Conflicted
Conflict Continuum
Digression
Conflicts
Conflicted Rules
CC High Council

The sun was finally up so Fox didn't see any reason to keep lying in bed. Crawling out from under the covers she headed across the the room and into the bathroom. Turning the shower on she stepped under the cold spray and sighed gently. Her mind and body were both tired from a completely restless night. "But you have shit to do, she wake the hell up..." She mumbled to herself as she washed her body. Groaning in appreciation, she stepped out of the spray and dried herself off. Wandering back into the bedroom she stuck her head into the closet and pulled out a form fitting tank that dipped low and a pair of black jeans. They were still in pretty good condition but all her clothes were starting to wear. Pulling the clothes on she strutted into the kitchen to have a quick bite to eat.

As she entered the kitchen, Benny was already there, sitting on his usual stool but with a loss of confidence. He looked tired, dark circles under his eyes were stark against slightly pale skin. He was a little dirty, but didn't seem to notice, or at least not care, his shoulders slumped slightly as if in defeat. He didn't even have to look up to know it was her that entered the kitchen. No, his heart screamed in joy, and it was enough. "I'm sorry you didn't sleep well," he said quietly, his voice betraying that he honestly felt sorry. He wasn't sure what else to say. His body quivered visibly. He desperately fought the urge to hug her, hold her close, comfort her. He couldn't even look up at her for fear he would loose the little control he had. She wouldn't want that, she had been so angry at him. Probably didn't want him anymore. He just had to hear it though, and then he would step out of her sight forever, even if he couldn't leave her, he would stay out of the way. He just had to hear it.

"Benny..." The words slipped out of her lips, barely above a whisper. Fox hadn't expected to see him so soon or in their kitchen. Chewing on her bottom lip she sighed and rushed across the room and into his lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buried her face in his neck and groaned softly. "Benny..."

For the second time in far too short of a span, Benny felt his chest explode, but luckily this time it was relief, his heart wanting nothing more than to wrap her with love but, failing that, he let his arms do it instead. The moment she was in his lap he had so naturally held her close as if to say he would never let her go, not just because he couldn't but because he didn't want to. He hid his eyes against her shoulder, trying so hard not to let tears fall. "I thought you'd never want to see me again," he admitted, his voice saturated with pain and yet tinged with his relief that no such thing was true.

Fox nuzzled once again and shook her head. "I wanted to be mad at you. I really did. I tried. But it's not an easy thing for me, to be mad at you." Sighing heavily she shook her head and began to climb off of him. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the note from the night before, she'd put it in her pants when she'd changed. Toying with it for a moment she sighed and handed it over to Benny. "This was slipped into my hand last night. I thought you might want to know."

Benny had to forcefully quell the instant panic that rose up when Fox moved away, assuring himself she wasn't going far and wasn't rejecting him anymore. He took the note, his hand only slightly shaking as his body tried to become relaxed with her again instead of pleading, and read over it briefly, having to read it again as the first time he had half his attention on her. That done, his eyes were slightly wide. He looked up at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Fox, this is... Who could have wrote this other than... but.. he's dead, isn't he?" He looked at the note again, trying not to crumple it in a fist. "Someone has targeted you very specifically..."

"I think there's only one person it could be. But... I'm with you, he's supposed to be dead." Sighing heavily Fox slid back into his lap, resting her head against his. "What do you think we should do?" Chewing on her bottom lip she frowned as her front door burst open. "Hey! We thought we'd open up shop for you two so that way you can...talk." Rain winked playfully and ducked back out of the room. Rolling her eyes, Fox turned her attention back to Benny.

Benny turned his attention back to Fox, having barely looked at the door at Rain's outburst. "I think... we should be on our guard," he replied, mentally shrugging off the interruption. He was still lavishing in the return of having Fox in his arms, and he wasn't really as alert as he usually would be, or as cautious. "We have no evidence it's really him, and we can't let our fears rule our lives... not anymore, anyway. Nonetheless, we'll stay aware. Don't worry-" He shifted his head carefully to place a kiss on her forehead. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

Fox nodded her head gently and closed her eyes when Benny's soft lips came into contact with her forehead. "You know we have to help in the club today... I haven't been much of an owner recently. Leaving everything up to my employees. I can do that sometimes, but now always." Standing she walked over to door and pulled on her shoes, sighing at the nuisance. She hated shoes. Could go her whole life without them if it were allowed.

Benny followed her like a loyal dog, with perhaps a bit more poise. He couldn't help but wrap his arms around her again, this time from behind. "I'll keep a look out, ok?" he promised and noticed her sigh, and where her attention was. He frowned. "We'll get up a bit earlier, before the club opens tomorrow, and I'll take you to the lake. No need for shoes there." He smiled and kissed her hair before he let go and offered just his hand so they could walk down to the club together.

Benny knew her so well. Fox hated shoes. She wasn't entirely sure why, she just always figured it had something to do with being a Fae. Smiling down at their hands she led the way to the bar where Rain and Aaliyah were. "Morning..." Smiling fondly at Rain she took a seat. "I need to thank you all for keeping the place going yesterday."

---

As the sun rose and its rays spilled in through her window, Talia began to stir from her sleep. She rolled over and yawned lightly then opened her eyes and smiled. She sat up and stretched her arms up skyward then slipped from her bed, humming a soft tune to herself as she did. She poked her head out of her bedroom door, glancing round curiously. "Dash?" she called then listened for a moment before shrugging and disappearing back into her room. He must have stayed with Benny and Fox.. she thought as she picked a simple black tshirt and jeans from her wardrobe which she laid on the bed. After showering quickly she dressed then moved from the bedroom into the kitchen to fix herself some breakfast.

A knock sounded on Talia's door as Quinn waited on the other side. He rocked back and forth on his toes and heels, impatient to be inside and out of the general public, even if the hall wasn't exactly a public access point. He shifted his bag a bit higher, conscious that he looked very much like a lost drifter. But that hardly mattered when his mind was everywhere else.

"That must be Emory..Dash doesn't knock." Talia muttered with a smirk as she turned and moved to the front door. After peering through the peep hole she opened the door with a welcoming smile. "Morning. Come on in.." she said stepping aside to let him enter the apartment. "Did you manage to get all your things?"

Quinn entered and pulled his bag off his shoulders with a frown. "Most of it. I think someone found it all before I got back." He opened his bag and started looking through his clothes before standing straight again and looking over at Talia. "Do...you wouldn't happen to have a place to...wash up, would you?" His hands shook slightly at the idea of having to change in front of anyone. He sincerely hoped she had somewhere with a door that locked.

"Of course. You can get cleaned up in the bathroom. Theres fresh towels and everything else you would need..." Talia replied motioning to the door that led to the bathroom. "I'll fix you up some breakfast while you're in there." She gave a friendly smile then turned and wandered back into the kitchen.

Seeing the door, Quinn breathed a sigh in relief and nodded. "Thank you again," he said and disappeared. He threw his bag down on the floor as he locked the door and turned to the shower. It took more than a moment to figure it out and he stripped down, stepping in, glad that for once in his life he was somewhere with someone who actually cared about his comfort. That thought surprised him a bit, and he stood in the spray, his eyebrows pulled together as he pondered this newest development.

Talia got to work preparing a breakfast for herself, Quinn and Dash, hoping that he would be joining them soon. She returned to humming the tune from earlier and her hips swayed in time to her song. She set out plates and cups on the dining table, along with cereals and jams. It wasn't going to be a lavisj breakfast but at least it was food. She turned her back to the door, still dancing on the spot as she busied herself with cutting the slightly stale loaf of bread into thin slices.

Dash smiled at the sight of Talia dancing, staying quiet so he could admire her a moment. It was good she wasn't actually cooking. He really didn't want her to burn down the building. He had been busy most of the night and was now rather tired, but it didn't matter. Seeing her gave him some strength. Mind of matter, he supposed. Tugging himself into the reality of the situation instead of the fantasies buddin in his head, he noticed the sound of the shower and frowned, tilting his head as if to listen better. "Did you leave the shower running?" he asked, forgetting he hadn't actually announced his presence yet.

Jumping in surprise, Talia spun round on the spot to face Dash. "You scared me!" she said then moved to him, a large smile spreading across her face. "No, theres someone using the shower silly. I went to get groceries last night and I bumped into this guy...literally. He dropped all his bits of paperwork with directions and maps, things like that and I felt bad because it basically meant he was lost and it was kinda my fault. So I brought him back here to stay." She said still smiling as she watched Dash. "Funny thing is he's actually looking for you, Benny and Fox."

Dash's eyes narrowed a fraction and he looked toward the bathroom door, one arm wrapping around Talia's waist to absently pull her close, more to sooth his aching heart than to protect her. "Who carries maps?" he wondered quietly to himself. He frowned and looked at Talia again. "So.. you just let him in? Just like that? That's really unsafe you know." He couldn't bring himself to be mad. Much as he wanted to, he didn't know it was a bad person. They weren't all bad right? But then again, why would they be looking for Fox, his brother, and himself? "Did he say what he wanted?" he asked, trying to stay conversational rather than suspicious, or angry that someone other than himself had, apparently, stayed the night with his soul mate.

After a few minutes of washing, Quinn stepped out and grabbed the nearest towel, drying his hair and then wiping himself off before even stepping out of the shower. He dug through his bag and found a clean shirt and pants, pulling them on and wiping off the mirror so he could look at himself. What was he doing here, trying to ruin someone's life? What was he doing? Driving that thought from his mind, he shoved everything back into his bag and stepped barefoot from the bathroom, pausing when he saw that Talia wasn't alone.

"He just said that a reliable source told him you's could help him amd provide safety for him, though he didn't know their name. He's new round here and he told me most people would prefer to see him dead because of what he is. What is he again?" Talia looked thoughtful for a few moments then smiled as she suddenly remembered. "He's a Deiciden. He told me he can kill any creature with just one blow but that he doesn't want to..." She added the last part quickly so Dash wouldn't be alarmed. At the sound of the bathroom door opening she turned her head and smiled brightly at Quinn, Dash's arm still wrapped around her waist. "Emory don't be shy, come on over."

Dash's arm tightened slightly around Talia at the word 'Deiciden' and her following words did not make him relax it. What would one of those want with not killing creatures? He had never seen one, never met one, and if the stories he was told were true, he was not eager to do so. They were the boogey men of his world, and the thought made him feel small again. More importantly, however, was how the actual existence of one threatened them, and his body was quickly on alert. When the door open, his attention was immediately taking in the creature that stepped out. It looked so harmless, whatever it was, but that did not make him relax. Many years of war and underground work taught him not to simply trust his eyes. So it's name was Emory then? He questioned it's gender momentarily, then decided for his purposes it didn't really matter one way or the other. Much as he didn't want to be stressed he supposed he would have to stay on alert for now and unfortunately not leave Talia alone with it. "I hear you have been looking for me," he offered civilly in stead of an actual greeting. Normally he would have denied any connection to himself until he was sure this man could be trusted, but it seemed Talia had already laid nearly their full hand on the table, and Emory would know they did not hold a flush.

Quinn's bag hit the floor, falling from his nerveless hands. This was exactly what he did not want to witness. Quinn did not want to see them together, being loving and sharing whatever they had to share. But he was a soldier, and the sight of two people holding one another would not sway his purpose. His blank expression changed to embarrassment as his bag tipped over and spilled clothes and books onto the floor. Since he had already played the nervous card with Talia, and he could do that with ease, Quinn stuck to that ploy, dropping down into a crouch to begin shoving things back into his bag as quickly as he could, not actually returning Dash's stated inquiry just yet. Not until he zipped his bag and looked up, standing slowly from his crouch, did he answer. "Um...I'm n-not sure." He paused. That was perfect, his voice had risen an octave, making him sound even more feminine than usual.

When Quinn had dropped his bag on the ground Talia had made a move to help him but stopped when she felt Dash's tight grip around her waist. She glanced down at his arm and then up into his face, an eyebrow raised. "How about you two boys sit down at the table and i'll finish bringing breakfast over. You's both must be really hungry.." She smiled in turn to both at them before settling her eyes on Dash once more and lowering her voice. "You're going to have to let me go.." she whispered with a playful smile.

