Physical Description: Kate is quite androgynous in appearance. She's thin, lithe, with very little curvature, and would appear much more boyish if she cut her hair short. As it is, her thick wavy black hair extends to her shoulder-blades, though she often ties it up into a tight bun. Outside of work (where an uniform is required), she has a fairly varied taste, and may put on anything from loose baggy clothing to more formal suits or dresses. She's not a fan of pastels, and generally prefers darker tones, but will don something brighter on occasion, especially if it's floral patterned. Paisley patterned vests are one of her absolutely favourite things ever, whether it's on herself or others. Regardless of what she chooses to wear, however, she will make sure that as much of her skin is covered as possible when risking exposure to sunlight. She carries a folding umbrella in her bag for the same reason, though she's never been in a situation which would force her to test its long-term effectiveness. As far as accessories go, she possesses a plain silver-coloured wristwatch, which she wears on her left wrist. She has an assortment of earrings (that she doesn't wear to work), several scarves, and a necklace or two. Kathryn will usually put on some light make-up, because she hasn't yet grown fond of the sickly pallor vampirism has granted her.
Sex: Female
Age: 37 (Turned at 25)
Height: 5'5 (165 cm)
Species: Vampire
Physical abnormalities: None.
Anything else we need to know about you right off the bat: Her human parents, Samantha Moreno (63) and Oliver Moreno (69) are still alive and healthy. So is her human brother, Liam Moreno (40).
She works in the Duncaster PD. In fact, she's been a police officer since her time as a human, though she had only been starting out back then. Naturally, becoming a vampire rather put a damper on any promotions.
Kate is well-versed in close-quarters combat, knife- and gun-fighting.
Ever since being turned, Kathryn has been working diligently on obtaining studying the memories accompanied by her meals, quite the difficult task given how difficult human blood is to obtain. Nonetheless, she did what she could, practicing even on the vaguer sensations provided by animal blood. Now, she's fairly confident in that particular skill, though the information provided isn't always useful. Kat has put in the effort for this specifically so she may assist in investigations, and she does occasionally get sent to the Forensic team to help garner clues from a relevant blood sample.
Asteria felt a profound sense of relief when Ed returned unharmed, and even without alerting the people outside. Since the gold coin did not seem dangerous, she picked it up with her mouth, leaving it under her tongue for the moment. She then set a paw on Ed and communicated with him telepathically. “Not mad. Glad you’re back. Hiding is fine. If bandits…attack…someone else…we could help?” Her Telepathy skill wasn’t high enough yet to get whole sentences through, but stringing words one by one and pausing longer between each sentence was possible. “I’m going into that second chamber,” she added. With the help of her newly upgraded Muffle skill, Asteria sneaked to where she’d laid the hatchet next to her sleeping spot, grabbed it between her teeth – and being careful not to accidentally swallow the coin still in her mouth – carried it to the second chamber, and laid the tool on a shelf closest to the open door which connected the first and second chamber. Next, she concentrated on the Muffle skill actively, figuring out how to actively invest a part of her ‘stamina’ into it. When it felt like it worked, she slowly, carefully, and almost-silently dragged all their remaining items to the second chamber as well, and put them in the vicinity of the shiver-inducing padlocked wood-and-iron door.
Since she had the time, Asteria investigated the second chamber more closely. A very eye-catching part of the table had a drain with a basin underneath it. It was fairly obvious from the metallic scent and the colouration of the stains that the set-up served for some sort of sacrifice rituals or the like. Whoever and whatever they were doing, they’d both seemed to mix herbs directly into what she was sure was blood – either human blood or monster blood – as well as hung plants from the ceiling. Asteria craned her head up and used her Plant analysis skill on each of the plant matter part she was able to discern in the bunch. Just to try and see if her assumption was correct, she used Monster analysis on the blood stains and the remains of the mixture in the basin. Asteria approached the basin underneath the table, observing it from up close. Hmm, just in case this is another custom one is supposed to do to appease the spirits or the dead or who knows what else… Asteria went and rifled through their belonging, dug out one Nullven cone, and brought it with her as she approached the basin. Crouching next to it, she pressed her left forearm to her teeth, pushing and pushing until a small but bleeding gash appeared. Then, she dangled her arm above the basin, and used her right paw to squeeze her left arm and get the fresh blood to drip in. As a small rivulet of blood formed, Asteria concentrated on that inner energy, calling forth the mana, and invested a small part of it into the blood offering. After that, she crushed the Nullven cone, scattering it in as well. She didn’t say anything, because she wasn’t aware of any chants, but kept her mind focused on a peaceful, non-aggressive feeling. Hey, if burning the bug meat last night truly had somehow caused the gold coin to appear, then maybe doing something like this wasn’t a half-bad idea either.
