| Dank, Dark, Dire | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 14 2012, 04:16 PM (1,264 Views) | |
| KosST | Nov 14 2012, 04:16 PM Post #1 |
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The night of the journey underground arrives. Antoine had told the Kindred to meet him in the lobby of the Flamingo, a hotel that maintains as a regency. The Flamingo is the oldest resort/casino still in operation on the strip. It has a colorful, sordid history rooted deep in the culture of the city itself. However, due to it's age and lack of recent development, it attracts less attention than it did in decades past. It isn't a high traffic tourist area, and the crowds it attracts go there for nostalgia rather than excitement. With the trademark pink color and neon lights ever present, it was modern some time ago. The lobby is not nearly as busy as that of the Bellagio only two nights past. While Kine still mingle and check in, the numbers are certainly smaller. Antoine sits in a small chair in the lobby, awaiting the motley group. He is as out of place as the other Kindred in this environment, but nobody seems to notice or care. Once it seems like everybody is present, Antoine stands and leads the group out of the front door. Out waiting is a limo. A driver opens the door for Antoine and the group to enter. Antoine looks at his guests, particularly the Brides. "Don't have to take it, but figured we might as well splurge just the once." The limo then leaves the hotel, and begins driving towards a destitute part of the city. Those who join in the limo discuss on the way there. Those who choose to drive separately can meet at the next location. |
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| Daniel | Nov 29 2012, 04:28 PM Post #61 |
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Dana looks up from the circle of support the Brides have built around Natasha; as the tears fall down the Kindred's cheeks, she rises and positions herself between her and the rest of the party, as if screening them from the sight. She addresses Antoine, "Looks like this guy cashed his check to pay for it, if you know what I mean. Maybe he just snapped? Who would use a messed-up piece of shit like him, anyway?" As the Primogen looks at the assembled Brides, she responds, "Hey, we got no beef with you. I dunno, if Trina heard you were claiming the tunnels, maybe she took it the wrong way. But she didn't come down here crazy long ago, so don't go around blaming us for 'the long game.' That shit's for capes with too much time on their hands." She briefly shakes her head and looks at Ariadne. "Come on, it's not that hard. There's footprints right under you," and her finger indicates to a very old and very faint set of tracks in the grime of the tunnel. |
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| Kara | Nov 29 2012, 05:18 PM Post #62 |
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At Dana's involvement, specifically after she points out the tracks and Ariadne follows the digit to look at them herself, the pale girl's head starts to turn toward Dana. Her lips pull back to show clenched teeth and extended fangs, accompanied with another growl - this one much less controlled. The former Mekhet is very much on the verge of frenzy, glaring daggers at Dana from behind dark strands of hair, hands tensing and curling into fists at the prospect of violence. And then the moment passes, along with the shadow of the Beast in Ariadne's eyes. Her posture shrinks back down and she takes a step back from Dana, looking back at the floor without comment. |
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| Holy | Nov 29 2012, 07:34 PM Post #63 |
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"Right, well. So..." Killjoy doesn't directly comment on the exchange. "Are you alright for going forward? Knowing someone might be luring you here? If the Brides are still in, I'm still in. But this seems personal on you, not the rest of us." |
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| KosST | Nov 29 2012, 09:43 PM Post #64 |
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Antoine looks to Salvador, and offers a smug smile, radiating confidence. "Anesidora has brought us all here, brought us together, to stop this threat. To stop this evil. She has led me to many struggles, instructing me in the unyielding strength of Hope. I have not faltered, and I shall not now." __________________ (narrating a bit to keep the flow going and speed us along towards our end for this scene!) The small wall formed by Dana, Natasha, and Whiskey tightens instinctively when Ariadne seems to let loose. They don't seem upset, simply acting on reflexes. Whiskey raises his hammer a bit, but makes no move to do anything. After a few moments, Antoine starts speaking evenly as Ariadne calms down. "Ariadne, it's ok. We're all tense and on edge, but we're