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Never Walk Alone; Sequel to Black Friday Rule
Topic Started: May 13, 2008, 10:14 am (47,750 Views)
Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
[ * ]
These are some of the places mentioned in this chapter:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki_Senate_Square
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moomin_World

Chapter 54

Andrew arrived back at the hotel room the next morning. He was still a bit hungover, but feeling better now.

Dave and Catriona were waiting for him, concerned looks on their faces. "Dobroe utro, Uncle Dave, kiska", he said, his voice slightly slurred.

"Andrew, are you all right? I hope you and Alexi didn't get too wasted", she chided.

"I am fine, kiska. I've gone out drinking before with them, all I have ever gotten was a hangover", he said.

"You'd better not, kid. We're going out after breakfast, Helsinki is a gorgeous city. I wanna see more before we move onto St. Petersburg", said Dave.

"Oh, all right", said Andrew, taking a flask out of his pocket and draining it.

"I hope that's not more booze", she chided.

"Nyet, it is Alexi's hangover cure, whisky and Pepto-Bismol. It does the trick, da?", he chuckled, seeing the shocked looks on their faces.

"Eww, that sounds gross. I'll pass, I'll just stick to hair of the dog", said Catriona, making a face.

"She's right, that sounds disgusting. I hope it works, though", chuckled Dave.


After they had breakfast, they left the hotel and took the train to Senate Square in downtown Helsinki. "I know, it is very impressive. It was supposed to be modeled on the one in St. Petersburg, but smaller", said Andrew, smiling at the astonished look on her face.

"I was the same when I first saw it, back in the eighties. I like it better than Stockholm, it's more grand. I mean, Sweden is nice, but the Swedish people are reserved as hell. Finnish people are nuts, even more so when they drink. Alexi and the boys confirmed that", chuckled Dave.

Senate Square was crowded with shoppers, tourists and people on their way to work. It was a warm summer's day, the sky overhead a brilliant azure blue with only a few wispy clouds. The square was full of lovely white houses and historic buildings, the enormous neo-Classical Lutheran cathedral looming over them.

"Oh, that's the Tuomiokirkko, the big Lutheran cathedral. It's not much inside, though, Lutherans are not much on decorations. Later I will show you the Orthodox church", said Andrew, a dreamy look on his face.

"Are you Orthodox?", she asked.

"Da, I was baptized and confirmed. I don't go very often, I doubt God could approve of my current profession. But I do go to the one in Sacramento sometimes. My mother is quite devout, but she was born Jehovah's Witness, she converted when she married my father", he replied.

"I know, Michelle is very devout. I don't mind, I'd rather be around Christians than someone with no religion. Then again, I read the Satanic Bible, I'm getting old", he joked.

The three of them spent the morning exploring downtown Helsinki. Dave and Andrew were terrific guides, pointing out the landmarks and sights.

"I've only been to Helsinki once, that's when I was a kid. I do remember Uncle Kirk and Uncle James taking me to see Moomin World. It was cool, but I think I'm too old for that now", she said, making a face.

"Yeah, I took the kids there too. Electra like it, but Justis hated it. He was into the Power Rangers at the time", he chuckled.

"My mother used to read me the stories. I never liked them, but my sister did, Maria liked the Moomin Mama", said Andrew, stopping in front of the Military Museum.

"What is it with you guys and military stuff?", she asked, as they entered the museum.

"It's a guy thing. And you liked the Imperial War Museum", joked Dave.

They joined a tour group forming in the lobby. Dave and Catriona wore headsets with the tour in English, while Andrew preferred the Finnish version. The other members of the tour group ignored them, assuming they were American tour groups.

The museum itself wasn't big as the one in London, but it was still interesting. The museum mostly had exhibits on the Winter War and the Continuation War. Most of the placards were in Finnish, but they were able to get the English translation from the headsets.

Andrew was particularly interested in how the Finnish partisans fought the Red Army, that guerrilla bands of peasants could fight off such a large force. If only the Russians had been more insistent, they might have one. But it is good anyway, then we would not have these great bands, he thought.

