[IC] Chicago After Hours

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills: Notice

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I realize Nero is examining some of my things a little too closely. Most of the items in my collections are one of a kind. It took me many years, sometimes hundreds, to procure the items that I had. Others were inherited. It would be in their best interest not to take anything, or I would retaliate.

”Well, you are welcome to join us for the meal, then. If it is not to your liking, let Henry know, and the kitchen staff may be able to make what you desire. Within reason, of course,” I say and flash Nero a smile.

We join Cassiopeia outside, who has already taken up a seat in one of the lounge chairs. She eyes the pool with longing before she looks over at us.

”Tell me you still carry Scottish whiskey.”

I chuckle and nod. ”Yes, mon amour. Would you like anything?” I ask Nero.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I watch their exchange with mild interest. They must have been friends for awhile now. Feeling a twinge of jealously, I scoff at myself mentally. ”Surprise me.” I respond to Caden with a smile. You can’t go wrong with most alcohols… unless it was American-made. That’s just piss-water.

I take a few steps forward to look over the backyard. ”So, how long have the two of you known each other?” I swing out my leg dramatically to turn back around and face them.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden disappears back into the house to get our drinks, and I shift positions on the lounge chair to be sitting cross legged. I watch Nero pivot towards me dramatically and a slow smile spreads across my face.

I pull my hair back into a high bun and speak.

”Long enough to know what positions make him cry out in ecstasy.” I wink at Nero.

”Cass, play nice with the demon.” Caden's voice is amused as he rejoins us. He hands me my glass of whiskey, neat, before giving Nero something dark, yet colourful.

”Cassiopeia is my longest friend. Our families have been intertwined for centuries. At one point they wanted our marriage to unify us further. Something about powerful children or some such. Unfortunately for them, Cassi and I became closer friends than lovers. Although, we did have fun for a while.”

I smiled warmly and nodded. I held my glass up in mock cheers with Caden before taking a sip. The burn down my throat to my stomach was the comfort I had desperately needed.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I chuckle at her response, telling her, ”Ich werde mir das merken.” Happily taking the drink from Caden and taking a sip. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise - whatever he gave me was delicious.

As much as I want to learn every fascinating detail about these two, I remind myself that the sooner we resolve this pet issue, the sooner I can get my reward. ”What can you tell me about our missing beastie?” I ask, changing the subject. Stepping closer to the two, I sit on the edge of one of the lounge chairs, tucking one of my legs under me.

Translation

”I’ll keep that in mind.”

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills: Notice

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I take a sip of my old fashion, but I don’t really taste it. Henry returns with the mid-day meal and places it on the table. I smile and approach him.

”Thank you, Henry. You and the staff are dismissed for today. You may all go into town and treat yourself if you wish.”

“Are you certain, monsieur?” He looked at me, puzzled, and then at the other two. Henry is human in every sense; although he knows what I am and what I do, he is incredibly loyal and protective.

I smile and nod. ”Oui. Go, enjoy your day of leisure. Return after supper and not a moment before.” I watch him go before I set my drink down. I remove my jacket and lay it on the back of my chair before taking a seat.

”Cassiopeia,” I encourage. She rolls her eyes and huffs.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I really hated demons. Even if this one seemed different. I had been around too many horrible ones to really form a different opinion of them.

”It’s a Chimaera. I mean, I wish to look over Caden’s library, but all the evidence points towards it. Several witnesses’ claim that it's some creature, but each person claims it wears a different animal face.”

”We ruled out skinwalkers,” Caden chimes in before I can say anything. I nod in agreement before continuing.

”He has a connection to all skinwalkers through his family, so it was easy to rule them out. As for my other reasoning, I saw it when I encountered a family member of one of the deceased. I can see fragments of their past, as well as those that they’ve last touched or interacted with.” I divulge. It’s more information than I would normally give, but we needed this thing off the streets of Chicago. The sooner it was gone, the sooner this demon would be gone as well.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Tilting my head, I watch the exchange between Caden and his staff. He cares about them. I observe before turning my attention to Cassiopeia. ”Well at least it’s not a flesh pedestrian,” I say while taking another sip of my drink. ”Nasty little fuckers.” Suppressing a shudder, I think back to the few times I’ve encountered them, specifically the beginning of America’s pilgrimage. ”No offense.” I add for Caden’s benefit.