ok. Let's focus here." Even Whiskey offers a wry laugh at the possibility of the girl losing herself to the Beast. "Guess you got fangs after all, little shadow! Look forward to seeing you get some blood on them! But preferably not ours." He remains friendly. For her part Natasha seems emboldened by the near conflict. While she's been emotionally unstable recently, it seems she at least knows what she wants. "Guys, settle down! This is stupid! Our real concern is through this door, and down the tunnel a ways. So chill the fuck out and let's just get this over with!" The formerly wracked girl opens the door without any further pause. She moves quickly through the door, not making loud noise, but moving with purpose and courage she hasn't shown earlier. Dana quickly follows whispering with Natasha as they pick out a path. Whiskey hangs back with the other guys, while Ariadne hesitates a bit, trailing behind smoldering a bit. (Natasha and Dana combined can find their way through the tunnel relying on memory and senses to avoid most further conflict) The group follows Dana and Natasha through the door and further into the new parts of the tunnel system. The tunnels are older here, particularly for the youth of the city. Construction is haphazard, utilizing natural formations combined with brick for walls, and dirt floors. Stands with occasional torches are lit to provide some illumination. The walls continue to seep water a bit, and the path is no longer remotely uniform, with ceilings or walls narrowing and requiring the group to occasionally crawl or move in single-file. There is no regular passage here, with an occasional torch that isn't lit, spiders and rats scurrying, and vegetation or encroaching off the walls. It's disconcerting. Some distance above is the Las Vegas strip, a glittering city of decadence. Here, it's dirt and grime and torchlight. It's positively old-world in a city that has little true history. The group trudges through these dark tunnels for a few minutes. At some point they realize one pair of footsteps stopped following them. Turning around, they realize Ariadne is not behind them. They start running back, hoping to find their fellow, hoping that she was not lost for good. After a few wrenching moments of tension and calling out her name, they here her voice respond, calling them to help. They find her struggling hard in a translucent web. Despite it being a simple series of cobwebs, Ariadne struggles against it as if she is bound in some tangling vine. Edited by KosST, Nov 29 2012, 09:44 PM.
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| tpenrod | Nov 30 2012, 02:00 PM Post #65 |
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Sebastian's gaze lands on Ariadne caught in the web. He smirks slightly, but it is soon replaced with a more serious expression as he carefully glances around her, looking for any potential trouble. Not spotting anything, he moves the cleaver up towards her, the blade flashing, rotating and switching between his hands in a showmanship like fashion, as if performing one of his tricks. He knows there is no time for flash however, and struggling slightly with the webs, he begins making quick cuts in an attempt to free Ariadne, or at least make it easier to escape. |
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| Kara | Nov 30 2012, 02:23 PM Post #66 |
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Ariadne watches as Sebastian approaches, glaring at his smirk but quickly dropping her eyes as it's apparent he means to help. She glances up at him and seems to refocus her own efforts, the veins beneath her pale skin running dark, almost black as she pushes vitae into her limb. When a few strands of the web gone, she tries again, pulling against the translucent bonds, but even that isn't quite enough - though it's clear she's pulling with all her might. She scowls, her jaw setting, before she plants her feet firmly on the ground and wrenches once more. Finally, she pulls free, nearly hurling herself across the width of the tunnel. She regains her balance and shrinks back away from the group, staring at the ground and mumbling a simple, "Shut up." |
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| KosST | Nov 30 2012, 03:47 PM Post #67 |
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Whiskey offers a big grin, but remains silent. He's amused, but keeps to himself. Antoine seems to go help as well, but stays in place once Sebastian pulls out the cleaver. Once Ariadne is free he offers a nod of support, taking a few steps towards her. "We all struggle, Ariadne. Each in our own ways. There is no shame here." He seems genuine. After all, not too long ago he was saved by nearly every Kindred present. He then looks back to the rest of the group, as if hoping he can keep them moving forward without further disparaging of Ariadne. Edited by KosST, Nov 30 2012, 05:19 PM.