"Kiitos on kayda museo", said the guide.

"I'm going to meet Amy, she says she wants to take me shopping, I hope you guys won't mind", said Catriona.

"Don't worry, Miss Kitty. You girls have a great time", said Dave.
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Battery
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Whisky and Pepto-Bismol does sounds rather gross :lol: but oh well, as long as it works...
And thanks for the links, especially the one with Moomin World, I LOVED that cartoon :lol: (in Polish it was called 'Muminki' :lol: ), it was pretty creepy for a cartoon for little kids, but I loved it :lol: .


I think I'm overusing this smiley -> :lol: ................ :lol:
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Wishful
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Cliff and Lars Lover
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God damn that the chapter before was so hot!! and EEWWW whiskey and pepto-bismol that is seriously gross, :puke:. Me likey more please? :biggrin
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maisy blue
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Vanessa, you are so smart. How do you know all this awesome stuff? I loved the links, thanks.
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Verity
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The Story Girl
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That chapter was cool. Whiskey and Pepto does sound really vile. I always thought that a bloody Mary is a good cure for a hangover. At least that's what one of my crazy friends tells me.

This story rocks and I can't wait to see what Kitty is going to get on her shopping expedition. :dance
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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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I'm in a good mood, ladies :) I got the idea for the Pepto-Bismol whiskey thing from a Revolver issue with Children of Bodom when they were on the Unholy Alliance tour. Alexi mentioned that it was his hangover cure and everyone else was like, :o :puke: , they thought it was so disgusting. Glad you liked the links, I thought some background would be good so you could see what they were doing in Helsinki.

Chapter 55

"So, what's it like being in a band?", asked Amy.

Catriona took a sip of her beer, a twinkle in her hazel eyes. "Your boyfriend's in a band, you should know. Just kidding. It's awesome, and a bit strange. I mean, I'm in a band like my dad was, and I've been on tour with my uncles and all but when you're in a band, it's different. Instead of goofing off, you have to actually perform", she said thoughtfully.

Catriona and Amy had spent the afternoon in downtown Helsinki. They were now at a cafe', having drinks and talking after being on their feet all day.

To her delight, she found that Amy was a fellow metalhead and as well as being a fellow Yank. Both were huge Nightwish fans and had been on tour with their families' bands, Catriona with Metallica and Amy with Lamb of God and Children of Bodom.

"Don't tell me that's how you join the Hate Crew?", she asked in disbelief.

"I'm not kidding. You have to stand on your head and have someone pour whiskey down your throat. If it comes out of your nose, you're in the Hate Crew", said Amy.

"Damn, I don't think I could do that. Are you in the Hate Crew?", she asked.

"No, girls aren't allowed, Alexi says that girls can't handle the initiation. Randy and Mark are in the Hate Crew, though, I saw them. Andrew is going to have his initiation coming up in Japan, then he has to get a tattoo to make it totally official", replied Amy.

"That is hardcore. I hope he doesn't get hurt", she said, concerned.

"Nah, he's going to be fine. Cat, what is it with you, Dave and Andrew? You guys are so close, it's weird", said Amy, taking a sip of her martini.

Catriona took a gulp of her Karhu, feeling the strong beer go through her body. "Dave is Andrew's uncle, he's an awesome guy", she said.

Her expression grew serious, as she took another sip of beer. "Amy, I'm holding you to this, you can't tell anyone because Dave could get in big trouble. You have to swear", she hissed.

Amy was surprised at her intensity. "I promise, I won't tell. What happened?", she asked.

Catriona leaned closer. "Andrew, Dave and I are a menage a trois. Both of them are my boyfriends. If his ex-wife finds out, she can use that to deny him visits with his kids. Dave used to be crazy, but he adores his kids. If he couldn't see them, it would devastate him. It's important to him that he stay in his kids' lives, unlike his own father. Amy, promise me you won't tell anyone", she said, her hazel eyes almost green with passion.