Picks up the gold coin with her mouth, keeps it under her tongue (for the rest of this post). Communicates with Ed via Telepathy. Uses Muffle actively to first carry the hatchet, then the rest of their belongings to the creepy second chamber. Hides within the second chamber and investigates it. Uses Plant Analysis on the clump of plant matter hanging from the ceiling. Uses Monster Analysis II on what seems to be blood stains. Brings one Nullven cone close to the basin. Cuts her left forearm and drips mana-infused blood into the basin. Crushes the Nullven cone and adds it to the mixture in the basin. Thinks about peace while waiting to see if the “ritual” does anything.
Gennar, Bellinar, Denvar… Jandar memorized the names he was given promptly, matching the appearance of each brother with each name as he gazed at one by one in turn for a few seconds. He turned, almost startled, when the Dea Al Mon introduced himself, and nodded cautiously in confirmation of the Prince’s introduction. Given that only minutes before, the man had ranted and raved how he would be only Faeril’s ally and not Fatima’s or her court’s, this practically placid introduction of his was slightly odd, but perhaps Mikahil truly was so professional that he could act as if nothing had happened. Jandar supposed he could reciprocate, but he’d still keep a cautious eye on this somewhat questionably ally of theirs.
In the mean-time, he observed peacefully with a slightly quirked eyebrow as Mikhail and Gennar carried the still living but unconscious assailants into Faeril’s house with what in Jandar’s mind was a very obvious goal in mind – information extraction. He didn’t mind, though he did wonder if Fatima caught on. However, if the Queen said nothing about it, Jandar certainly didn’t intend to alert her to the goings-on. “My horse, Teo, is still stabled by the inn downstairs,” the Warlord commented when Fatima mentioned that the two of them were all packed to go. He kept a sharp gaze trained on the Queen as she faltered lightly at the sight of her companion’s corpse, but as she was able to recollect herself swiftly, he did not intervene.
Fatima asked for help with gathering wood, but Jandar did not have a hatchet or ax on him, so he left that work to Bellinar and Xandar. The latter had stripped completely, and Jandar noticed the Eyrien’s recently healed wound. He frowned mildly, thinking that the added strain of woodcutting in addition to the fierce combat they’ve just been through might not serve the Eyrien well, but the Warlord held his tongue. For one, he was not a Healer, and for another, the Warlord Prince was likely quite aware of his own capabilities and limitations; insinuation otherwise would be an insult. The two Eyriens would have to be manpower enough for the wood. As for the house work, all the others had gone there, so it was bound to be crowded already. Moreover, Fatima would probably stay right there, by the old man’s corpse. The Warlord did not believe there would be any danger so soon again, but he certainly wasn’t going to risk anything and leave the Queen by herself. “I shall stay by your side,” he asserted, giving Fatima a calm and sure gaze, not with the intent to patronize or pity her, but simply matter-of-factly.
Jun nodded at Itoshi-sama and while her superior made her rounds, spent her time loitering around the estate, pestering a few students into short physical training sessions. As the time of daylight gradually passed, however, Jun was left mostly to her own devises, so she gave into performing some light stretches and cool-down exercise, before she made her way to the Pillar’s personal quarters. She was led into a guest room, and sat politely in a kneeling position, sipping at the offered green tea as she listened.
So, the matter of the traitor Pillar was left to someone else. Fine. At least she was given a mission of destroying a demon gathering hot spot. “Sounds good to me. I’ll destroy and torture them or whatever, but I wonder if they will want to share information…Well, in any case, just leave it to me. Until later, then, master,” Jun bowed, stood, and left. Packing was a swift matter, and before long, she was ready to leave.
Jun arranged for the same carriage Itoshi had used to convey her to the nearest train station, though before departing, she did wait long enough to give that foreigner the opportunity to go along with her if he wanted to. Regardless of whether he chose to do that or not, however, she let the vehicle carry her to her destination, and took the opportunity to nap a bit. She was lucky enough to catch one of the last trains departing to a town in Ōita Prefecture, and drowsed during the ride. Jun had had to travel with her sword and uniform concealed underneath regular clothing, of course, but if it meant she could get a drop on any demons, she’d do more than that.
