugging, gut churning sensation he’d felt as the portal swallowed him up. Nothing. His frown deepened. Was this Samael’s way of calling his followers back to him? It would make sense. But in that case, why did he leave the door open behind him when he left? It didn’t… Colin’s stomach dropped. For whatever reason, Samael [i]wanted[/i] to be followed. He’d laid a trap, and Colin just ran straight into it. Straight after… Kiri. Kiri who, first time he met her, had gotten one of their fellow recruits killed. Who’d chewed him out for his hesitation in killing a spellcaster. Who’d almost killed Eliza. [i]Had[/i] killed Colin’s uncle. Was Kiri working for Samael too? It would make sense. Someone on the inside, and what better bait than one of their own? There was no telling how many of their fellow hoods had followed after Colin, he’d been the quickest, he was the closest, and- [colour=B6B6B6][i]“I don't think there's anyone I trust more than you right now.”[/i][/colour] -even after everything, he didn’t want to see her dead. Afterall, she was a hood. That meant something. [color=#88e312]“Fuck.”[/color] he swore, knotted fingers in hair. The word didn’t echo, but it felt like it should, the abandoned building so dark and cavernous that, before his eyes started to adjust to the gloom, to make out vague shapes and blotted out colours, it could’ve been anywhere. He had to focus. Even if Kiri was a traitor, Vitius could still come back at any minute. The damage was already done, the only thing Colin could do now was survive. The bitter ache of his limbs was there, but it was very far away as he hauled himself to his feet, leaning on the wall for support. At some point, he was going to crash, he could feel it, but for now urgency spurred him on. Get away from Vitius, find Samael, keep [i]fucking[/i] going. In the back of his head, a voice, small and about to break, but filled with fire, reminded him, [colour=B6B6B6][i]“Jobs not done.”[/i][/colour] “Fuck you.” He hissed. Kept going. Another light, blindingly bright, whizzed past the door - black silhouettes etched into the walls, stark and strong, that faded just as quick. He squinted, what [i]was[/i] that? He reached the door. He’d find out soon enough. The door was painted wood, white and shiny at one time, but flaking. It was loose on its hinges, but a smooth metal bar crossed its width. Cautiously, he pushed. It swung open. Cold air slammed into his face. Black sky, no stars, light [i]everywhere[/i]. Buildings taller than Colin had ever seen, floor hard like stone, not cobbled like a road, but grey and granular and stretching on [i]forever[/i]. He thought he’d still been in Duncaster, but clearly that wasn’t the case. If this was the mage’s lair… what he was able to build… this was so much worse than they could have ever imagined. In the distance, two figures. Impossible to see clearly, even with the pale glow illuminating the darkness (those lights were everywhere, what [i]were[/i] they?). One looked like a young boy, not much older than the youngest of the hoods, the other a woman, hair bright and unearthly. Lights dotted the windows in the buildings around him, shadows moved, people or monsters or [i]what[/i] Colin couldn’t tell. Wasn’t sure he wanted to. Just how many minions did Samael [i]have[/i]? The woman and the boy seemed like his best bet. They weren’t ghouls, so they were probably vampires, if he followed them for long enough they were sure to lead him back to Samael. Metallic boxes, all different colours and cut with windows and bulky black wheels, (some form of carriage?) lined the road. Quick as an arrow, he darted behind one of them. Crouched down and gripping at the cold, oddly slick, metal for balance, he could tell from here just how rough the strange ground was - what was the purpose of it? It didn’t matter. He had to get closer to the pair. Slowly, he began to make his way from one strange metal carriage to another, closer and closer, careful to stay hidden. [hr] [color=#b18f71][b]”That sounds.., very human,”[/b][/color] Aiden offered, before noting his own response. ‘Very human’. The statement lingered within his mind, and for a moment, Angelic arrogance might have taken hold. [color=#b18f71][b]”I mean,”[/b][/color] the boy tried, once more, [color=#b18f71][b]”people can be dicks, right?”