"I promise, Cat. I like Dave, he's been good to us, and Alexi says he's a great guy. I won't tell anyone", she vowed.
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maisy blue
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Oh, crap. I *really* hope Amy sticks to her word. She seems cool, so I'm not terribly worried, but...

Andrew is a wild child!
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Verity
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The Story Girl
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I hope that Amy keeps her word. If she gets pissed at Kitty though, she can use it against her.


Good chapter!!!! It left me wanting more!

Awesome. :horns2
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Battery
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Some Kind Of Monster
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I hope Amy won't tell anyone what Kitty told her too...
:heart:
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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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Chapter 56

"Hey, see you guys in Japan, do svidaniya", said Andrew, giving Alexi a hug. They were standing on the platform of the train station, waiting to board. Dave, Andrew, and Catriona were going to St. Petersburg to visit Andrew's family. After that, they were going to resume Gigantour in Japan.

"Yeah, I hope you guys have a great time. And keep your eyes peeled, Russian chicks are hot", joked Alexi, as Amy playfully smacked him.

"Da, I have a beautiful girlfriend, I do not need more women. See you in Japan, Allu", he said. The train whistled, the piercing shriek echoing throughout the station.

"All right, follow me", said Dave, leading them on board the train. The sleek modern train sat on the tracks, the exterior all polished steel and glass. The interior was all cream carpet and walls, wide comfortable chairs in a warm brown and burnt orange upholstery.

"How long is the trip?", asked Catriona, as they got in their seats.

"It's about six or seven hours, depends. The scenery of the suburbs isn't that great, but once we reach the Gulf of Finland, it is quite beautiful. My parents have a dacha in Repino outside the city, maybe we will be able to see it. My father will meet us at the station, I will introduce you to Maria and Tamara, my sisters, they are eager to meet you", said Andrew.

"I can't wait to see them too. Michelle and Dmitri are great people, Kitty. And my niece Maria is a big Tolkien fan as well, Tamara isn't into that, she's a model. Don't worry, they're good girls, you'll like them", said Dave reassuringly.

The train left the station, the motion under them barely noticeable. They left the tunnel of the station and emerged into the sunlight, passing by suburban Helsinki and the surrounding areas.

They passed through southern Finland, the water peeking out from behind the dense forests. The sun was a brilliant disk high in the sky, casting it's glow on the forests and lakes like a diamond throwing it's light onto emeralds and sapphires.

Dave was reading a Russian phrasebook, while Andrew and Catriona gazed out the window. It's been so long since I've seen forests like these, I hope we can visit the dacha, he thought.

Wow, this is some thick forest. If elves were real, they'd live here, amongst all the trees, she mused.
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maisy blue
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Sounds beautiful....
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Verity
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The Story Girl
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That forest reminds me of the Redwood Forest. When I was in there I even said "This is like Lord of the Rings." Like Kitty and the elves. :)

Can't wait to meet Andrew's family. :dance
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Wishful
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Cliff and Lars Lover
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Ooooo i hope Amy holds her tongue! that forest sounded divine!
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Lucifer's Angel
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Heavy Metal Seanchai
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Chapter 57

It was mid-afternoon when the train pulled into the Finland Station just outside the city. Andrew had an eager smile on his lips, his green eyes dancing with excitement.

"I know, I'm excited too", chuckled Dave, putting the book in his bag. They gathered up their bags and left the train. On the platform was a dignified middle-aged man. He was tall and muscular, his black hair turning gray at the temples, wearing a tailored suit with a matching tie.

Andrew walked over him, as the man embraced him. "Zdravstvyte, Andrew. Kak dela?", he asked.

"Khorosho, spasibo, Papa", he replied.

"Hello Dave, Michelle is preparing supper for everyone. And you must be Catriona, nyet? His words do not do justice to your beauty", he said, taking her hand in his and gently kissing it.

Catriona blushed prettily. "Thank you, sir", she replied shyly.