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| KosST | Nov 30 2012, 09:10 PM Post #68 |
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Dana hears voices ahead. She raises a fist to silence the group. She points ahead to a break in the tunnel, a wall of bricks with a simple hole dug out. She and Natasha return to the group. Natasha starts shivering a bit. She whispers to the group. "In there. That's where she is. That's where we need to go." Antoine nods. "Need to make sure she can't escape." He takes a small pen knife and cuts into his wrist a bit, spilling a little blood onto the now-dirt floor behind him. He chants briefly in Greek, tossing more blood to the floor. "This path should be cut off from a retreat from them. If we all need to retreat, let me know, can get us through. But should make sure nobody leaves unless we want them too." He then looks at the group. "It's now or never." (OOC - Once the group enters the chamber, next part will begin, so any power activation or conversation befor entering the chamber should start now before next part begins) |
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| Kara | Dec 1 2012, 04:53 PM Post #69 |
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Ariadne watches Antoine drip blood on the ground, eyeing the process with a mix of skepticism and suspicion. When he finishes and addresses the ground, she merely nods from her position near the back, shifting her weight from one foot to the other with obvious anxiety. |
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| Holy | Dec 2 2012, 11:28 AM Post #70 |
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Salvador takes a few seconds to check over the shotgun, racking it, wiping a bit of grime off the trigger guard. He closes his eyes, steeling himself to the entryway. "Ready," he says quietly, a glance back the other way perhaps a small indication of the choice he thinks is smarter, but not on the table. |
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| Daniel | Dec 2 2012, 12:44 PM Post #71 |
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"Wait, so what if you bite it? We gonna be trapped in there by your hoodoo?" Dana says as she stretches out, arching he back and popping her knuckles in her own ritual of preparation. |
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| KosST | Dec 2 2012, 02:53 PM Post #72 |
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Antoine offers a nonchalant shrug to Dana's blunt question. "Theoretically the ritual should end. At least I believe it would." He offers a playful grin. "Given that I've never been destroyed before, I can't be too sure." |
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| tpenrod | Dec 2 2012, 07:05 PM Post #73 |
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Sebastian grips his cleaver more firmly, and gives a simple nod. " Ready as I'll ever be " |
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| KosST | Dec 2 2012, 08:31 PM Post #74 |
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Whiskey fishes out a flash he had in his pocket. He takes a deep swig from the metal bottle, gulping for a few moments before sealing the bottle and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Trina was always kind of a bitch." Natasha gasps a bit - apparently she liked Trina more than Whiskey - but nods her head a bit while rubbing arms with her hands, even though she can't be cold. "She's not who she used to be. Perhaps this is for the best." Antoine sees that the group seems to be ready. He chants again in Greek, but does not cut his flesh this time. It seems to merely be a prayer. (If you forgot to do something, let me know, but I'm proceeding since it seemed like everyone had a chance to read) ________________________ The group crosses the threshold of the hole in the bricked wall of the tunnel, taking steps into the chamber they have been looking for. The room is clearly old, again in the motif of man-made with touches of organic structure trying to break through. The chamber opens up into a large circular arena, perhaps thirty yards across. Compared to the constricting feeling of the tunnels and seemingly random bashing in of the brick wall that led to this room, it's surprisingly big. The room is again illuminated solely by flame. A series of standing candelabras line the walls, as well as a number of votive candles arranged on the floor. The room is half-lit, with long shadows moving back and forth along the walls. Along the back wall of the room is a disgusting mound of flesh built out of corpses in various states of decay. Situated on top of that mound of flesh is throne, built of dirty bone, worked away by gnawing teeth. On that throne sits a woman with short, dyed dark hair, wearing a frayed leather jacket and bluejeans turned a muddy brown with gore. Her eyes are dark black pools. ![]() A small chain runs from the throne to a steel pin - a thread through a needle - connected to the ground near the mass of flesh. The other end of the chain is attached to a collar around the throat of a man heaped upon the ground. Dirty black hair covers his face. He has been stripped naked, and is equally caked in dirt and blood. ![]() There are other sounds in the room, lingering in the shadows that dance along the walls. Whether they are figures or imagination is hard to tell without a better look. (Wits + Investigation + Optional Auspex -4) The figure on the throne looks at the group with some withering disdain. "Oh Natasha, I see you decided to bring us some entertainment this evening. And here I thought you forgot all about me. So good of you to join us." For her part, Natasha doesn't respond to the woman. She instead is pinning her gaze to the floor. The woman looks towards the group. "And what tribute have you brought me?" |
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| Kara | Dec 3 2012, 01:37 PM Post #75 |
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Ariadne lifts her gaze, staring at the dancing shadows on the walls. Her attention is caught for a long moment, and she begins to shuffle her way toward Antoine, murmuring, "More over there, two." She looks at Trina now, while nervously grinding the toe of one shoe into the dirt and dust underfoot. Another few moments pass before the thin girl begins to speak, her voice barely projecting enough to reach the throne before them. "We're... Here to talk about that... Tribute and...us wanting to use the space down here, some of it, too..." |
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| KosST | Dec 3 2012, 01:55 PM Post #76 |