Dash tore his attention away from Quinn when Talia spoke to him and answered without missing a beat. "Never," he said, the honesty in that one word flooring. Still, he did slide his arm out from around her and used that hand to stroke her hair once fondly before he let her go, moving to the couch to sit down. He had been up all night, he was exhausted, but now he had to deal with Talia's stray. She really was too kind for her own good. "You're not sure you're looking for me?" he asked Quinn and raised an eyebrow at him. He was not exactly trying to make this more difficult, but he had no desire to hand this man his life story either. Even Talia didn't have that. "Then, what are you sure of, Mr. Emory?"

Talia motioned silently to Quinn for him to go and join Dash on the couch before turning and moving into the kitchen and placing the sliced bread onto a plate which she carried over and set on the small table in front of the couch. She moved back and forward from the kitchen several times bringing jams and water before finally settling down onto the couch beside Dash. "Dig in you two." she said smiling at them both.

"I am not a mister," Quinn said almost automatically. He did not want to sit where he wouldn't be able to see Dash, so instead of taking the couch, he sat on the floor on the other side of the short table. His bag was pulled close as he looked first at the food, then to Dash, Talia, and back to the food. "And please don't call me miss, I'm not one of those either." That would throw Dash off his game for certain. Quinn practically had to sit on his hands to keep from reaching for the food first. "I was told that I should come here and look for a fae and two brothers who keep her company because th-they would not judge me for what I-I am."

Dash listened to Emory as he picked up a slice of bread and idly ripped small bits off and popped them into his mouth, never taking his eyes off the creature across the table. He only did it to keep his stomach from growling loudly, as it was warning him it was going to do, and he didn't need that stupid sign of weakness, or distraction. "Funny how you stutter," he remarked, not sounding in the least amused. His tone was actually eerily even. "And it seems odd what you know, since only one brother is usually seen with the fae you seek." He gave Emory a pointed look, as if trying to see into him. "I suppose there is a possibility that what you say is true, however, and on that weak premise, as well as the fact you have not tried to touch Talia, you'll be safe here. For now. I would ask that you find a different place to stay tonight, and all other nights, though. There are plenty of empty spaces in the city-" He looked at Talia out of the corner of her eye, knowing she'd want to take care of Emory. "And I'm not budging on that request." He looked back at Emory. "If all you ask is simply not to be judged, then we won't. So as of now, you are neither evil, nor good. If you have another, or different, request, I suggest you ask me now. Asking later will only call your motives into question."

Talia frowned when Dash told Quinn that he had to find somewhere else to stay. She opened her mouth to protest but stopped when he looked towards her and told her he wouldn't budge on his request. She glanced towards Quinn, an apologetic look in her eyes before she slumped back into the couch, folding her arms across her chest. Its my apartment.. she thought moodily but knew deep down Dash was only doing this because he cared for her safety. "I'll help you find somewhere to stay and i'll make sure its safe. I promise." she said and gave a reassuring smile to Quinn. "Now eat up.."

Quinn let his eyes fall to his lap, looking to the world as if he was about to start crying. Which in normal circumstances he would not, but here, he had to play up his vulnerability. "Th-there is no need to ensure my s-safety," Quinn said quietly. "I am well accustomed t-to people not w-wanting me around." Not looking up and not taking any of the food (honestly, he didn't need to eat today, it was just nice to), he pulled his bag into his lap and hugged it close, as if seeking comfort. "I have told you my m-motives. I want to find a p-place where I am not judged, wh-where I do not feel threatened. But I am Deiciden. I have n-no such place. I will be going now." He made to stand, but it was awkward with his bag hugged so tightly, and he had to try twice before he even found his feet.

As she listened to Quinn speak Talia's eyes widened, his words making her heart ache with great pity towards him. "No don't go!" she pleaded as he struggled to his feet then turned to look at Dash. "Are you really going to let him leave like this? He's got nowhere to go.." she whispered, gripping his arm lightly.

"We will find him a place to go," Dash said simply, watching Quinn but unmoved otherwise. "I never said we wouldn't help him. I said he could not stay here, with you, and that I would not judge him. Unless, he gives me a reason to. A clean slate, and help finding a place to stay. That is all I can offer you, and I'm just hoping I don't come to regret that much. Now, if you will let us eat- and you if you want to- we'll help you after that."

Quinn nodded, looking completely crestfallen. Bringing his bag with him, he found a seat closer to the door, knees pressed tightly together, backpack gripped to his chest. Being in a city with a very limited amount of people was fine. If he was going to be forced to stay in the city with a large amount of other creatures, Quinn would run. He knew what would happen if they threw him to the wolves, so to speak, and he didn't need the trouble of fighting for his life...Again. He would just have to find a way for Talia to come with him to Rafe and be done with it. Not that he would allow any harm to come to her, even from Rafe. She at least hadn't treated him like some sort of pariah.

Poor guy.. Talia thought sadly as she watched Quinn then slowly she stood and placed a few slices of bread on a plate along with a few spoonfuls of jam and after pouring some water into a glass she carried them over to Quinn. Kneeling down beside him she set the food on the floor next to him and smiled reassuringly at him. "Everything will be okay I promise. Remember what I said, if anyone dared try to hurt you they'd have to get past me first. Now eat up." She smiled again before standing and moving back to Dash's side and sitting down. "I can fix you up something else if you're still hungry..." she said turning towards him. "And my bed's free if you want to take a nap, you look tired." She reached a hand up and brushed a strand of hair from his face, smiling as she did.

Dash sighed and let himself lean forward until his forehead came to rest against Talia's. "As lovely, as that sounds..." he admitted tiredly. "I think it can all way until we get your friend Emory sorted out, ok?" He gave her a little smile, trying to dispel any worries. Leaning back a little he tilted his chin up and pressed a long, but gentle kiss to her forehead, then stood from the couch, dusting the few crumbs from his trousers. He looked at the creature by the door, keeping his expression as neutral as he could. "Whenever you're ready then... Emory."

No sooner had Quinn picked up his plate then he heard his name from Dash. Looking forlornly at the plate, his shoulders drooping, Quinn let out an almost imperceptible sigh and set the plate aside again. His disappointment at not being able to eat wasn't feigned. He hadn't done those normal human routines of sleeping or eating in days. Dragging himself to his feet, he picked up the glass and plate, giving the food one more wistful sigh as he set it back on the table.

"You're making a mess.." Talia said playfully to Dash as she watched him brush the crumbs off his trousers then stood herself. "I hope you're going to clean that up." She chuckled lightly then looked at Quinn, her smile quickly fading when she saw him sadly place his food back on the table. She turned and hurried into the kitchen and after a few minutes she returned holding a small parcel of food. "Here. Put this is your bag and you can eat it later." she said to Quinn with a friendly smile then handed the food to him then turned to pull on her shoes. "Woah..i'm still red." she said catching a glimpse of herself in a mirror then quickly shifted into her human disguise then looking at Dash. "Ready."

Dash gave her a smile of relief, thanking her for not showing that around. He was already trying to ignore her looking that way earlier. It was just one more thing he had to set aside for now. "Where would you like to live?" he asked Quinn, turning his attention back to the other creature, his expression calm but slightly less neutral. It wasn't that he was judging just yet, but it was like an opinion of the other... man... thing... was forming in his head.

After Talia changed, Quinn's nose wrinkled at her even as he clutched the food parcel. After seeing the smoothness of her actual form with her etheria, the other forms created a disjointed effect, leaving him with the same feeling as if something was buzzing in his ear. It was a bit off putting to say the least. His attention went to Dash, and Quinn blinked, "What?" He had no idea how to respond to that. "I...I guess not around...around a crowd..." His reasoning for that should have been obvious, but this man was not giving him good vibes. Quinn was pretty certain that Dash would rather hurt him than help him, but so it was with most others. Except Talia and for one reason or another Rafe.

"We'll find somewhere thats perfect for you.." Talia commented then her eyes widened slightly as she thought of something. "Hold on.." she said then turned and hurried into the spare bedroom. After only a few minutes she returned and moved to stand in front of Quinn, gently taking his hand and placing some money in it. "You need this to buy food and other things." she said softly with a smile before stepping back to Dash's side. "Shall we go then?"

Dash made a face that would have went perfectly with a sigh, but he refrained from the action itself. He just nodded and stepped just past Quinn to open the door and let them step out before he closed it behind them. He waited a moment for Talia to lock it then started toward the stairs. "You're in luck," he told Quinn as they walked leisurely along. They didn't have a set time to find him a home after all. "Due to the war much of the city is uninhabited. If you don't mind slightly shabby conditions, we can find you a place relatively quickly." He himself had crashed many times in suburban homes just on the outskirts of the city with hardly the wind making noise. That was far from crowds. He was glad this wouldn't take long. As much as he wanted to keep an eye on Emory he still had errands and things to do and while Emory might be the most deadly, he was less likely to strike than half the things Dash worked for. No, he would have to ask Talia to please stay away from this man until he returned, then hurry to complete his work. Knowing a Deiciden was in the city made him all the more on edge about her safety.

Talia locked the door to her apartment and after making sure it was secure she turned and moved to Dash, lightly linking her arm through his. "It doesn't matter if its a little shabby we can make it inhabitable Emory. Some nice pictures, a few throws..it'll be lovely." she said smiling at Quinn as they walked.

Although the urge was to put an arrow through Dash's heart, that was not what Quinn was here to do. He fumbled with the money, shoving it into a pocket without much thought, and followed them both, tightening the straps keeping his bag in place. Walking a little ways away from the couple, when Talia linked arms, Quinn's face broke it's stoic mask for a split second, wrinkling in a way that looked as if he was about to cry before settling again. His eyes darted to the side, and his cheek twitched. "Of course," he said quietly in response, trying his best not to sound disappointed.

"Not everyone cares about comforts," Dash pointed out to Talia, but sounded like he very much was trying not to start an argument. He'd seen Talia angry at men in the past and, to be quite honest, he wasn't eager to have that beam of fury narrowed on him, no matter the reason. He was one of those people, after all, that didn't care, so of course they had to exist. Although- "Of course, I still don't know you very well," he added, looking briefly over his shoulder at Emory. "Why don't you tell us a bit more about yourself, so we know where to look?" He was making an effort to be kind, but making friends wasn't easy for him. Thus why even after all this time, he still only had his brother, Fox, and now, Talia. And this WAS a potential threat following him after all. Keep alert, but try to trust, that's all he could do.

Talia rolled her eyes slightly when Dash spoke of not everyone caring about comfort but decided it was best not to argue. She listened as he carried on talking then nodded and glanced at Emory. "Yeah, give us an idea of what you would like in terms of living..or just tell us about you and we'll try and decide whats the best kind of residence for you."

"I..." Quinn didn't even know what to tell them. He had no idea where to start, or what to start with. He actually stopped walking for a moment, staring at the ground. No one had ever asked him about himself other than Rafe, and even that had been a single question of his preferences for assignments. Nothing personal. He took a deep breath, his eyebrows twitching as he tried to think of anything to say. "I...like...um...plants...." His eyebrows pulled together in mild confusion.

Dash had stopped with Emory and turned back to look at him trying to think. How could somebody have this much trouble knowing what would make them happy? He frowned thoughtfully when Emory answered, not because he was upset, but because he was thinking. It was almost a full minute before he nodded. "I think I know where we can try," he told the Deiciden and turned to continue walking. It took about twenty minutes to get there, and when they did it looked like every other part of the city: a large grey building, about eight stories high, with slightly crumbling walls and debri on the ground around it. Many windows were broken and a few were missing, but the front door seemed to work. In fact, it was even locked. With an odd touch of his finger to the lock, it clicked and Dash pushed the door open, leading the way inside. "If you pick this, you have to be very quiet and unobtrusive. Stick to yourself and they shouldn't mind," he warned Emory gently with a frown at the young man as he walked through the building, not going up to the rooms yet. He took them straight back to a set of doors whose windows had been blacked out. Again, he had to touch the lock then push the door open, and it almost hurt to see it.