"Nonsense, you are a very beautiful girl, Catriona, but not as beauty as my own lovely wife. And please call me Dmitri, we are not formal here", he said, his green eyes twinkling with amusement.

Dmitri led them to his car in the parking lot. "This is just before rush hour, it will not take long. Catriona, our apartment is in Sennaya Ploschard. It is very beautiful, and nearby is the Theater District. I do hope you enjoy your stay here", he said, driving the car out of the parking lot.

The area around the train station was rather dull, all flat fields and concrete apartment blocks. But the city itself was magnificent, it's grandeur providing total contrast.

Catriona's eyes widened in awe, taking in all the sights. Palaces and elaborate Orthodox churches lined the banks of the Neva River, their gold and marble exteriors reflected in the water. All sorts of people were around them: travelers, business people, tourists, families, elderly women followed by their grandchildren, teenagers in the latest fashions hand in hand.

"Da, you don't see cities like this back in California. We must show you the rest, wait until you see the palaces, Peterhof, Tsarskoe Selo, Pavolvsk, they are so beautiful", sighed Andrew.

"I know, my kids were impressed, those palaces are gorgeous. Pam was bored by them, though, she wanted to go shopping", said Dave.

"Da, don't think about it, Dave. Pam is not a bad woman, but she did not like it here. I do wish you had brought along Justis and Electra, they loved it here. You must try to find another woman, surely with your band you can find many women, nyet?", chuckled Dmitri.

Dave blushed. "I'm too old for groupies, Dmitri. The girls go for the younger guys, you should've seen the guys in Bodom, they see more ass than a toilet seat, except Alexi because he has a girlfriend", he joked.

"I see. Tamara likes their music, it drives me crazy. Why must children insist on playing such crazy music, nyet?", he said, rolling his eyes.

They arrived at an apartment building several minutes later. The building was six stories high, the facade made of white marble trimmed with gargoyles at the corners. A young man in uniform took the car keys and drove the car under the building to the parking lot.

The liveried doorman saw Dmitri and saluted him. "Hello, Mr. Mikhailovich. These are your guests?", he asked.

"Da, this is my son's girlfriend and my brother- in- law", he replied.

"Enjoy your stay", he said, opening the door.

"I live on the third floor. Dave, you will have the guestroom and Andrew, you and Catriona can stay in your old room. Be considerate of your mother and sisters", he chuckled.

The lobby was done in cream tile and marble walls, the carpet a rich maroon. The elevator had gleaming polished wooden doors and shining brass trim, the buttons with instructions in Cyrillic.

Dmitri pressed a button, as the elevator made a dinging sound. He wordlessly pressed the button for the third floor, as it moved.

"This is the button for the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors. This is the stop button, this is the emergency one", said Andrew, pointing out the buttons.

Dmitri led them out of the elevator and to a door down the hall. It was done just like the lobby, all cream, beige and maroon.

He unlocked the door and opened the door. The tempting aroma of dinner greeted them, as a woman embraced Dmitri, and then Dave and Andrew. She resembled a female version of Dave, with his red hair and warm hazel eyes, dressed in jeans and black t-shirt, an apron over her clothes.

"Dave, Andrew, I'm so glad to see you guys", she said, speaking with an American accent.

"Me too, Mama. Mama, this is my girlfriend, Catriona Burton", he said.

"Very glad to meet you, Catriona. Andrew keeps talking about you, and I love your voice. I'm cooking Beef Stroganoff, borscht, and I've baked piroyki, the way you liked it with strawberries", said Michelle.

"Thank you, but I am going to get fat, Mama", he joked.

"Nonsense, you've always been skinny. Why don't you rest for a bit, Maria and Tamara should be home soon", said Michelle.
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maisy blue
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Some Kind Of Monster
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Wow it sounds BEAUTIFUL. Now I want to travel there badly! This chapter was AWESOME! You should write travel guides, or at the very least, travel-related fiction (which, I guess, is what you are doing for us!)


:heart: :heart:
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