Seeing as it was still night-time when she arrived at her destination, Jun chose to go on a leisurely night-time stroll – all for the sake of attempting to find any demonic activity, of course. She took care that her posture reflected confidence and posture, despite this being an unknown location to her. Perhaps she should attempt finding a red-light district; those were well-known for operating during the night, and might even attract a demon or two amid the humans. Besides, people with lowered inhibition were more prone to sharing information – or rather, what in the eyes of others might be seen as drunken ramblings. But if multiple people alluded to a demon, even drunks’ opinions could be taken into account. And so, Jun went on her way, traversing the town, low-key keeping an eye on things.
When their conversation was done, Jandar let Fatima heal him, then summoned his traveling backpack, stashed his dirtied shirt, and pulled out a fresh one. After redressing and vanishing the backpack, he stood gracefully and offered Fatima a hand to pick her up, perhaps even escort her to the house if she still needed a bit of support.
Then, the Eyrien Warlord Prince ambled towards him, looking somewhat worn out from the battle. “Mm, with how convenient that attack was, a traitor was to be expected. There were three enemies waiting on top of the stairs we’ve just ascended, and from the looks of it, there had been a simultaneous attack on the house that the rest of you fended off. If there had been less of us…” Jandar trailed off. There was no need to complete the sentence; the well-prepared attackers had been routed only because the circumstances hadn’t been quite as they’d expected. “I certainly agree that we should leave as soon as is possible. Perhaps the Black Widow will have a suggestion as to the where,” he commented.
The Warlord nodded politely in the direction of the Eyrien brother who had spoken. “Perhaps a simple exchange of names would not go amiss,” he noted in an amused tone. After all, he still did not know the names of all of those whom he had fought alongside. “My name is Jandar Varan. And yourself? And, if I am not mistaken, those two are your brothers?” he gestured at the two remaining Eyriens, who were already on their way to Faeril’s residence.
Asteria awoke to the commotion of unknown voices coming from the outside. She was immediately alert due to the danger, and looked around to assess the situation. Ed was nowhere to be seen. Where the fuck did he go?! To take a leak or something? Of all the times! However, until the ratman showed up in one way or another, there was nothing to do but observe and keep mother rat under control. Asteria focused her gaze on the two figures outside, trying to get a good look at them, and used Monster Analysis for help. Then, she put a paw on mother rat, and with the help of telepathy, conveyed a sense of cautious calm, of stillness and hiding, waiting for now. Hopefully that would be enough to prevent the other rodent from alerting the unknown figures outside by accident.
Somewhat tense, Asteria checked the insides of the barrow again, stealthily moving around, trying to discover if it were possible that the figures had been inside but had chosen not to disturb them for some reason. That did not seem to be the case however. Ed was missing true, but all their belongings were still there…besides, there were no fresh footprints that she could see. Just then, one of her paws touched something that had not been there. A mysterious gold coin, lying peacefully next to the fire pit where she’d made her offering the evening before. A supernatural event? But perhaps, the coin had simply got dislodged from the pit after she threw the bug meat in…or it had otherwise arrived there by a wind or something. Right. With a grimace, which exposed the full extent of her teeth in an odd rat-snarl, Asteria used her Mana Sense to try and get a read from the coin. Based on her attempts yesterday, this being a religious burial ground certainly did something to the environment. Still, if the coin seemed safe, she might as well take it with her as a souvenir.
Wakes up, looks around. Finds Ed missing, but can’t go outside due to the strangers’ voices. Uses Beast Senses III: Sight and Monster Analysis II to try and discover what the source of the disturbance is. Uses Telepathy to try and calm Mother rat, as well as to keep her cautious and inside. Investigates the barrow, finds the coin. Uses Mana Sense II on the coin.
Physical Description: Kate is quite androgynous in appearance. She's thin, lithe, with very little curvature, and would appear much more boyish if she cut her hair short. As it is, her thick wavy black hair extends to her shoulder-blades, though she often ties it up into a tight bun. Outside of work (where an uniform is required), she has a fairly varied taste, and may put on anything from loose baggy clothing to more formal suits or dresses. She's not a fan of pastels, and generally prefers darker tones, but will don something brighter on occasion, especially if it's floral patterned. Paisley patterned vests are one of her absolutely favourite things ever, whether it's on herself or others. Regardless of what she chooses to wear, however, she will make sure that as much of her skin is covered as possible when risking exposure to sunlight. She carries a folding umbrella in her bag for the same reason, though she's never been in a situation which would force her to test its long-term effectiveness. As far as accessories go, she possesses a plain silver-coloured wristwatch, which she wears on her left wrist. She has an assortment of earrings (that she doesn't wear to work), several scarves, and a necklace or two. Kathryn will usually put on some light make-up, because she hasn't yet grown fond of the sickly pallor vampirism has granted her.