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Trina looks towards Ariadne, staring at the girl for a moment before responding. Spoiler for Ariadne Spoiler: click to toggle "And who are you, child? Who are any of you?" She gestures towards many of the assembled. "I am not keen to share my space with the likes of simpering fools. What value do you have? What can you offer as tribute?" |
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| Daniel | Dec 3 2012, 07:56 PM Post #77 |
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"What the hell do you mean, who are any of you? We're the Brides of Count Motherfucking Dracula, that's who, and so are you. You're our goddamn President, not some prissy Daeva queen! Jesus, Trina, what's gotten you?" Dana cries in disgust. |
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| KosST | Dec 3 2012, 08:23 PM Post #78 |
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The naked man uncurls a bit, and raises his head up to look at Dana. "Dana, please...don't...." The chain is jerked violently by Trina, causing the man to be dragged against the mound of bodies. He makes a choking noise and remains on the floor. Trina's head slowly adjusts from focusing on Ariadne to Dana. She looks at her fellow Bride for a long moment before responding, as if contemplating who this person is. Finally she speaks. "Dana... yes.... of course. I'm sorry for forgetting for a moment. It's been too long." She nods to Whiskey as well. "And Whiskey, so glad you could come as well. Natasha no doubt sought your help. And of course you just leapt to defend her. As always." Whiskey for once seems silenced and simmering with anger rather than his more jovially-angry self. She gestures to the Brides to approach. "Come, join me and Jacky. It's been lonely down here without family. And bring your friends as well. Perhaps we could all enjoy some entertainment." |
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| KosST | Dec 4 2012, 12:28 PM Post #79 |
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Antoine exchanges a quick glance to Sebastian and Salvador. A grim nod. The Primogen has otherwise remained silent. ____________________ Natasha seems to draw some resolve from Dana's exclamation. Natasha tries to plead momentarily with Trina. "Trina please! Let Jacky go! You're not you. You're not well. Let us help you." Trina again gazes at Natasha. "Help me? Why would I need the help of you, Natasha? You can offer so little. It's why I let you go, you dumb bitch. Nothing more than a honeypot. And it seems you drew something worthwhile." Trina's voice seems to break between two states -imperious and vulgar. "Gives me a chance to get back at Dana, the bitch. This is all your fault. You. You did this to us to me. Brought us here! Bout time I got the chance to break your weak ass into a dozen pieces and guzzle you down. You fucking owe me." ____________________ |
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| Daniel | Dec 4 2012, 07:38 PM Post #80 |
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Despite the terrible threat posed by this new turn of events, Dana is able to crack a smile when Trina goes into a rougher vocabulary. "That's the bitch we all know and love. Fuck it, we know you're in there! And you're pissed! Well, so am I! You think I like being stuck in this town either?" She shifts stance slightly, perhaps more combative, more aggressive, "Where you and I come from, if you got a problem with someone, you fucking talk to them. And if they don't listen, you beat them 'til they do. You don't go fucking with people's heads, you don't set 'honeypots,' you talk smack and fists." Relaxing, but only slightly, "Look, if we get out of here, get your head on straight, we can go find whoever did this shit and suck em' dry." |
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| KosST | Dec 4 2012, 08:47 PM Post #81 |
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The naked man attempts to stand, faltering. He's shaking his head violently. "Run... run..." Trina offers a slight, very disconcerting smile. "But Dana my dear, nothing is wrong with me. Just because I'm better than the rest of you fuckers, you come down here trying to "fix" me? Pleeeeaase. Maybe instead of trying to help me, I should help you." She clicks her fingers counting off the members of the coterie. "Hmm, yes... very interesting. I could use some of this. Tell me, Dana, which one will you offer me?" Antoine says something in Latin, trying to get Salvador's attention. Spoiler: click to toggle Trina stares at Antoine. "I'm right here, you know. And I know." Edited by KosST, Dec 4 2012, 09:25 PM.
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| tpenrod | Dec 4 2012, 11:48 PM Post #82 |
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Sebastian has been silent to this point, but takes a moment as Trina's attention focuses on Antoine to attempt to settle the high tension in the air. He raises his free hand in the air, as if asking a question in a classroom. " Excuse me, Trina, was it? " He flips out one of his business cards and flicks it along the ground. It doesn't quite reach where she is, but lays there for display none the less. " Sebastian Thorne, magician for hire. Pleasure. " He waits for a moment, certain he could very well die for this little outburst, but with options running low, he feels the need to try *something* " Before Dana answers your question, maybe you could answer mine. Offer for what? What exactly do you plan to do with us should we join your little party? Maybe there's some kind of arrangement we can reach?" Sebastian attempts a smile, as if to appear friendly with the gesture. It broadcasts as a fearful, uncertain grin. |
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| KosST | Dec 5 2012, 12:35 AM Post #83 |
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(OOC - sorry folks had to fix a few things as I was going in the wrong direction for a bit) She notes the card, but makes no move to pick it up. "Sebastian Thorne. Magician. The offer is the same made to any lost soul looking for direction. Guidance. Strength. Love. Power. A place where you belong." "The ear of a force that will actually listen. Power you've always wanted. Freedom of the nagging need to plot and plan and think. In short, desires gratified." "The only thing anyone ever wants, Sebastian Thorne. The only thing worth pursuing at all." She looks towards the pile of meat. "There are other alternatives, of course." She cocks her head again, and her voice shifts. It is clear that she is speaking as two separate voices. "As if I need a group of fucking losers like you holding me back. Maybe if you lick my feet and beg I'll let one or two of you live. Yeah, that sounds about right. Wore out my last slave." She pulls on the chain holding Jacky-boy, who collapses. Edited by KosST, Dec 5 2012, 01:53 AM.