It was a little court yard in the middle of the building, barely fifteen feet on each side, but the color was what was most stunning. Green. Green everywhere. Grass littered the floor, ivy climbed the walls, and evergreens sat in the corners. A few other tree saplings were scattered but were not as strong as the larger pines. Dash turned to Emory and raised an eyebrow as if to say 'do you like it?'. "There are a few nymphs that live here, among others-" He looked up around at the windows but saw no one and so looked back at Emory, his expression serious but not mean. "They take care of this area and worked very hard to create this. Very hard." Many years ago, when the grass hadn't even rooted, he had been hired briefly to clear out the creatures that had been living there that would not have been so kind to the plants. He was pretty sure, as with all of those that came before them, he would never get the blood out from under his nails.

Quinn froze as he saw the plants. There was nothing he could say really apart from telling Dash that this was a mistake. He couldn't live around nymphs. They would torture him, but Dash didn't know that. No one really knew that certain creatures were harder for his people to be around than others, but he didn't want to drive Talia away by being too difficult. "It is very nice," he said, his voice only slightly strained as he looked at the plants. It would be perfect but for the nymphs.

Talia's eyes widened in wonderment at the sight of all the plants and she couldn't help but rush forward to inspect them further. She gently touched their leaves and the bark on their trunks, glancing briefly at Dash with a happy smile before she returned her attention to the trees. When Quinn spoke she stopped what she was doing and turned to him looking a little confused. "Is there something wrong with sharing this space with nymphs?" She asked quietly.

Dash motioned gently for Talia to return to him so he could relock the doors. He wanted to help Quinn, but he wasn't about to change anything about such a carefully built ecosystem to make the deiciden more comfortable. It was nothing against Quinn, and everything for the nymphs. In fact... He would have to let his brother know they were here, for the lake. "Whatever the problem, we'll find you somewhere else that doesn't have it," he assured Quinn. "This really is the first place we've tried after all."

Not stopping to think of how the action could be misconstrued, Quinn turned away from the courtyard and walked slowly back in the direction of the front door. Nymphs were creatures of growth, life, and Deiciden were well known to be creatures of death. A nymph would no more tolerate his presence than Dash was seemingly willing to. His thoughts flew to the possibilities of just up and leaving, giving up on this task. But he was a soldier, this was his job. Quinn walked out to the front, stepping to the side so the door could swing shut again and leaning heavily on the wall nearby, staring hard at the ground as he waited for Talia to find him again.

When Dash had motioned for her to rejoin him, Talia quickly moved to his side. She followed after Quinn then smiled reassuringly to him when she saw how downhearted he seemed to be. "Do not be distressed Emory.." She said softly as she knelt in front of him so she could look up into his face. "We'll find you a good home where you have no troubles to worry about." She smiled again then stood up and patted his shoulder. "Okay where to now?"

"Well maybe I need a better idea of what Quinn wants," Dash said thoughtfully as he reset the last lock and turned to the half-man. "There are plenty of apartments with different sizes and views. Suburban homes. Second story apartments. Hell, even hotel rooms. Just stop me when I say something you'd like to see," he pointed out with a slight frown. He didn't want to stand here and list every single kind of living arrangement he knew of. It would take all day, if not all night as well. He really didn't want to have to deal with this (had he and Talia even really had alone time yet?) not after such a long night. Still, there was nothing to be done. This is what would make Talia happy. So it had to be done, and the sooner, the better for the new couple.

"You just do not understand," Quinn said, the clearest he'd said anything since he began this adventure. He was tired of dealing with Dash, who looked about ready to leave him on the street. He could deal with that. Maybe he could convince Talia to come with him instead, and leave Dash to whatever pressing matters he had. "I have never lived in a city, I do not know anything about it. I...I...I would be safer continuing on my way without help. You bring me to a place of...it is completely opposite of my very being and those who live there would torture and kill me. And I am starting to think you knew that and did so for a reason." Okay, so he was being a little melodramatic, but it would get someone's attention.

"No Emory, Dash would never do a thing like that ever!" Talia responded quickly looking between the two men. She noted Dash's visible frown and Quinn's further downhearted mood. She sighed and took a breath then straightened up, running her fingers through her hair. "Its like dealing with children with you two! Honestly." She said looking at both of them in turn. It seemed she was going to have to take the lead with them. "Emory you are going nowhere alone do you understand me? We will help you find a safe and secure place to live, trust me with that. I am your friend and will make sure no harm comes to you." She said to him moving to stand in front of him and placing her finger under his chin and raising it up so she could look into his eyes. She gave a brief smile of reassurance then turned from him and moved to Dash and when she stood in front of him she slowly slipped her hands into his smiling at him. "Thank you for helping me with this Dash, I know you've been working so hard and you should be at home resting but I promise when Emory is safe somewhere we'll go home and i'll cook...or maybe not.." She chuckled at the thought of her failed attempt at the previous nights dinner. "..i'll sort food out somehow and you can sleep in the bed tonight, i'll take the couch. How does that sound?" She asked then leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, hoping he wouldn't feel too embarassed.

Dash immediately blushed and seemed to visibly brighten a couple of shades. It would seem Talia was the key to keeping his mood up. "We will discuss it later," he said, but in a tone that said he would most likely agree, but it just wasn't on his mind right now. He looked at Emory, his face calmer but his small smile not entirely gone. "I'm sorry, it had not been my intention to put you in danger." At this time. "Please, don't think I have ill feelings for you, just your kind, as many have for mine. How would you like to go about this? I suppose I should have asked that first... Whatever you want to do, we will find a way." He managed to give the Deiciden an honest, if small, smile, his eyes lighting like soft brown fur of kittens napping in sunshine.

This was dangerous ground to tread, and Quinn had to step lightly or be sucked in. Managing to shove down any signs of jealousy or nervousness and become impassive, as he should be, the Deiciden pushed away from the wall and was finally able to really focus. Being around these people was weakening him. But he wasn't a god killer for nothing. "As I said before, it would be better if I wasn't around other creatures." His voice still sounded weak, but he was not letting it falter at his words anymore. More than anything, he wanted to return to Rafe and bring Talia along with him, but that would have to wait until Dash was somewhere else.

Talia looked thoughtful for a few moments then smiled suddenly. "What about the old abandoned district down by the river? A lot of the buildings were destroyed by the big fire but i'm sure there has to be a few that could be lived in. Do you think that would work Dash?" She asked looking pleased with herself for thinking of that. "It would be perfect Emory because no one ever goes there anymore.."

With the barest of smiles, Dash nodded. "It is definitely worth a try," he replied, then turned a gentle grin on Emory. "As long as you don't go treading water." He held out a hand. "Would you like me to take you? It would be faster, but I understand if you would rather walk." The area Talia was speaking of was on the other side of town and he was already so tired, but having Dash's arm around him in the chilly darkness would probably not set Emory at ease at all. He was doing this for Talia, but for Emory as well, and he should throw his whole heart into it if he was going to bother at all, and that included being respectful of what the Deiciden wanted.

"Whichever way is easier," Quinn said, pulling the straps on his bag tighter so it wouldn't slip. It was going to be hard not just doing what his soldier's spirit told him to do. And keeping it casual, playing the game, was going to take its toll. It was easy to tell that Quinn wasn't comfortable, but whether that was due to his current company or something else wasn't as easily read. His hand strayed to touch the top of his bag over his shoulder, and he disguised the reflex as an itch even as he felt to make certain his bow was on the top of his gear.

"It might not look like much when you first see it Emory.." Talia commented as she took Dash's hand, ready for him to take them through the shadows. "..but trust me with a little TLC we'll have it looking incredible!" She smiled reassuringly at him as she waited for him to take hold of Dash. "And i'll come visit you all the time."

Dash decided it was best to withhold comment on that for now and carefully took Emory's hand. With an apologetic frown he stepped back toward the building. "Brace yourself," he warned before they were sucked into the smokey blackness and a prickling chill nipped at their skin. It was less than a minute, but Dash knew people who weren't used to it didn't like it. It was almost hot when they stepped out the other side, despite the fact that the weather, as dismal as usual, hadn't changed. He let go of Emory once he was sure the other person wasn't going to trip and stepped back to make sure he got his bearings again. The area they found themselves in did have a river, but it was low to reveal a bed of rocks and broken glass, as well as other rubbish, the water itself was a dark color that might have been brown, maybe, and the buildings, as Talia had said, were crumbling and ruined, but a chunk of smaller buildings near them seemed to have fared fairly well. They were whole and looked to be private shops, though long closed now, with second stories, and Dash had gotten them as close as he could without actually landing in one.

"See? Completely deserted.." Talia said in a triumphant tone after they had arrived at their destination. She glanced round at the ruined buildings and the dirty river and couldn't help but frown slightly at them until her eyes fell on the somewhat untouched buildings and her expression brightened. "I was right! There are some still standing." She turned to Emory and pointed towards the smaller buildings. "Go on. Take a look and see if any of them are for you."

Quinn wasn't as quick to make the assumption that it was safe. Before Dash had finished pulling them through, his hands had found and released his bow, and when the materialized, he had it raised, an etheria arrow at the ready. His aim was steady as he moved it around, checking all directions for any signs of danger. It was a self assured person who wielded that bow, not an uncertain, lost individual. But when his weapon was in his hands, Quinn felt easily a hundred times stronger. He lowered it slowly, the arrow dissipating as he did so, fading back into himself as he worked to calm his reaction.

"Kind of figured he wouldn't take the trip so well," Dash muttered quietly to Talia over his shoulder. The moment Quinn had his bow, Dash had stepped in front of his soul mate, half in a ready position. Only when the arrow disappeared did he relax, righting himself but not stepping from between them. "I'm not eager to be caught any more than you are," he told Quinn, allowing the other person to calm at his own pace. "I wouldn't drop you to the wolves, Emory."

Talia's eyes had widened at the sight of the bow and her first instinct was to shift form and flee but she could never leave Dash behind. When he stepped in front of her she placed a protective hand against his back as if to remind him that she was there for him as well. When Quinn allowed the arrow to disappear she took a calming breath and spoke. "None of us want to be caught Emory.." she said adding to Dash's words. "I know it might be hard for you but please realise we want to help you. If it helps i'll fly over there and take a look in the buildings just to make sure theres no one hiding. Would that make you feel better Emory?" She asked peering round Dash at Quinn.

"No," Quinn said, his voice taking on a slightly deeper tone than his usual. "The only thing that would accomplish is putting you in danger as well." He took a few steps forward, his bow at the ready. Quinn moved like a soldier or a hunter, his footsteps light and his eyes traveling over every surface. If they wanted to know who Quinn Emory was, they couldn't have picked a better place. He didn't trust the ruins, didn't trust the water, didn't trust their words that he was safe. His shoulders started hunching slightly and Quinn's eyes darted back to Dash, all the confidence in his posture non existent in his eyes.

Dash was giving Quinn a look that, while bordering on 'are you for real?' was skillfully hiding his blossoming annoyance. Was this creature being purposely difficult? Emory didn't like being around people, he didn't trust vacancy, he wanted plants, but wouldn't live near nymphs in the wasteland. It took everything in the blood mage not to sigh. "I'm sorry Talia," he told his sweetheart without moving his eyes from Quinn. "But it looks like this area won't work either. Any other ideas?" he asked them both. He was already tired of this and he was fairly certain they had only just begun. Emory wanted to not be around people, but not alone, he wanted plants but no nymphs, he was uncertain and yet clearly a killer. Something wasn't adding up and the budding trust that had begun in his chest was getting violently crushed. He wasn't ready to completely distrust the Deiciden (only because Talia was fond of him) but a few more contradictions like this was going to end his patience.

"Okay thats enough." Talia replied to both Quinn and Dash. "We're going home. You're exhausted Dash and we don't know what we're looking for. Emory can stay in one of the other vacant apartments in my building and when you've rested we can start checking maps for suitable areas in the city for him to live. This running around like this isn't working." She watched Quinn and his weary movements then looked back at Dash. "It'll be fine, alright? What could seriously go wrong?" She whispered to him with a reassuring smile. "Come on you need to sleep and i'm sure you're tired to Emory, right?" She called to him.