Sex: Female
Age: 37 (Turned at 25)
Height: 5'5 (165 cm)
Species: Vampire
Physical abnormalities: None.
Anything else we need to know about you right off the bat: Her human parents, Samantha Moreno (63) and Oliver Moreno (69) are still alive and healthy. So is her human brother, Liam Moreno (40).
She works in the Duncaster PD. In fact, she's been a police officer since her time as a human, though she had only been starting out back then. Naturally, becoming a vampire rather put a damper on any promotions.
Kate is well-versed in close-quarters combat, knife- and gun-fighting.
Ever since being turned, Kathryn has been working diligently on obtaining studying the memories accompanied by her meals, quite the difficult task given how difficult human blood is to obtain. Nonetheless, she did what she could, practicing even on the vaguer sensations provided by animal blood. Now, she's fairly confident in that particular skill, though the information provided isn't always useful. Kat has put in the effort for this specifically so she may assist in investigations, and she does occasionally get sent to the Forensic team to help garner clues from a relevant blood sample.
Jun felt like she was getting drenched more thoroughly now that she was standing out in the open than she had been when training under the partial cover of trees. On the plus side, the mud’s getting washed out of my uniform practically on its own, she thought with a snarky twist of her lips. She’d still have to wash the uniform later, but thankfully, she’d chosen not to wear the flame-patterned haori Intarou-san had gifted her years ago. No, that worn but well-loved piece of clothing was something she reserved for official missions. She was attached enough to the haori that she’d rather not risk it in practice, never mind if it made her look vain. The opinions of those below her or those jealous of her rarely mattered, after all, and were hardly more than a pesky little annoyance at best.
Speaking of, there was Fukutomi. The former tsuguko, and a person Jun could admit – if only to herself – had quite the admirable strength of character. Yet, they did not get along. At all. The girl was just so soft, so needlessly kind, caring far too much for her line of work. Jun had seen her with patients on occasion, and that soothing attitude gave her the creeps, made Fukutomi seem almost condescending. Jun was aware enough to realize that was a skewed perception, but was there really any comfort at being spoken to as if a child? How encouraging could it be, really, to get pandered by some stranger when one was recovering from a loss and injury at a demon’s hands? Personally, Jun preferred a strict no-nonsense attitude in her healers. A hatefully spiteful part of her thought that now, in the state Fukutomi was, mothering others was all she had left going for her.
But really, that was not even close to the main issue. Fukutomi was perfectly fine insulting her straight to her face. Jun could tolerate Ebisu not using an honorific – not because they were particularly close, but because the lad had begun doing so after Fukutomi, as a sort of a poor but well-intentioned joke. Ebisu’s goal with it had been to needle both Fukutomi and herself, the former in a sort of “Hey, hey, weirdly aggressive of you,” manner and the latter because he thought Jun needed to “Loosen up already!”. In fact, Ebisu had said exactly that at one point, and since then, referring to her as simply Sakai was a habit for him. (Also, she kept on calling him Ebisu-kun despite him having insisted multiple times that she could forgo the honorifics with him as well; he was just a casual sort of guy, but Jun pointedly kept the kun for petty revenge.) Jun had learned that ignoring Ebisu’s quirks worked best with him, but for Fukutomi…
For Fukutomi, Jun plastered on an especially smug smirk, and looked down at her in supreme satisfaction. “Tough,” she drawled, truthfully not particularly concerned if the guests were getting antsy. “The Master’s out,” she stated, just as a wretchedly wet messenger crow flapped its way to her. Jun extended her left arm out for the poor creature to perch on it, and took the message from its claws. Jun glanced at the missive swiftly, sighed, took a short moment to memorize the contents, then stored it inside her uniform. “Well, looks like Itoshi-sama is returning in a few hours. You can get all the details then,” her tone was still needlessly sarcastic, but Jun hadn't asked Fukutomi to come bother her, had she?
That said, Jun strolled away from the gate, going along the wall walk and notifying the guards still stationed there to keep a lookout while she was gone, petting the crow all the while. She rather liked the messenger birds, as long as they didn’t get too cheeky, and cooed to it near-silently. “Let’s get you inside to dry a bit, huh? Or were you ordered to return already?” The crow cawed at her scratchily, but reluctantly inched closer by traversing her arm from elbow to shoulder. Jun gave the animal another pat on the head, then dropped her left arm to her side, the crow getting a ride on her shoulder. When Jun made it down from the wall, she approached the mildly sulking Fukutomi. “Based on the hints in the letter, you should probably get ready for more unrest,” she offered in a murmur, now mostly serious rather than antagonistic. That really was all she could offer to the ex-tsuguko, though, so she departed for the library.