Speaking of the victim’s family members, I ask,”Is there any family I need to worry about?” I wish I could ask Cassiopeia to show me the creature, but I was getting the impression that she might not be overjoyed by my presence here in the first place. Tapping my finger on my glass, I glance between the two for any signs that they might be holding back information.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I frown at his question and shake my head. ”Of course not.” I shift in my seat and take another sip of my drink. Thankfully, Caden remains quiet. There’s no need for Nic to be involved in this and no need for Nero to go after him. He’s grieving. He wasn’t going to do anything.

”Do you have any knowledge of Chimera’s? How do you capture one, for example?” It was time for Nero to pull his weight in this strained partnership.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I narrow my eyes slightly at her answer, but don’t say anything. If there was something to worry about, I’m sure I would find out soon enough either way. ”Chimera?” Tilting my head to the side again, I look up to think before letting out a laugh of delight. ”Well that would certainly explain the varying descriptions.” Setting my drink down after another sip, I tug at my earlobes with gloved fingers as I think.

”According to Greek mythology, the original Chimera was the daughter of Typhon and Echidna - the father and mother of all monsters. That one was killed by Bellerophon, but he had to use a Pegasus to do it. I turn to look at them both with a smirk. ”Unfortunately for us, we don’t have any of those in hell to borrow - as far as I know.”

I pick my drink back up to take another sip as another thought comes to me. I know from listening to some of the complaints from Lilith and Alastair back when they were still around, Asmodeus was constantly trying to convince Lucifer to let him create an army of monsters. He had even tried to say he could control the Shedim… If someone in hell were to play around with creating new monsters, it would be him. I don’t say this out loud though, instead I say, ”We’ll probably need more players on the board in order to catch this chimera. I have some demons not particularly attached to their vessels that could be front line.” I settle back into my seat, swinging one leg over to cross the ankle of the other.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”We aren’t in the habit of using others as bait,” Cass explains. She picks up her glass, and goes over to the table, and helps herself to the lunch provided.

I swirl the liquid in my glass before taking another sip, looking at Nero. ”Things are done a bit differently here than I am sure you are used to,” I inform Nero. ”We signed a treaty a while ago between the supernatural factions and the human government. There are rules, some annoying, others necessary. We’re required to obtain the creature or whatever is causing harm that week, with minimal damage and notice by the other humans. Discretion is important.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Ah, I forgot about that Kabelsalat.” I say, leaning my head to crack my neck and then using my hand to crack my knuckles, one finger at a time. ”Then I’m afraid we’ll need more intel on the little beastie. If it’s truly the chimera from the Greek legend, it was said that a great number of men would be needed to take it down. Taking another sip of the alcohol, I watch Cassiopeia grab some of the food on the table for herself before I continue.

”If we’re keen on preserving life, then going in blind would defeat that purpose.”

Translations

Kabelsalat = Literal translation is “Cable salad”, but it’s a ‘classy way’ to describe a mess

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Which is why we are here. I have an extensive collection of books in the library. We should be able to find everything we need there. After we acquire the information, we’ll have to present it to the other supernatural factions. That is the only way we’ll be able to get the numbers if we do require more than the three of us.” The advantage of being supernatural, usually meant that we had the strength and ability of ten humans or more.

Cassiopeia nodded as she ate. ”But research is less daunting when one has a full stomach and a good drink.”

I grin and nod. ”Essen. Viel Spaß.” I tell Nero before getting food for myself.

Translations

"Eat. Enjoy yourself.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia does have a point. Swinging my legs dramatically as I get up off the chair, I prance towards Caden to peer around him and see what food there was to offer. Eyeing a charcuterie board, I help myself to some of the food, going for the more salty of the foods. I give a little hum of satisfaction as I sit back down with my small feast, crossing my legs underneath me. No time wasted, I stuff a couple cracks with cheeks and meat into my mouth.

”These other factions, would any of them happen to have more information?” I ask through a mouthful of food.

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I watch Nero dance about, absolutely delighted by their behaviour. I chuckle to myself, shaking my head with amusement. He sits down near me again and I swipe a small sandwich off of his plate. I take a bite from it, swallowing before speaking.

”We have yet to converse with them on the matter, but they might. We will have to set up a meeting with them to speak with the heads or representatives of each faction. We have the humans, we will probably continue to deal with Detective Costa, then there are the vampires, the werewolves, me, and the witches of this land,” I tell Nero.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Pouting, I playfully glare at Caden for stealing a sandwich off my plate. I don’t miss that he makes sure to swallow before speaking in contrast to me. My expression turns to bemusement at hearing Caden list witches as a separate faction. Swallowing the large amount of food in my mouth, I ask, ”Is Cassiopeia not part of the witch faction here?” I brush the crumbs from the food off my top, making sure that in my chaos I didn’t accidentally stain the white blouse underneath my burgundy suit coat.