Quinn turned and looked back at them. His face didn't hold really any emotion other than nervousness now. He knew that with his training, he should have more confidence in himself, but he wasn't exactly the most willing to kill in the first place, not that anyone ever believed him when he said it. He was a killer, that's what they did. Everyone judged him on that basis. And Quinn knew for certain that his actions weren't helping matters. Folding up his bow, he reached back and put it away, hoping that he wouldn't regret this decision. With a nod at Talia and a firmly embarrassed expression, he started back towards them.

Dash shook his head at Quinn as he came back to them, finally stepping a little out of the way between the Deiciden and the shape-shifter. "I don't know what's wrong with you," he admitted bluntly, knowing it might be taken offensively but not really caring and unable to think of another way to say it. "Not that I expected either of these places to be perfect, but you are just difficult, you haven't said one good thing about either of them-" His eyes widened a bit, as if he just realized something. "That's right, not a single thing. Sure, the plants and the lack of people around, but those were things that LED us there. You aren't giving us anything to go on here Emory. Basically saying 'I don't like it' either by the way you act or what you say isn't very productive. I get it, you've never lived in a city, so you don't know what to ask for, but you aren't a baby from what I can tell, so you must have lived SOMEWHERE you enjoyed, or that didn't bother you so much. You could tell us what that was like." He held out his hand for Emory's, finally offering him/her a smile that was unmistakably honest. "You can tell us when we get home, we'll think on it, and show you some more suggestions later, if that is what you want of course."

"I'm sure he's not trying to be difficult Dash, its sometimes hard pinpointing what it is you want exactly." Talia responded as she took Dash's other hand gently. "Don't worry Emory we'll help you sort out exactly what it is you're looking for. We'll make a list of things you like..and don't like." She smiled at both of them. "Come on lets get home."

With a sigh, Quinn simply nodded. He was becoming exhausted with this duplicity. And it was hard enough that Talia just kept adding to the reasons that he didn't want her to be hurt in all this. He wasn't big on killing to begin with, unless it was to save his own life. But if it came down to it, he would kill to save Talia. And with that knowledge came infinitely more chaos in his mind. He looked at Dash, his face drawing tight. "I...I am sorry. It is hard...to feel safe when you know most cre-creatures would sooner see you dead."

"Well not us Emory, you can be sure of that." Talia replied with a confirming nod. "I don't think i've ever killed anything to be honest. I've injured but only in self defence.." She looked thoughtful for a few seconds as she pondered over this then suddenly smiled and reached round taking Emory's hand and placing it in Dash's. "So as long as you're nice to me, i'll be nice to you!" She chuckled lightly at her joke before squeezing Dash's hand. "Lets go home."

Dash's eyes lowered and averted slightly when Talia mentioned never killing anything, almost as if ashamed, visible to Emory but not to Talia as she attention was elsewhere. When she put Emory's hand in his however, he forced himself to pep up, not wanting her to see. He nodded and managed the barest of smiles at her positive attitude. "Yes, what she said. Neither of us would want to hurt you Emory unless you were a threat." He let the word 'home' go, thinking it was actually only Talia's home, but too sleepy to argue. He looked behind him to locate the shadow of the building and with a slow pull, pulled them into the chilled darkness again, this time popping out in Talia's living room just as a yawn escaped him and he let go of their hands so he could cover his mouth politely. He was beginning to wonder what would actually make him trust Emory with Talia because he couldn't stay awake forever. But he supposed it was like Benny with Fox. He would never truly, fully trust anyone with his sweetheart.

"You need to go and get some sleep.." Talia said with a soft smile after she had watched Dash yawn. "Go and rest in the bedroom and i'll wake you in a few hours if thats what you want. Whilst your sleeping i'll help Emory get settled into one of the other apartments and later we can even go and visit Benny and Fox, I don't think we've been to visit them yet as, you know....a couple." She smiled again then hugged him lightly. "And don't worry about me, i'm a shapeshifter remember? Escaping danger is something I do best." She whispered in his ear then stepped back and pointed at the bedroom door. "Now go."

Dash smiled sleepily and reached out to gently cup her face with his hand. "Alright," he agreed, glanced at Emory, then back to her, letting go to point at her. "First sign of trouble, come right back, ok?" he said seriously, then smiled again and leaned foreward to give her a chaste kiss on the forehead. "Be safe, Talia," he said gently, lastly, giving Emory the barest of nods before he finally went to the bedroom and, after removing his shoes, fell on to the sheets and began to half doze, still trying to listen to them and much preferring to leave the door to the bedroom open.

"Sleep well!" Talia called after him then turned to Emory smiling brightly. "Are you ready to go and find yourself a temporary apartment?" She said excitedly then hurried into the kitchen and filled a small bag with some groceries before returning to Emory. "This will keep you going for at least tonight. If you need more we can go fetch it." She motioned to the door. "Lead the way. Every apartment is vacant so the choice is yours."

Quinn nodded at Dash as he retired and turned to Talia when she spoke. A confused look came over his face as she explained the vacancy. "Why could I not stay here?" he asked, looking at her door. "If the building is vacant, why is it not an option? I feel...safe around you." He allowed the smallest amount of coloration to his cheeks as his soft words were uttered.

Talia smiled and glanced at the bedroom door, knowing that Dash would probably not be happy with the idea but she didn't want to upset Emory. "Well alright then but it can only be for a little while, okay?" She replied before returning the bag of groceries to the kitchen before looking at Emory again. "so what do you feel like doing? There must be something you'd really love to do."

Dropping his bag, Quinn looked around the apartment and finally decided to open the front pouch of his bag and pull out a worn deck of playing cards. He held them up to show her the elastic band wrapped deck, raising one eyebrow. "Do you know any games?" he asked, moving towards the small table and setting the deck on the surface. Quinn knew games, of course, but he wanted to know what Talia would play first.

"I know a few." Talia replied as she moved to the table and sat down beside it and began shuffling the cards before splitting the deck evenly. "Do you know how to play cheat?" She asked. "Its really simple. Come on sit down." She motioned to the space opposite her. "So..you said you feel safe round me..why?" she asked curiously.

"I do not believe I am familiar with the game," Quinn said as he sat down as well. When she asked why he felt safe, the best answer Quinn could come up with was the true one. "It is because you have yet to be anything but kind to me. Even when you knew what I was, you were still very nice. That is rare for my kind."

"A lot of people would think me naive and stupid for being so welcoming and nice to you because we only met yesterday but I don't think so. I don't think you're a bad person and I don't care what you are. A lot of people think shapeshifters are sneaky and can't be trusted but i'd like to think thats not what you think of me." Talia replied with a bright smile before chuckling. "I should warn you though.." She continued lowering her voice as she glanced at the bedroom door. "..I don't mind you staying here but Dash..prepare yourself for a little annoyance from him. Or maybe I should prepare myself." She bit her lip a little nervously then looked back down at the cards. "Okay..cheat." She said as if to change the subject. "We split the deck and the aim of the game is to get rid of all your cards first. You place one of your cards from your pile face down, like this.." She took one card and set it on the table. "..and I say to you whats on it but I might be lying. You have to try and decide if i'm telling the truth or not. If you think i'm lying you say cheat. Understand?" She smiled again as she looked up at Emory. "Okay here goes..king of hearts." She grinned as she tapped the card she had set down knowing that she had in fact placed an ace of spades down.

His eyes narrowing slightly, Quinn looked at the card and back up at her. Lie detector he was not, but it wasn't hard for him to figure out the game. He had played a similar game before. "So I...just say cheat?" he asked, looking at the card again. "Then what? Do you flip it over?" His eyes went to the door where Dash had vanished and back again quickly enough that Talia might have missed it. He didn't want her to question why he was watching for Dash, after all. Quinn didn't want to tell her why he didn't like Dash, or that he didn't like him in general. Especially since the why of it was unclear to the Deiciden. But then, his job was not to like them, just to find them. And possibly bring Talia back with him.

"Yeah if you think i'm lying you say cheat and we turn the card over. If you're right I have to take the card back and any cards that might be piled under it but if you're wrong then you have to take all the cards." Talia replied still smiling. "The trick of the game is to keep an eye on what cards you hold in your own hand. I could very easily mention a card that you in fact have yourself. Thats basically all you need to know. Its really easy once you get the hang of it. Now lets get this game started!" She laughed lightly trying not to disturb Dash as he slept. They played several games of cheat and a few other games and after an hour or so Talia set her cards down and stood up with a stretch. "You thirsty or anything?" She asked moving to the kitchen to fetch herself a glass of water.

Having enjoyed the experience of playing as best as he could, Quinn sat back in his chair and watched as Talia stood. "No, thank you," he said as he pushed away from the table as well. "May I ask you a question?" he inquired suddenly, walking over to her and keeping his voice low. "I really do want to know the truth of the matter, because I am curious. You are in love with Dash, and he clearly treasures you." He paused, contemplating his word choice. If he said it wrong, then it wouldn't help him at all. "So you two trust one another. What I was wondering is why you would trust me as well when we first met? That is something that no one else has done for me." He knew his voice was getting less masculine right then, making him sound a little more vulnerable. But it was all part of the plan. Not that Talia would know.

Talia paused when he had mentioned asking her a question and turned to watch him curiously. She looked thoughtful for a few moments before answering. "Well..honestly..i'm not sure. I guess I just wanted to give you a chance thats all. Plus I didn't see any reason to mistrust you." She shrugged with a smile then turned back to pouring herself a glass of water."I guess I should ask you the same thing. What made you trust me right away. ?"

"I..." Quinn knew that the only thing he could say was the truth. "I did not. However being as lost as I was, I had little choice but to follow someone." He let his eyes drift to the ground and a blush creep up. "I allowed myself to grow to trust you because I was starting to enjoy your company."

"Thank you Emory. I really enjoy your company too..I think we're going to be great friends." Talia replied with a bright smile as she set the glass down and turned back to him. She noticed the small blush on his cheeks and her smile softened as she moved to stand in front of him. "Alright what would you like to do now? Anything at all." She asked placing a hand on his shoulder.

It took a lot of concentration to not stiffen at the contact. Quinn could not fully disguise his apprehension, however. The simple fact was he did not like being touched. "We could...what is there to do in this city?" he asked, not worried that his lack of knowledge would somehow be detrimental to his task. "The only places I know well are outside the city."

"Sadly there isn't that much to do unless you like drinking..." Talia replied with a small thoughtful frown. "And you don't really strike me as a drinker so what about a walk? Sometimes its nice to just go for a wonder and see where you end up. Kind of like an adventure." She chuckled lightly. "So what do you say?"

"I do not drink," Quinn said. "So a walk would be nice. Just to see the rest of the city in the manner I will be forced to travel." He walked over to his bag and picked it up, pulling out the things he would need. His crossbow went in the large pocked in his hoodie, the money was already pocketed. He nodded at Talia and waited by the door.

Talia nodded then turned and scribbled a quick note on a piece of paper explaining where they were to Dash incase he woke early then stuck it to the fridge. She pulled on her jacket then moved to the door and opened it. After stepping out she held it open waiting for Emory to join her. "You can lead the way, just walk in the direction you feel." She said to him as she waited to lock the door after them.

Walking out to the hall, Quinn paused to wait for Talia to close the door and lock it before he made his way out of the building. He stopped on the sidewalk, looking both ways, before turning in the direction that he knew would eventually bring him to Rafe if he went far enough. If they just kept walking, they would reach the building the siren was staying in. "What else is there to do?" he asked suddenly. "I mean apart from drinking."

After she had made sure the door to her apartment was securely locked, Talia followed after Quinn. She pushed her hands into the pockets of her jacket then looked at him when he spoke suddenly. "Hmmm...well if you don't drink theres dancing. Or working if you have a job. Unfortunately theres not much else to do in the way of entertainment.." She frowned lightly. "If you could do anything what would you do?"

Quinn looked thoughtful as he walked. "I spent the majority of my earlier years learning how to fight and defend myself. There is not much that you would consider fun that goes along with that." He glanced over at her, his eyebrows pulling together slightly. "You did say dancing. I can do that fairly well."

"Wait..you want to go dancing? I love dancing!" Talia exclaimed as she stopped and turned to Quinn. "I know of one place. My friend owns it and sings there. The only thing is there would be big crowds and you said you don't like being round lots of people.."