[/b][/color] The second try might have strung along more fitting tunes, or at the very least, sounded less otherworldly. It was easy to forget that Aiden’s drastic change in species had left lasting psychological effects on the teenager. [color=#b18f71][i]”I think I saw something,”[/i][/color] Lumen broke what was a short bout of silence, his hand nudging Aiden in response to the realization. It could very well have been a rat. Little more than quick movement whisking by, as if a passing breeze. [color=#b18f71][i]”I hope we haven’t been branded a quick meal for some hungry vampire,”[/i][/color] the Spirit frowned, his eyes turning to Violet briefly, before shifting back towards an air of vigilance. [color=#b18f71][i]”I fear this girl would not appreciate such hostilities, especially not in her current state.”[/i][/color] Despite Aiden’s silence, an understanding between the two was clear. Duncaster was a dangerous place once a protective sunlit shroud gave way for darkness, and prolonged visits to the city’s night-time streets elevated risks of disaster by a large margin. [color=#b18f71][b]”I can’t just leave you here, at least let me take you home, or to a bar, or something.”[/b][/color] In situations like these, Aiden’s lack of social skills involving ordinary people outside his circle of rich serpents, glowed brightly. [color=#b18f71][b]”N-not that I’m asking you out!”[/b][/color] The boy raised his hands defensively, [color=#b18f71][b]”I’m just saying.., being inside is better at night.”[/b][/color] [color=#b18f71][i]”This is going even smoother than with Rose. Honestly, if you weren’t gay, you’d forever live in isolation, Aiden,”[/i][/color] the Spirit sighed, shaking his head. [hr] Violet had two questions. First, how old was this kid? He looked fifteen at most, certainly not old enough to be entering a bar. And, while she enjoyed the odd beer or shot every now and again, she preferred her home over any of Duncaster's haunts. Second, what [I]was[/I] he? He tried to act human, but the way he carried himself, and his strange aura lead her to believe he was anything but. Then again..it was possible he was just uber pure, and hadn't had his aura tainted by color. [color=thistle]"That really means a lot...but, I think it's better for you to take care of yourself, kid."[/color] She gave him another wary once-over. He was tiny at best, and trying to lecture her about safety? What was he doing out and about? Giving him a small wave, she began walking further away from her home. She took long, confident strides as if to say [I]'See? I got it covered.'[/I] [hr] [color=#b18f71][b]”S-sure, will do..,”[/b][/color] Aiden attempted, but managed to stumble on his words as per expected. One would be forgiven for mistaking the teenager a completely different person when on the streets of Duncaster. Inside the glass tower of Infinity Enterprises, or when circled by serpents of wealth, he weaved through silver-tongued battlefields with professional grace. However, the boy was now clearly beyond his comfort zone. He had not made his way to filthy streets with the intent of helping random girls with stomach issues, but rather, to hunt beasts. [color=#b18f71][b]”I’ll just keep going, then,”[/b][/color] Aiden continued, thumbing over his shoulder before the boy resumed an earlier stride. Perhaps it was better to simply avoid further confrontation. He was, after all, heading towards a lair of murderous vampires. The fact that something so trivial as a vomiting woman halted his progress was, in hindsight, foolish. [color=#b18f71][i]”You doubt,”[/i][/color] Lumen spoke, [color=#b18f71][i]”looking after others is not a sin, Aiden.”[/i][/color] [color=#b18f71][b]”But it can be dumb,”[/b][/color] the teenager mumbled, in response. [color=#b18f71][b]”We wasted time, because of this.”[/b][/color] With a small sigh escaping the Angelic Spirit, Lumen shook his head. It was clear that Aiden was struggling. Every moment was a push closer towards a Celestial existence. The boy’s care for mankind, for all of humanity, could very well fade by virtue of his new nature, if he disregarded this drastic shift. [color=#b18f71][i]”Over there, we’re not alone!”[/i][/color] Abruptly halting further conversation, Lumen revealed a newly arrived party, which was previously assumed a mere rat. However, prolonged patience exposed something far more urgent. It was impossible to deduce their intent, but assuming the worst was what denizens of Duncaster had been taught since birth. Aiden spun on his heel, this new threat warranting immediate attention. [color=#b18f71][b]”Don’t turn your curiosity into a mistake,”[/b][/color] the Angel clenched his teeth. It was far too early to conjure forth Ivory, if combat was imminent. He did not need the blade to fight, however, considering Aiden’s, or rather Lumen’s proficiency in unarmed combat. Even so, if this was a vampire, or a werewolf, the mere presence of something so purely Angelic was often enough to scare them off. [color=#b18f71][b]”So, stop hiding, and we can avoid something awkward.”[/b][/color] [hr]