Finding a Bible was simple enough. Deciphering the message on the other hand…Jun sighed once again, though she’d finally managed to find all the necessary passages after what was a frustratingly long search. She’d never even touched the foreign holy book before that, so it was understandable. Jun was also traditional enough that having to familiarize herself with what she considered some odd, new, foreign religion was rather distasteful. It was a clever method of encryption, she had to admit. With such a dire message, however, Jun could neither admire the cleverness of her master nor lament the fact that she’d had to rifle through the Bible like a maniac.
"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells." "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me." "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Taken together, it meant that the River pillar himself betrayed them. The why was unknown. Probably something to do with demons…had he faced one so strong that he’d been charmed to their side and kept alive for unknown purposes? Or was it something else entirely? Jun supposed she’d have to wait for her Master to enlighten her on that note. That last line though…Did Itoshi-sama really think that Jun could turn traitor too? The idea rankled her to the core, but there wasn’t much she could do with the feeling.
Tsking, Jun crumpled the message, threw it into the fireplace, and watched it burn. She stared into the fire, letting her clothes and body get warmed by its heat. The crow had also settled close to the warmth, but Jun was too preoccupied by her thought to pay the bird attention any longer. Had the meeting been called to decide what to do with the Rivar Pillar? Would they have to chase down and kill someone who used to be a fellow demon slayer? Would they have to wage war not only against the demons but fellow humans as well? Jun shook her head of the thoughts, and headed back outside to guard the gate until Itoshi-sama returned. Her Master would tell her what they had to do, as always, so Jun didn’t have to try and think so hard on her own.
In the end, though, Jun knew that she wouldn’t be bothered as much as she perhaps should be, even if she had to go after a former ally with killing intent. She certainly remembered being firmly taught that her swordsmanship and breathing techniques were meant to be used only against demons, never humans, but what if human breath-user went against them? Was she supposed to just roll over and die? Hell no. If the Pillar, the still human Pillar, was now an enemy, she couldn’t afford to hesitate if she ever faced him in combat.
Hm, I am curious to see more of this, especially since you didn't mention much about the "heroes" or demon hunters (I'm guessing they're usually the same, but not necessarily, esp. given you mentioned benevolent demons).
Jandar ascended the staircase, Jassen’s corpse set across his shoulders. He eventually made his way to a garden in front of what he presumed might be the Black Widow’s residence. Fatima, Faeril, Xandar, and the Dea Al Mon were gathered there, while the female archer had been at the cliff side last he’d seen her. Faeril’s male Eyrien allies were approaching as well. The Kaeleeran Warlord was in luck; he’d managed to catch the Black Widow’s vision. Jandar offered the Dea Al Mon a quick glance, acknowledging him with a brief nod – the male was drawn to Fatima’s court, much as Xandar and himself were. However, the Kaeleeran’s main concern was his lady. Fatima was apparently healing Faeril, but he suspected she wasn’t as well as she could be; she’d tried desperately to get to Jassen, though she was rightfully prevented from putting herself in danger by Markov.
Now, he had brought that corpse to her. The battle was finished, and though they’d all have to recuperate, and more importantly, discuss their next steps, now would perhaps be the only opportunity for Fatima to take a bit of time to mourn her servant. He noticed peripherally that Markov had bound some of the enemies and tossed the rest off the cliff, though he seemed to have found some sort of a note on one of them, which he pocketed. That, too, was something Jandar could ponder later; now, he simply ignored everyone else present, approached Fatima, crouched down by her side, and set Jassen’s body gently on the ground, setting his neck to rights so at least the corpse’s head wouldn’t loll so unnaturally. The Warlord imagined the sight would be gruesome and disheartening for Fatima in any case, but at least if he composed Jassen’s body to look as peaceful as was possible, it may help her. Of course, if the Queen felt compelled to touch the body or discover the cause of death, well…Jandar supposed he could only offer to be there, at her side.
And with that, when the corpse was set down, Jandar said only “My Lady,” as if presenting her with the facts or offering her a meagre gift. But what else could he do? The Warlord glanced at Fatima cautiously, inched a foot or so away from the body, then shifted from a crouch to a more comfortable kneeling position. The Queen would have space enough to cry over the corpse if that’s what she wanted, but Jandar was close enough to watch over her and provide comfort if that proved necessary. In any case, he remained watchful, focused on Fatima, taking note of even the most minor of her reactions and expressions. A cool, detached part of him wondered if Fatima was competent enough to go through losing a minion without suffering a mental break, but on a more surface level of his consciousness, Jandar was simply performing what he considered as his duty to his future Queen.
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