"I do not mind crowds," Quinn commented quietly. "I would correct you by saying that I do not enjoy being around a great deal of...our kind." He tried to use a less obvious term for it. "If it also caters to those not like us, then it will be safer than if I was somewhere surrounded by our kind. They...do not like my people." It was a basic rule. People were afraid, therefore, when a member of a species shows up alone, they are harassed until they leave or are killed. Rules of life, one that Quinn was taught at a young age.

"Alright well then is it settled? Are we going to go dancing?" Talia asked with bright eyes. This was the last thing she had expected Quinn to suggest but if he really want to go dancing she wasn't going to argue with him.

"Yes," Quinn said decisively. If he spent time around her, got to know how she thought, what she did, it would be easier to lure her back to where Rafe was. But the problem still lay in how he was going to keep her safe once they were there. He looked over and waited for her to lead the way, appearing even more innocent in his expression of polite interest.

"Okay this is going to be fun!" Talia replied then made a move to grab his hand but stopped lookingg apologetic. "Sorry..its a habit i've got." She said then turned and led the way to Fox's bar. (Posted at the bottom.)

---

Aaliyah entered the club smiling her usual easy smile. If anyone were to look closely they might be able to tell from her eyes that she hadn't gotten much sleep, but she appeared to be in high spirits. "How is everybody?" she practically sang to the boys as she stowed her purse under the bar.

Lynx and Adder were on stage setting up a few instruments when Aaliyah came in. Rain stood behind the counter drying some glasses he had washed from being so dusty. "Hey... Good, you?" Clearing his throat he placed the glass on it's shelf and grabbed for another.

"I'm positively indecent." Aaliyah said with a wink. "Did the lovers finally make up?" The nymph's tone was casual to the point of almost being callous, but her eyes showed genuine concern for a brief moment.

Rain looked up at Aaliyah's words and frowned deeply. "Their not 'lovers'...they're soulmates. Big different in our world." Rain met his 'brothers' eyes and quirked a small smile as they all had the same thought. Soul mates till the death... Whether the two of them knew it or not they'd, especially Fox. She'd never find another love as full or real as Benny's.

"Whatever they are," Aaliyah smiled as she leaned against the bar, "I hope they're working everything out. They make a cute couple." She would never admit it, but deep down, there was a part of her that truly envied what she saw between Fox and Benny.

"Yeah...well ya see--" Rain paused as a throat was cleared. "Rain..." Adder was standing on the stage shaking his head gently before turning back to his work. Rain blushed and looked at the floor before sighing. "Sorry... I guess I've already said more than I should. It's their privacy...ya know?" He gently shrugged his shoulders.

Aaliyah shrugged back in response and began busying herself with preparing for opening. "So, anything exciting going on tonight?"

Benny knew her so well. Fox hated shoes. She wasn't entirely sure why, she just always figured it had something to do with being a Fae. Smiling down at their hands she led the way to the bar where Rain and Aaliyah were. "Morning..." Smiling fondly at Rain she took a seat. "I need to thank you all for keeping the place going yesterday."

"It would all fall apart if not for you guys," Benny added as he hopped onto the bar next to where Fox sat. The stool was just too far away he felt and he still hadn't let go of Fox's hand. Any amount of distance between them felt like heart break all over again right now. No, distance could wait. "Any idea what set we'll do tonight?"

"I was thinking one of our slow ones. We've been playing a lot of rock lately so let's slow it down a bit." Turning her attention to Rain and Aaliyah she smiled softly. "Yes, thank you for keeping things running for me. I was... out of commission for a while and I'm sorry for that." Tightening her fingers around Benny's she smiled softly.

Aaliyah smirked as she leaned against the bar, "Glad you two made up."

"Fox and I could never stay away from each other," Benny replied with his typical charming grin, meaning it as both a promise, and a reminisce. He looked up when Lynx and Adder jostled each other playfully as they headed to the stage to set up for the set. He bit his lip uncertainly, then leaned down to rest his forehead against Fox. "I won't let you out of my sight," he promised softly, but he wanted to help (they hadn't been here yesterday after all, he felt guilty making them work twice as hard when they were here now). He kissed her forehead fondly before he hopped off the bar and went to help, looking at her every few seconds to make sure Fox was still at the bar.

Fox blushed softly at Benny's words and nodded her head. Watching him from across the club she smiled. Running a hand through her long white hair, she turned as the doors to the club opened and several bouncers walked in. Waving at them she jumped down. "Show time..."

Aaliyah glanced at her reflection in a compact mirror that she held under the bar and then directed a welcoming smile at the door. She liked seeing the reactions she got when customers came in and saw the bar tender smiling directly at them. It also brought better tips.

Music started, slow and gentle like Fox had wanted and sadly everyone was needed so Benny's voice started from behind the drum set but his golden eyes shone, locked on Fox. Whether it was out of a dedication of the song or simply because he wanted to keep an eye on her wasn't clear. "We're all standin' with our backs against the wall... sooner or later... waitin' on a phone that never calls... at all... Heart break comes rollin' in like a storm... Tryin to swim but you're sinkin' like a stone... alone..."

At the sound of Benny's voice, Fox turned her attention to the stage and stared at him. Her eyes were soft and filled with love as she watched and listened to him. Closing her eyes she lets his voice waft over her, soothing her, calming her. After several beats a hand rests on her shoulder. Her eyes flutter open and she stared into the beautiful blue eyes of Rain. "Care to dance? I think Benny and the boys can handle it for a while." They all knew she loved to dance. Smiling brightly, she nodded her head, allowing Rain to sweep her onto the dance floor. "Next song is mine. I have a brilliant idea."

Benny only did one song. Being on stage without Fox wasn't really fun anyway. As the small crowd that had gathered in the club clapped, he waved them down with a faux show of self satisfaction and motioned Fox up to the stage. He had never taken his eyes off her during the whole song, not even to check the drums. Luckily he hadn't missed a beat but that wouldn't happen every song. If she didn't want to get up here, then he would get down, it was already making him a little uncomfortable to be apart from her for 3 minutes, despite being able to see her.

Aaliyah smiled, enjoying the atmosphere. She'd always thrived on the energies in bars like this one, and now she had an excuse to be around all the time. She watched the boys non stage as she mixed drinks, chatted with customers, and flirted with almost as many.

Fox headed up onto stage and smiled at the growing crowd. Rain and the boys took their spots and waited for their cue. "Are we alone? Is there more then we believe in. Haunting these walls. Shadows crawling out revealing. Fear..... in.... me.....Stays.... in.... me....The nightmares inside here. My dark fears all in my head again. The nightmares I fight here. All my tears pull me through hell again. I wake in the night. And I pray that I've been dreaming. There's nowhere to hide From this nightmare calling to me." Half way through the chorus, Fox stepped away from the mic and began singing with her heart. Her voice resonated through the entire club, bringing everyones attention to her.

The door to the bar slowly opened and Elvira slipped inside. She had grown tired of waiting for Dash and so had decided to go in search of him. She had followed his scent and even though it had weakened considerably she had managed to find her way here. With a soft whisper she placed an enchanted cloak upon herself so only those of non-human races would be able to see her. She looked around the bar and didn't seem to notice or care as a few people drew back from her in fear and one man even hurried from the bar. She frowned lightly at the realisation that Dash wasn't here but she remained rooted to the spot. Another scent had caught her nose, one too similar to the one she had followed not to be investigated. She moved to a table that was partially hidden in shadow and sat down, allowing her eyes to scan the room in search of the person who had caught her attention.

"Foxy... There's something in your club," Benny told his soul mate, his mental voice curious why people were so quick to move away from whatever it was. He watched as closely as he could from his place behind the drums as the... person? It looked like one, stalked over to a corner table. What was that anyway? Something nagged at the back of his mind and, although he couldn't see it properly, something told him to be wary of whatever was in the corner of the club. It, whatever it was, stood out, which was made all the more odd by the fact that the room was filled with people with brightly colored hair, some with glow sticks, some with paint on their faces, eyes that glowed in the dark, even an oddball with a mask standing still amongst the dancers. What was the creature making everyone nervous?

Movement caught Aaliyah's eye. Not the usual writhing of the crowd, but the rare motion of a slow and purposeful walk toward a corner. When the nymph finally caught sight of the figure in the crowd she frowned, obsidian coloured skin and red hair. She wasn't very familiar with many of the non-human races, but this certainly wasn't human. A glance up to the stage told her that at least Benny had noticed, so she continued waiting on customers, keeping an occasional eye on the corner.

Fox heard Benny's comment in her mind. She continued to song but her eyes scanned the club. Seeing a strange woman off to the side she turned her eyes to one of the body guards and entered his mind. Keep an eye on the red head please. She's not familiar to me. She saw the body guard nod his head and speak into his head set, informing the rest of the men about the new comer.

Elvira tapped her fingers impatiently on the table top as she continued scanning the room. Come out come out wherever you are.. she thought still trying to identify the person whose scent resembled Dash's. Could this be his brother? She finally stood up with a sigh and moved towards the bar, unable to stop herself smirking slightly at the sudden attention she seemed to be getting from the bodyguards in the bar. Silly boys.. She chuckled lightly then looked at Aaliyah. "Red wine.." She ordered with a wave of her hand before looking at the band.

"Coming right up." Aaliyah chimed as she reached for a glass and a bottle of Merlot. "New around here? she asked leaning on the bar as she set the glass in front of Elvira.

The song ended and, keeping his eyes on the part of the bar that most patrons were nervously avoiding, Benny stood up from the drums. I'll be right back, he assured Fox gently, giving the crowd a trademark grin and waving down their groans at his departure. He walked behind the curtain to the stage and took the easy route past the crowd, stepping in to view at Aaliyah's feet. "Hey, watcher," he greeter her carefully and touched her leg to have her step out of the way so he could get out from under the bar. Grin firmly in place, he stood up, now visable to Elvira, turned, and leaned on the bar in one smooth motion. "Hello there," he said cheerfully, almost but not quite meeting her eyes. He'd met quite a few types of creatures that that was a bad idea with. Now only 6 inches from the woman (as he could now tell she was female) it immediately occurred to him what she was and the hair on the back of his neck stood up. He didn't let that new found fear show though as he let his charming grin spread. "Haven't seen you in here before. I think I would have remembered someone who caused such a stir-" He gave a slight nod to the crowd that was still eying the area with concern.

"In this body..yes." Elvira replied in an almost bored tone to Aaliyah as she took the glass of wine that had been set in front of her. As she raised it to her lips the scent that had brought her here suddenly erupted in front of her as Benny popped up from behind the bar and she had to stop herself cackling with glee at this creatures stupidity. They always come to me.. She thought triumphantly but managed to stay composed and turned to look at him, still keeping her bored expression on her face. "Unfortunately it comes with the territory..causing a stir." She said as she set the glass down then huffed slightly when she could feel the presence of one of the bodyguards drawing nearer to her. "I'd appreciate it if you'd call your little guard dogs off me. I'm not here to cause trouble but trouble may happen if they don't give me space. I just want a relaxing drink..or is this how you treat all your customers?"

Talia pushed the door open and paused, confused as to why the bar seem so quiet and reserved. "Uh..in here Emory.." She said to him with a wave of her hand when she finally moved on into the room. People seemed nervous and were completely avoiding the bar where she noticed Benny talking to a strange woman. "Well this is odd.." She whispered then raised her hand in the air and waved to Benny with a smile before moving to a table to sit down. "The band must be taking a break for the moment.." She said to Emory as she sat glancing at the stage and waving briefly at Fox. "But i'm sure they'll start up again soon. Then we can dance."

Sliding in behind Talia, Quinn glanced around and immediately saw Elvira. Not that anyone could miss her. He took an automatic step back and quickly followed Talia to a table, taking the seat so he could keep an eye on the Shade. His animosity towards her knew no bounds, and he would shoot her if he had a chance. Between shooting her and pleasing Rafe, Quinn would much rather the unnatural perversion die than the siren keep his acquisition. His very nature caused this reaction, seeing the twisted etheria surrounding the thing before him. Talia's words gained Quinn's attention again and he looked at the woman. "It would seem there is a disturbance over there," he practically whispered.

Aailyah nodded to Benny as he stood up behind the bar and flashed a parting smile to Elvira as she moved on to help the other customers who had crowded a little closer together in an effort to give the shade some space.