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| Holy | Dec 6 2012, 11:28 AM Post #84 |
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Salvador starts to step forward, the clack of metal and plastic following his steps as he places the shotgun on the floor next to Natasha. "I belong to the Brides, bought and paid by a Primogen of the over-city. If you want someone to take his place," an unnecessary motion of his hand indicates Jacky, "It's me. But please let him go." "If I need to lick your feet, so be it." |
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| KosST | Dec 6 2012, 11:36 AM Post #85 |
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Trina's head follows this new turn of events. When Salvador moves past Natasha and drops his shotgun, Natasha offers a simple "Don't" while Salvador continues. Trina seems intrigued by the change of attitude. "I cannot release him. Nor would he let me. He's hopelessly devoted to me, you see." Jacky offers a slight shaking nod. "Still, perhaps if you offer yourself, it shall go better for the others." She then extends her foot out from her place on the mound. It rests gently on a matted bloody scalp, awaiting Salvador. |
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| Holy | Dec 6 2012, 12:15 PM Post #86 |
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Salvador's eyes drop to the skull. When they look up again, he continues to engage Trina. "Then why the chain? True devotion doesn't need a collar." He walks a few more steps forward, hands spreading to show they contain nothing. |
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| KosST | Dec 6 2012, 12:26 PM Post #87 |
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Trina seems annoyed by the quip. "The chain is to protect him from himself. His love is overpowering, and would cause him to.......he'd fuck things up like a jackass if........" She stops herself, realizing she's walking into something. Instead she taps on the skull with the heel of her foot again. |
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| Holy | Dec 6 2012, 01:11 PM Post #88 |
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Salvador crosses the last few steps to stand before her, slowly sinking to first one knee then the second. Forcing a swallow, he bends his head down, reaching out to barely cup her foot, a vision out of a Cinderalla story gone macabre. A tiny kiss is lain upon it. |
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| Kara | Dec 6 2012, 02:08 PM Post #89 |
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Ariadne watches the back and forth with clear anxiety, inching a few steps further away from Trina and her throne. Her attention becomes riveted on Salvador as he goes over to her, but she doesn't move one way or another. |
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| KosST | Dec 6 2012, 03:00 PM Post #90 |
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Trina watches as Salvador prostrates himself before her. She is clearly delighted, and offers a smile as his lips caress her flesh. She whispers "Good...good..." as the act occurs. She then ruffles Salvador's hair a bit with her toes. She then looks towards the rest of the group. "Any others who will offer their loyalty?" Natasha stirs. Poor, broken Natasha, who had led the group down here for unknown motives and has been out of her mind at times, stirs a bit. Whiskey raises a hand as she moves, uttering a simple " 'Tasha are you fucking crazy?" but she seems to ignore it. She slowly moves towards Trina, her arms out in front of her as if offering her goddess a gift. She kneels as well before the mound, bringing herself next to Salvador. As she is parallel to his position in front of Trina, she glances towards him for a second. "Brave. Nice. Dumb, but nice." She then looks towards Trina. Trina in response offers a doting smile. "Ah, Natasha. I have waited for this. You have done me well in the past, and shall do me well in the future. I accept your need." Natasha offers a grim smirk for her former President who has brought her to this place. "Trina? Hun? I just gotta say.... you're a huuuuuuuuge bitch." A lightningstrike rips through the dark subterranean chamber, a flash of bright light illuminating the room as Trina's leather jacket is ripped to shreds. The queen's throne of bone shatters and Trina falls backwards off the mound, rocked from a blast from the shotgun that materialized in Natasha's hands. Kos spoiler Spoiler: click to toggle The room goes mad for a moment as darkness returns. Jacky-boy snarls and pounces on Natasha, who drops the shotgun she had as Jacky pummels her. Two howling figures appear out of the shadows, a woman with ruddy razors for fingers wearing a torn fabric dress and a man wearing dirty flannel pants. And the mound of flesh itself begins to stir as two sets of arms on once still corpses begin to pull against the rest of the bodies. Trina has stood up again, visible next to the mound. Her jacket has been severely shredded, the patches that once meant so much to a Bride falling to the floor. Malevolence radiates from her form. "Bad move, bitch." (Huzzah for quasi-combat, quasi-narrative resolution) Edited by KosST, Dec 6 2012, 03:10 PM.
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