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden glances at me but I allow him to speak first. ”No, Cassiopeia hails from Scotland. She is of a different lineage of witches than the ones here. Although they do get along, she does not speak or represent them.”

”The witches here are the ones you would be more familiar with,” I elaborate for Nero. I was a fifth-generation witch born, my craft naturally within me rather than given by another. I was master to no one other than myself; however,I did receive council from my ancestors, nature, and the triple goddess.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I continue to eat, off my plate this time, and nod along as Cassi speaks. I finish my meal and set my plate aside.

”So, as you can see, we are a unique group. But more than qualified to handle this situation.”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Intrigued by the witch even more, I make a mental note to look further into Cassiopeia later. The more I learned, the more questions I had for both of these people. A smirk climbs on my face at Caden’s remark. ”Versuchst du mich schon loszuwerden?” I ask him with playful innocence. ”Unfortunately for you, I’m here to stay until this is over.” I shrug before pulling a leg up closer to me so I can lean my arm and head on it. ”Like I said, I have my eyes set on a prize.” I smile widely.

Translations

”Trying to get rid of me already?”

[KazAlkemi]

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I chuckle and rub the back of my neck. ”Das würde ich nie sagen,” I said. Maybe I was playing a dangerous game, but I didn’t mind a troubled road, and I did have a problem with overindulgence. With that said, I was glad Nero was going to be around for a while. I think we could have some fun.

I stood up and retreated to make myself another drink. I sipped it while inside the house, looking around and thinking of nothing in particular. I sighed, feeling tired rather suddenly.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Once Caden disappeared back into the house, I looked at Nero. ”You’ve asked quite a few questions about us, but we know hardly anything about you. Do you always play the role of monster catcher for Crowley? How did you end up in hell, and why should we work with you?”

Translations

I would never say that.

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I watched as Caden walked back into his house. Indeed, a fine specimen. I thought to myself. Cassiopeia pulled me from my thoughts with an avalanche of questions. Amused, I raise an eyebrow at her when I answer. ”Normally, I do shit all for Crowley - I’m only amusing his position as ‘King of Hell’.” I use air quotes around the phrase, rolling my eyes. “He just knows I can get a job done efficiently and trusts that I’m not trying to replace him on the throne.” The idea of being in a position of power like that seems tedious at best and boring at worst.

”As for your other questions, I don’t know what to tell you.” I say with a shrug. ”I have long forgotten my human life, but I can tell you that being tortured was never my kink.” Winking at her, I lay back in the lounge chair and place my hands behind my head, looking up at the sky. ”You have no reason to trust me enough to work with me - as you shouldn’t if you have a proper head on your shoulders. The way I see it, though, we’re going to run into each other often in pursuit of the beastie, so working together makes more sense.” I turn my head to look at her with a smirk. ”Let me know if any of that satisfied your curiousity, Mein kleines Kätzchen.”

Translations

”My little kitten”

[KazAlkemi]

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I fiddle with my hair and end up taking it back down while Nero speaks. If he forgot who they were as a human, that means they had been a demon for a long time. That doesn’t ease my mind at all. I pull my legs up and wrap my arms around them, resting my chin on my knees.

”I don’t think I’ve met a demon who wasn’t ready to do whatever they could to climb the hell promotional ladder.” That made Nero at least bearable, despite his demonic disposition and eccentric personality.

”The body you are in. Already dead, or is someone still alive in there?”

[Donut Look Now]

Nero

Location: Caden’s Mansion, Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Adorably curious, this one. I think to myself. It’s true, not many last long on the torture block before they choose to be a torturer instead. That much I can remember about my early days in hell, but my humanity… It always felt like it was behind a heavy curtain, just out of my grasp. ”This ol’ thing?” I ask slyly with a dramatic wave of my hand before I settle back in my seat. ”This one is dead. I have a specific taste in who I choose to wear, so I like to hold on to them for as long as they can last. Dead or dying bodies are easier to deal with. I’ve never been fond of holding a mind hostage anyway.” Narrowing my eyes in concentration, I try to remember who this one was, but it escapes me. ”I like to think this is how I appeared when I was human, but it’s hard to say.” I smile at her with another shrug.