"So defensive," Benny teased Elvira with a slight wrinkle of his nose, mentally telling Fox it was alright and after a moment the bouncers settled but continued to glance at the bar. He caught sight of a surprisingly open movement and glanced over to see Talia entering the bar, which he smiled and waved back to. The motion faltered slightly when he noticed the person with her. That was a strange coincidence... He settled back in to leaning on the bar and returned his attention once more to the shade, looking as relaxed as ever. He thought about mentally telling Fox she should check it out, but couldn't bring himself to let her go to potential danger- at least, without him- just yet. He would talk to Talia in a moment."If you think them like guard dogs, you have not seen what real guard dogs do," he told Elvira. Oh how he could recall what they did... "I'd offer to shake your hand in greeting, but we both know that's a bad idea, don't we? You probably already can tell a great deal about me at this distance. So, I will simply say, I'm called Benny, and it's nice to meet you...?" He smiled through his greeting, but raised an eyebrow at the end, indicating he would like her name.

"I'm sure Benny can handle it..don't let it worry you." Talia replied with a reassuring smile to Quinn. "Do you want me to get you a glass of water or anything whilst we're waiting on the music coming back on?" She asked after slipping her jacket off and draping it across the back of her chair.

Elvira's back stiffened slightly when she felt the presence of Quinn in the bar and she shot him an unamused glance before looking back at Benny. "My name is Elvira. So Benny...is this your bar or does it belong to your friend up there?" She said turning to look at Fox before smirking at the man in front of her. "I need to know who to thank for the drink.."

Fox sat down on the edge of the stage and waited as all three boys sat down beside her. Rain leaned back on his elbows, Adder sat cross legged, while Lynx leaned against Fox whispering to her. "Are you listening?" She knew what he meant by that and shook her head. "Well...then..." Fox rolled her eyes just before closing them. Opening her mind she allowed her mind to travel to Benny and listen to their conversation.

"Well that would be our lovely bartender, Ms Aailyah," Benny was replying as he felt the soothing, familiar presence of Fox enter his head. She was no doubt curious as well, so he did not fight it. He motioned to Aailyah down the bar and shot the pretty woman a smile before turning his attention back to Elvira. "And my friends and I just play here, Ms Elvira. Do you wish to thank us for the wonderful music as well?" He grinned.

Even sitting there, Quinn fidgeted nervously. His hand went in the front pouch of his hoodie where his bow sat. What he wouldn't give to just shoot that shade right in the back. It would serve it right, coming in here and messing up what he had going on. Quinn felt that he was close, knew that he was close, and here she was. But at least the suspicion would be off him while she was around. "No. I am okay," he said in response, looking at Talia. "I met the man over there when I first arrived. The one you called Benny? He was...less than cordial to me." Quinn put on the air of one who was confused or embarrassed, hoping that the man wouldn't bring anything up to them and that Talia would help him.

"You met Benny? Maybe he wasn't having a great day. He's usually a nice guy so don't worry about it and if hes less than cordial to you again, he'll have me to deal with." Talia replied with a wink before chuckling. "If he sees your my friend then there shouldn't be any trouble. Now just relax. We're here to have some fun remember?"

"So you're saying if I have any problems with anything, no matter how angry it makes me, I take it up with this young lady?" Elvira asked with a raised eyebrow as she glanced at Aaliyah. "You got it. Let's hope she doesn't mess up my drinks." She smirked at Benny then raised her glass and took a small sip. She turned to look briefly at Quinn and she suddenly caught the fresh scent of Dash coming from him and the girl sitting opposite him. She growled and turned back to Benny. He's stealing my target! she thought angrily squeezing the glass in her hand until it suddenly shattered. "Oops..Don't know my own strength.." She said in a distracted voice.

"I don't mess up drinks." with a toss of her thick red hair, Aaliyah set a fresh glass of wine down in front of Elvira, "It wouldn't be good for my image, or my tips." with that last part, the nymph gave her a michivous wink and leaned an elbow on the bar.

"Or the bar," Benny pointed out without malice as he picked up a rag from the back of the bar and began to clean up the wine and broken glass. He winked at Elvira's hand and her few scrapes tightened, holding themselves together so she didn't bleed. "If, by some terrible miracle, something is wrong with your drink, yes, take it up with Miss Aaliyah, and I'm sure she'll be happy to make you another." He glanced up at the shade to give her a cute little smile before going back to his task of dragging the glass off the bar and into his hand for disposal. "If you do so politely of course. Any other problems you could bring to me if you like. I promise you-" He paused and grinned at her. "I'm very helpful." He chuckled and dropped the glass in a bin before putting the rag away to be washed. He leaned on the bar again, giving Aaliyah a semi-playful nudge, like a hug, as they were next to each other now. "So," he asked Elvira conversationally, giving a glance to check on both Fox, and then Talia with her new friend. He would definitely need to go there next, but first- "New in town?"

Hearing the glass shatter, Quinn's shoulders hunched as he jumped and looked up, seeing the broken glass falling around Elvira. He looked at Talia, grateful that she was going to help him fit in. It was an honest emotion he was feeling, too, so there was no need to act. "Thank you, Talia. For everything. No one has ever shown the kind of friendliness you have. I do not know how I can repay you, but whatever you need, consider it done." He gave a single nod. There was a reason he didn't say the word 'promise', but she wouldn't know that.

"Not really..I came here many years ago. It was a little different back then." Elvira replied in a distracted voice as she turned slightly in her chair so she could keep an eye on Quinn and Talia. I'm going to need to think of a way to seperate them..I'm not going to let him be the one to take her to Rafe. I was looking for her first. She thought then turned to Benny. "I hope you're aware you have something very dangerous in here..and I don't mean me. That guy.." She shot a glance at Quinn. "..and that girl he's with can't possibly know how much trouble she's actually in whilst she's sitting with him."

"Thanks Emory..but I don't need anything in return. Just to have you as a friend is enough for me." Talia replied with a soft smile at him before glancing at the band. "I guess they're taking a longer break than I expected. We'll have to wait a little while to dance."

"I met him before," Benny replied to Elvira, but didn't bother to admit he didn't know what Emory was. Besides, why should he trust a shade that might very well be trying to throw him off whatever trail she was leaving? "Though it's good to know I can refer to him by a gender now." He chuckled, looking over at Talia and Emory. What was that thing though? Something was prickling in the back of his head. He had said something about having abilities, but not was he did. Benny had promised to talk to him again anyway. Soon, soon. He had to figure out why Elvira was here. Shades didn't just do things. They always had a reason, and it was never good. "Thank you for the warning, but I no more distrust him than I distrust you." Well, that wasn't a lie. "Should I have a reason to distrust you, Miss Elvira?" He grinned at her, asking but showing he doubted she would answer truthfully.

Aaliyah was a little put off by being ignored by Elvira. She thought she'd been rather slick the way she'd gotten the Shade a fresh drink so quickly. She turned away from the conversation to serve and flirt with other customers, hoping that the strange woman at least left a decent tip.

Looking at Talia and turning slightly so he appeared to be telling her something important, Quinn looked away from the bar. "You should warn your friend not to trust anything that creature says. Shades are notorious manipulators and master liars. I spent several years eradicating a threat in another area of the world. They are monsters, nothing more." He sat back. "I do not want to see you hurt." He sat back and glanced over at the stage. "Hopefully they will start playing music again soon..."

"Of course not." Elvira replied with a smirk at Benny. "Do you wish for me to go speak with that creature? I could get him to leave for you if you want or get the girl away from him at the least. Is it so hard to believe that I would like to do something good for once?" She asked. She didn't care much anymore about making Talia trust her, just as long as she was the one taking her back to Rafe. I'll drag her there if I have to..

"She's a shade?!" Talia hissed with wide eyes. "What could she want with this place?" She glanced nervously at Benny then bit her lip. "I should go talk to him.." She said making a move to stand up.

"Yes," Benny replied to Elvira without missing a beat. "But you are a guest, it isn't your job to deal with unruly customers, not that he looks all that unruly at the moment." He chuckled. "I'll let you say 'I told you so' if he becomes a problem, I promise." Fox, he thought to his soul mate, knowing she was probably still listening. Could you have the DJ start some music? Maybe some people will relax a little. Have a dance with the boys, I'll be done soon, I promise.

Fox glanced around with blurry vision until her eyes landed on the Dj. Nodding to him she waited for music to start. "Let's dance, boys." Hopping down from the stage she began dancing with Lynx. Benny, be careful. I've been listening to these new people and...there off. They know each other some how. I can feel it. Her vision and mind were both a little hazy from being in use for so long but it wasnt hurting her like it used to, which was a good sign.

Reaching up to stop Talia from going over, Quinn pulled back before he actually touched her. "Talia, I do not feel comfortable letting you go alone," he said. He moved to stand, his eyes scanning the crowd. He didn't trust the Shade at all not to just grab Talia, and Quinn didn't want to see the shape changer hurt, so he moved to follow her.

Talia paused when Quinn made a move to stop her then smiled and motioned for him to follow her. "Come on then." She said before moving to the bar. "Hi Benny..sorry to interrupt but can I speak to you a moment." She said trying to keep her eyes on her friend and not look anywhere need the shade.

Elvira had been about to answer Benny when Talia and Quinn approached them. "Don't be sorry girl, I was just about to get up and use the ladies room." She said in an overly polite voice as she stood. "I'll only be gone a few moments so don't worry, i'm not going to cause any trouble." She joked to Benny then moved past the three people, making sure to brush past Talia and get a glimpse into her mind, being met almost immediately with an image of Dash. She moved off grinning to herself, disappearing into the shadows.

"I shall count those moments!" Benny called after Elvira, grinning until she was out of sight, then frowned having noticed her bumping in to people. That shade is a problem, he agreed to Fox. I don't know why she's here and I don't like her in the club, but I also know our bouncers aren't going to be able to make her leave. Letting his girlfriend think on that for the moment, he turned to smile at Talia. "You can speak to me any time you know that," he greeted his friend and nodded to Quinn, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry for being so curt with you before, by the way. I was.. on edge, to say the least." He frowned in Fox's direction, though it was unclear to onlookers which person he was looking at, his deep sadness flooding his eyes for the barest moment before he turned back to the two people conversing with him. "What can I help you with?"

When he was addressed directly, Quinn looked down at the bar, biting his lip. "That is understandable...I...I was as...well. I was lost." He looked quickly at Talia as if asking for permission to speak or something of the sort. He didn't really know these people of course, and it would be rude to speak out of turn. Elvira leaving the general area was for the best, certainly.

Fox removed herself from Lynx's arms, and shoved him in the direction of a lovely young lady. "Enjoy." Winking she strolled across the club and appeared beside Benny moments later. Glancing about she caught sighed of Aaliyah. "Aaliyah, dear... something strong, please." Clearing her throat she leaned a hip against the bar. It would be obvious to the people who knew her best that she seemed weak from listening for so long, but to the strangers she was calm and collected as ever.

Aaliyah mixed up a drink for Fox, "You doing alright?" she asked with a little concern in her eyes as she handed her the cocktail.

"Just fine. As always. Thank you." Raising the drink in thanks she took a long drink from it and sigh in content. "Most refreshing." Giggling softly, Fox shook her head. Turning her attention, as much of it as she could, to Talia and frowned. "Who might this be?"

"This is Emory. He's new in town so i'm helping him out until he gets his own place." Talia told Fox with a smile before looking back at Benny. "He wanted to warn you about that woman you were just speaking with. She's a shade and Emory here has been lucky..or should I say unlucky enough to have had dealings with them in the past. I'll let him explain." She smiled briefly at Quinn as if to reassure him and encourage him to talk.

"I know she's a Shade," Benny pointed out. He reached across the bar and grabbed Fox's waist, lifting her with just the slightest sign of effort to make her sit on the bar, then wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, giving her shoulder blade a kiss. "But yes, go on Emory. What do you know about her? And.. what exactly are you anyway?" He raised an eyebrow, feeling that prickling in his mind again, something about that kid was bothering him.

"As I said before-" Quinn started, but clammed up the moment he realized how many ears might hear him say what he was about to say. He looked around himself, then at Talia, his forehead wrinkling in concern. "I cannot," was all he told her, shaking his head. It didn't matter who he was working for, what he was doing, who held his loyalties, nothing could make him put his life in danger in such a way.

"Emory..what's wrong?" Talia asked looking concerned before realising that he would probably prefer to speak more privately. "Its not really wise for Emory to speak so openly about himself. Is there anywhere a little more private we could talk? Or maybe he would prefer to speak to you alone." She said turning to Benny. "Fox and I can stay here if you want Emory."

Benny nodded and reluctantly released Fox. "Come on, Emory. We can go to a booth. No one will hear us there." He motioned for the Deiciden to follow before turning so he could hop and scoot his butt onto the bar, turn, and drop his legs over the other side so he hop off the other side where Talia and Emory was. He turned to Fox and took her hand. "I'll be back very soon to give you a private dance," he told her with a grin before kissing the back of her hand. "Hey Aaliyah!" He got their bar keep's attention and held up two fingers. "Two drink MAXIMUM!" He pointed at Fox, then motioned for Emory to follow him and headed off to one of the curtained private booths, his heart sinking from leaving Fox and from remembering what had happened last time he was in one.

As much as Quinn didn't like speaking in public, explaining to Benny in private was so much more dangerous. Of course, with Talia there, maybe he would be a little safer. These people were old enough to have seen the original disputes, to know what danger Quinn's people posed. But to get in with this crowd was a blessing in and of itself. If he could convince Benny that he was trustworthy, which Talia already believed, then he could further his own personal goals with Rafe. His eyes slid to the woman Benny had been talking to and he gave her a quick nod as he followed him to the booth. Quinn did turn to make sure Talia was watching where he was going to be before slipping in.

Fox watched Benny walk away before rolling her eyes. Turning to Aaliyah she shook her head. "I decide how many, I'm the one who signs your paycheck." Turning back to the curtains Benny and Quinn had slipped through she sent her mind along with them. Giving Benny's mind a gentle but loving caress to let him know she was there, and waited patiently.

"Right... well, I'm going to go enjoy myself." Jumping down from the bar, Fox wandered onto the crowded dance floor and began dancing with herself. Glancing around she noticed the boys all had dance partners and seemed fairly happy. She wondered why none of them ever settled down with a girl but shrugged it off. When they were ready to find someone they would.

---

"You need to learn these self defence techniques to protect yourself from those monsters. Do you understand me?" Jake rolled his eyes as he held his bedroom door open. "Yes dad." He said in a bored tone before slamming the door behind him and locking it. "They're not monsters.." He muttered with a sigh as he crossed his room grabbing his jacket as he did and pulling it on. He stopped by the window and with a final glance at the door opened it and carefully climbed out, dropping to the ground below. Jake turned and wandered from the alley being careful to avoid any police officers that were on the streets for they would all recognise him as the chiefs son. He had heard his father speak of several potential locations that the non humans were living and that was were he was heading. Maybe i'll finally get lucky and meet one of them. He thought hopefully to himself as he walked. He found himself wondering for at least an hour before finally he found himself in the right place. The streets were empty and Jake found himself glancing around in confusion. "Dad must have got it wrong." He said as he looked at each of the small abandoned shops and tall apartment buildings. He turned to make his way back to his house but paused when he spotted a strange footprint at the entrance of an alleyway beside one of the apartments. His brown eyes lit up with excitment and he knelt down to examine them further, curious as to what they might belong to. A tall looming shadow suddenly engulfed Jake and he froze in place. "Are you lost little human?" Came a menacing growl before Jake was lifted off the ground and spun round to face the stranger, a large and dangerous looking man who was actually a troll. Jake's eyes widened but before he could answer the large man had thrown him across the alley, crashing into the side of a heavy dumpster creating a loud echoing bang. The man chuckled loudly then slowly moved forward towards Jake who was groaning from where he lay on the ground.

Up in the seventh floor of the building, Dash sat up with a start. Breathing heavy from a nightmare he struggled to hang on to, like sand slipping between his fingers, he looked around disoriented, unsure where he was for a moment. He didn't quite have time to figure it out before a loud clanging outside got his attention and he threw back the covers, hurrying over to look outside just as a damn troll was headed toward a small man on the ground. Son of a- He was too tired for this. Wait, work? Didn't he have something to do. He shook his head to try and clear it, looked around for a shadowy corner and jumped in to it. He'd wake up properly after he got this sorted out. You know, if he didn't die first. He stumbled a bit coming out of a shadow at the base of the building, out of sight of the pair or anyone else thankfully. That had been quite the fall.. He looked up at the building, squinting at the slight sun and fighting off a yawn. Oh, right, the troll. He sprinted around the building, his sneakers hissing on the pavement as he slid to a stop. "Hey!" he yelled at the hulking beast, wincing slightly at the smell. He sighed and ran as hard as he could at them, wanting nothing more than to leash the beast but he couldn't until he knew what that other man was. He jumped just as he had the troll's attention and punched him full in the face, landing a few feet away with a skid near Jake. Despite Dash now shaking his hand slightly to work through the pain, the troll was only stunned momentarily from the attack, no real damage. "Hey, you ok kid?" he asked over his shoulder. "You should get out of here you know, I don't know what you were doing here in the first place-"

Jake rubbed his head with a groan then looked up at Dash as he told him to get out of there. His eyes widened and he suddenly pointed past Dash as the troll reappeared looking furious. "Look out!" He cried as the troll suddenly began charging forward ready to knock into Dash. Jake quickly scrambled to his feet looking round quickly for an escape route from the alley.

Dash swore loudly in his head as he grabbed the front of Jake's shirt and hauled him into the shadow of the dented dumpster. He still hadn't figure out where they were so they only went a few blocks before stumbling out behind yet another unfamiliar building, but at least it was a little home on a street where they all looked the same. Well, mostly, some had long since fallen in or were otherwise damaged. He practically threw Jake in letting go of his shirt. "Who are you?" he demanded, quickly pinning Jake chest first against the house, checking for a gun. "What were you doing in that alley?" The last thing he needed was to get shot by some wanna be cop.

With a gasp, Jake had stumbled backwards slightly as Dash made a grab for him then clamped his eyes shut at the unnatural and uncomfortable feeling of being transported through the shadow. Once the strange sensation had stopped he opened his eyes and looked round in bewilderment at the unknown location. "I-I was just out for a walk.." He stuttered nervously once Dash had pinned him against the wall. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Not finding anything, Dash decided he didn't have a reason to hold him now. He let go and took a couple of steps back, still looking at Jake skeptically. "You'll understand if I find that hard to believe," he snipped the teenage who looked slightly younger than Dash but of course would be a lot less. "And you still didn't tell me your name." Not that it would matter. Odds are Dash wouldn't know him. He was looking Jake up and down. He did look vaguely familiar though. He couldn't put his finger on it and it was bugging him.

Jake bit his lip nervously. His father had always warned him against telling strangers his name but he couldn't see a way of getting round this. "Jake..my names Jake. My second name isn't important so please don't ask." He said in an almost pleading voice as his eyes remained trained on Dash. "And thank you for helping me back there uh.." He paused realising he didn't know Dash's name either.

"Dash," he replied without a thought, still staring at Jake like he knew something, and didn't like it. "And I think your last name is important but I'm not going to force it out of you." Dash knew for a fact his own face was on the 'most wanted' list at the police station, mostly for running from the police, because Benny had told him from his times being dragged down there for questioning. If this kid had anything to do with those obnoxious human police, he know know Dash's face. "Next time, don't go walking alone, or unarmed, or in dark alleys. I could have dropped you off a cliff you know-" Of course he knew, that's what all humans thought anyway. "You are incredibly lucky you didn't become paste."

Dash..Dash? Strange name but somehow familiar.. Jake thought then he paused for a few moments as he tried to recall it before suddenly remembering the wanted poster with Dash's face on it, one of the many his father had made him memorise in the hopes that he might catch one of these "criminals" one day. He took a small step backwards then stopped. If this man was dangerous why would he help him? "My father gave me a gun but I don't like to carry it." He replied looking towards the door.

"Your father...." Dash was staring at him very hard, trying to put together a puzzle he knew he had all the pieces to. It took a long moment, but finally his honey eyes widened. "You're the son of the chief of police!" Still, he knew Jake didn't have weapons, so he wasn't too alarmed, but his eyes did narrow again. "You want to maybe clarify your 'just a walk' story, Jake?"

Jake flinched when Dash suddenly recognised him and he quickly prepared to defend himself against an attack. "I was just walking I swear! I had heard rumours that they was possibilities of non-humans living around here so I just came for a walk to see if I could catch a glimpse of any. Thats all. I didn't mean any harm." He spoke quickly.

Jake did not appear to be helping himself. "So just reconnoissance then huh?" Dash accused, getting tenser by the minute but not in a fighting stance. Yet. "We're not some park attraction you know, we're not freaks to stare at, we're not a zoo!" Dash knew his voice was rising, but he didn't care. "And we are certainly not to be hunted down and brought in like criminals! The ones of us that are the problem are no more of a threat than you people with your guns! What is your problem anyway!? What did any of us PERSONALLY do to YOU!?"

"N-nothing! I didn't come here for reconnoissance or to pose any kind of a threat! I'm just..curious. Thats all. I don't agree to anything my dad is doing to your people and i'm hoping that maybe if I was to show him that I was friends or had even had just had a friendly conversation with someone he would realise you aren't a threat." Jake replied in a nervous tone.

"Just curious," Dash nearly spat, but he seemed slightly less likely to attack. Just still miffed. He stood quietly with his fury for a moment, staring Jake down, before he continued in a slightly calmer tone. "Try to prove to your father we can be domestic? Like a stray dog you found on the street." He was once a dog... and although he hadn't hated it, he would be no such thing to a human. Still, Jake was seeming less and less like a threat. Dash could snuff him out in an instant if he needed to. Finally, he held out his hand, palm up. "Very well. Where's my treat? That's what you do with wild animals right? You bring them some kind of food so you can tempt them with it, instead of ripping out your throat?" His tone made it unclear if he was joking or not and he raised an eyebrow, waiting to see how Jake would take it.

Jake was speechless for a few seconds before frowning lightly. "Is that what you wish me to do? Treat you like a wild animal? My father had always tried to convince me you were nothing but monsters but I never believed him. Was I wrong?" He asked feeling a sudden surge of confidence.

"It's not what I want you to do," Dash replied and retrieved his hand so he could cross his arms over his chest, seemingly unoffended by the lack of tribute. "But it's what you should do. Not everything out there is as kind as me and your father is right about some of them, wrong about most, and has zero grasp about how much worse some of them are." He gave the human a very serious look, holding his eyes. "It is not the noisy beasts you should worry about, it's the quiet ones that look very much like you." He uncrosses his arms, holding both hands out, palms up, and shrugged. "But you don't look like you could fight anyone off, so maybe I should just help you out so you can get straight to what you are looking for so you don't get killed and don't step on anymore toes- but I won't. I honestly think the last thing the police need to know about is the weak ones, the good hearted ones, that would be a much easier catch, and to think they could overcome us." He gave Jake a pointed look. "It is much better, trust me, that they believe there are ones that can, and will, kill them."

Jakes eyes had widened excitedly when Dash had spoke of taking him to others but he sighed when the other man quickly refused. "You don't think I could fight? You're wrong..my fathers had me trained. I can take care of myself." He sighed again then looked at Dash. "I don't need to prove anything to you so i'll be going." He turned preparing to move to the door but paused looking back at Dash. "I'm not going to give up you know. I still want to meet others..nothings going to stop me."

Dash was silent a long moment, considering this boy, this human that seemed so harmless. A mere child... "I'll take you," he said finally. "To see others..." He walked over to Jake and held his hand out for the other boy to take. He looked into his eyes and shook his head gently. "But you are very wrong if you think any human can teach you how to deal with those you want to see." He might regret this, but he couldn't see TOO much harm. He, and others, wanted the humans to stop hunting them, right? So if he could not try to trust one of them, how would they ever learn to trust in return? Besides, it was impossible to tell where the chamber was if he Stepped there, only that it was underground.

"You'll not regret this!" Jake exclaimed with a happy grin before taking Dash's hand. "Really. I hope this will help you to see that not all humans are as bad as you think. I promise that no matter what you show me today I won't breath of a word of it to my father or anyone for that matter. I don't want to see anyone getting hurt." He continued to smile before suddenly checking his watch. "Alright..I have roughly one hour before my dad comes to check on me so I need to be back before then. So lets get moving."

Dash smirked. "That's more than enough time." He stepped back and vanished into a veil of liquid darkness that was the corner of the room, letting Jake see where he was going this time as he pulled him into the chilled shadows. The reemerged in a dank tunnel, clearly in the sewer area, and Dash let go of his hand, immediately pulling his shabby hoodie off. "Put this on," he said handing it to Jake with one hand while the other went about fixing his grey shirt which had ridden up. "And keep the hood up. They might still be able to smell you, but hopefully we can get them to overlook you."

Jakes eyes had squeezed shut when Dash had pulled him through the shadow. "That is probably the most uncomfortable thing i've ever done.." He said once they had emerged in the tunnel. He looked at Dash's hoodie then took it and pulled it on over his own jacket, doing as he was instructed and pulling the hood up over his face. "And if they don't overlook me?" He asked slowly wondering what his fate would be.

Dash thought about it a moment, then just shook his head. "I'll handle it," was all he said before he motioned Jake to follow him. "As for Stepping, you get used to it- Or, you would if you did it more often, which probably won't be the case." He stopped walking, having just went about twenty feet from the corner they had been around. There was a large, rusty and heavy looking metal door and Dash grabbed the metal wheel, turning it with only a slight effort. It squeaked as it turned, but the door popped open and he pushed it in. He was the first in, then motioned for Jake to follow before closing the door behind him. Inside the main chamber they were a few stories up on the rusty metal walk ways that lined the walls. Below them was set up a kind of marketplace littered with hundreds of creatures he was mostly sure Jake would have never seen, let alone be able to name. The chamber itself was surprisingly massive, allowing everyone to move around fairly easily, though it did seem a bit cluttered with all the different wares. Various smells rose to them, from the creatures, the stalls, and the foods being offered. It was well lit for an underground chamber, but not enough to eliminate the knowledge it was, in fact, underground. Dash leaned against the weak looking railing, which creaked but didn't give, and watched Jake take it in for a moment before they would move on.

Jake had stared curiously at the heavy metal door and couldn't help but hold his breath as Dash opened it then followed him through it. "Woah.." He whispered as he took in the large cavern then moved to the railing and gripped it as he leaned over the side taking in all the sights. "This is incredible!" He said with a grin as he glanced at Dash. "So what are we waiting for? Lets get down there." He turned and moved towards the metal steps that led down into the marketplace and quickly began to descend them.

Eye widening in slight panic, Dash hurried after him, grabbing the back of the hoodie to stop him a few steps down. "Jake, wait!" He stepped in front of him to look up at the human, pointing a warning finger at him. "No one is eager to be here, ok? You run around like a puppy off its leash, you will be made into shish kabob, ok? No exceptions." He put his hand down and relaxed slightly. "Now, come on, look like you are looking for something but not EVERYTHING." He shook his head, as if disappointed or in wonder at Jake, then turned and continued down the stairs at a slower pace. The first path in the stalls they started down (and Dash made extra sure Jake stayed close) was thankfully a kinder one. Glittering fairies were charming people, offering various foods or trinkets. One that looked similar, but were darker colored, pixies and sprites, were doing similar, but Dash already knew they stole those, not made them. He pretended to browse casually as they strolled along, beginning to pass leather wares and clay items. Ahead of them he saw weapon stalls and he gently altered their path to wander down an area more aimed to unrecognizable pets and cloth items.

"Oh okay sorry..i've just never seen anything like this before." Jake replied looking apologetic before following after Dash into the crowds. He paused at several stalls, glancing down in fascination at the wares but made sure not to touch anything. As he moved after Dash he tried his hardest not to look around to much but there was so many strange creature and he just had to look at them all. As they passed the strange pets his eyes widened and he couldn't help but stop. "What is that?!" He gasped pointing at one particularly odd looking thing in a cage.

"Ah, I see you have the discerning eye..." the hag from behind the cages said as she came to the front, looking eager to meet a potential buyer. If it weren't for the unnatural color of her eyes and the ease with which she moved, she might have simply been a very old woman. "That is called a Baku, and comes from the far east. He lives off nightmares so you would never need to feed it. A mere five hundred..."

"We're not interested," Dash stepped in, making a shooing motion at the hag and glaring at her, which caused her to hiss and step back. Once she was away enough, he put a hand on Jake's shoulder and forced him to keep moving with him. "The longer you talk, the more ease they have in convincing you," Dash warned him. "Deal with fairies and nymphs, they are the easiest. Not that you are buying anything!" He gave Jake a warning look, then looked around them, noticing some sketchier creatures start sniffing the air. He sighed and placed a hand on Jake's lower back to hurry him along. "Come on. How about you try some food? That's something you can do while you are here, and your dad won't find out.. I think." Once they were clear enough, or he hoped was clear enough, Dash looked around to find a slightly brighter stall. Smiling when he saw a water and flower nymph offering sweet pastries, he nodded to it to show Jake. "There. That's a good place for you to actually talk to someone." He looked at the human. "You know, if you actually want to interact with one of us."

Jake had taken a nervous step backwards from the hag bumping into a less than friendly goblin who growled at him before wandering off. He was thankful when Dash quickly led him away unaware of the several creatures around them sniffing the air and slowly look in their direction with narrowed eyes. "Of course I want to interact with your kind..isn't that what i'm doing with you?" Jake asked with a smile before wondering over to the water and flower nymph and looking down at the pastries. "These look delicious." He said to her brightly. "May I try some?"

The females giggled and Dash was hard pressed not to roll his eyes where he stood behind Jake, keeping a kind of look out. "It's just ten a tart for you, sweetie!" one of them chirped, offering what looked like a tiny pie on a white piece of paper. It smelled of sweet fruits and spice and before Jake could ask what they used for currency, or offer whatever humans used, Dash stepped up and slipped something into the nymph's free hand that was waiting to be paid. She smiled happily and thanked him and went to happily serve another customer.

"Yes," Dash answered Jake's earlier question. "I suppose we are interacting, but I thought you might actually want to meet someone, properly, who was less likely to kill you." He smiled, watching Jake. Odds are, no, he wouldn't kill Jake, but he was leaning more that way than to simply let him go. Still, Jake not telling his dad was something he counted on more than the chief not trying to find his son if Dash were to, essentially, kidnap him to keep him quiet. "Let me know if you would like anything else!" one of the nymphs told Dash and Jake and the blood mage nodded at her, exchanging smiles.

Jake took the pastry from the nymph smiling gratefully to her. "Thanks." He said then took a large bite as he turned to Dash. "You wouldn't kill me. If you really wanted to you'd have done it already." He said after gulping down his first bite. "This is really delicious you should get one." He grinned then turned back to the stall asking the nymphs about each of the different pastries they were selling as he continued to eat the one in his hand.

"Well well you really did leave me waiting for quite some time." Came an irritated voice from behind Dash. Elvira stood, hand on hip glaring at him. "That was really very rude of you, you know. Its just lucky that i'm in such a good mood today otherwise there'd be consequences.." She had wondered down into the marketplace intent on replenishing her stocks of potions and other items and was surprised to find the unmistakeable scent of Dash. "Nevermind you're here now..." She paused looking past him at the hooded figure and a small smirk crossed her face. "..with that. How interesting."

---

Once alone, Benny made sure the curtains were closed and then sat himself on the booth with a sigh, arms spread over the back. After a moment of silence, he looked at Emory and raised an eyebrow, giving him a little smile to know he wasn't in danger. Or, he hoped that's what it said. "Well, do you want to tell me what you are now? Because I'd like to know about the Shade, but I think it's pretty important you tell me what I'm dealing with with you first."

Quinn sat down opposite of Benny, looking a little nervous. Not even that smile could relax him now that he was cut off from his protection. "I told you in the alley that I am Deiciden. You might know us better by our other name. God Killers." He said it quietly, almost afraid of actually telling Benny. "Our ancient purpose was to control those who abused their powers. Death dealers." History was an easy thing to talk about, and he didn't bother to affect a stutter because there was nothing that could make him look anymore nervous than he was.

Benny's eyes narrowed a fraction. "Ah, right, I remember now," he said quietly, barely audible over the sound of deafened music. Control those who abused their power... Where had his kind been when Rafe had ruled with such a gentle, clawed fist? His hands gripped the back of his seat where they were resting, trying to control his anger. Something more pressing had to be dealt with. "So what did you have to tell me about the Shade that I don't already know?"

Although he hadn't fully expected any sort of acceptance, Quinn was talented enough at reading people to see the tightening of Benny's face, as if something he said made the man angry. Quinn's brow twitched a little as he bit his lip and stared at the table. "I was made to study all creatures, and the elder who raised me had a standing dispute with a group of Shades near where we lived. The only time they are helpful is when they are trying to get something for themselves. Shades have no goodness, no..." He hesitated, uncertain of the word he was looking for. "No...uh..." With a quick shake of his head, he moved on. "Sorry. Anyway, were I you, I would watch it with great care. Of course there are others who would tell you the same about myself." He paused, about to say something else, but changed his mind. "I do not know of this particular Shade, but if it follows the rest of the race, I would rather kill the thing before it could do any damage." Quinn wasn't particularly trying to sabotage Elvira, but he was beyond making things a little more difficult for her to take the attention off of himself.

"If I were to take your advice and be a racist, I would need to kill you too," Benny replied, never taking his eyes off Emory. He finally let go of the booth and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I do not trust Shades," he admitted. "And no one should. We both know by the very way they come in to being, they are going to be no good. However, we can not simply go killing everyone of a single race based on that fact. Your race and mine would be extinct in a century or so. My only hope with her is that her business does not have to do with us and she'll go on her merry way to cause trouble elsewhere, hopefully for the police. I appreciate your warning, but I'm wary of both of you and I'm completely sure that neither of you can give me a reason not to be. Talia likes you though, so whatever trouble you cause had better not be here either, or with her, or my family. I'm sorry for the way I treated you last night, I am. I was stressed out of my head, but I don't trust you any more now than I did then. Go, have a dance or two out there, have fun, laugh for what I think might be the first time in your life, just don't cause trouble, ok?" He offered Emory a smile again. "I promise you, I'll keep an eye on the Shade and if anything happens, I'll take full responsibility."

"It is not being racist to be wary of a soul that has come to inhabit a living body not its own," Quinn stated calmly. He gave Benny a confused look as he went on to tell him to dance and laugh, a firm frown in place. "I do not laugh." It was a simple sentence, but spoke so much of the issues that Quinn often faced. He glanced towards the door and moved to stand, pausing just before he was actually on his feet. "If the Shade causes any problems with Talia, I will do my best to destroy it. If you have befriended her by that point, my apologies in advance. Although with the attachment to Talia, if that creature does cause problems, I may not be the only one wanting to destroy it."

"Currently, my friend, you are not the only one wanting to destroy it," Benny replied simply, correcting his last statement slightly. "But this place has long stood as a place of peace, where creatures of all kinds can gather without fear of being persecuted by another kind. I can't break that without immediate reason. Just because her race says she's a murderer isn't a reason to throw her out or destroy her, unfortunately. Not here at least." He motioned to the curtain. "Out there on the dance floor are probably a dozen others just as bad, different creatures with different reasons." He motioned to his own chest, then to Emory. "And I feel two more sit right here. I am glad you have found a friend in Talia, she is a good person, and hopefully she will raise you up instead of you bringing her down. I'm sorry for saying that, but I'm sure we both worry about our own souls, if we had them. It seems to me you never have before but.. Emory, I ask you again, to at least try to have fun in this temporary sanctuary. Leave the worrying to the owners. This is not a place where you have to work, and succeed or not, try to relax. I'm sure Talia would appreciate it, and I think you think so too."

After giving Benny one last nod, Quinn made his way back out into the general room to just in time to see Talia next to trouble. He also saw what he had hoped to avoid. There was trouble, and he slid through the people around the bar and to Talia. "Are you okay?" he asked, already knowing the answer to that question.