Curse of the Fallen Quest: Ring Bearer's Trilogy

Aria

Listening as they talked, I turned the ring over and over on my finger, watching the slight play of color on my skin from touching it. I listened to every word said and hinted at, my mind working over and over inside this knowledge and the fact he wasn't telling everything.

"Five ring bearers, all destined for one thing. To destroy a book of evil.. If one dies, the ring moves to the next worthy person and they are stuck in a loop hole basicly forever. Without the five the book can not be destroyed, am I right in this assumption?" I spoke softly, almost too quietly to be heard but my head lifted and my eyes locked with Lance's a moment before gazing across at Gumo.

"Whom ever put these protective measures on the book was addle brained or scared shitless to make such a loop hole as that. Mongrel only has to kill one of us to keep us forever trapped in just getting the five people together." Sighing, I shook my head a little, sipped my drink and stood from the table.

"I am tired, perhaps we should find a place to stay tonight?" It was a suggestion.
 
Gumo hadn't slept in over 42 hours, so sleep sounded good right about then. He nodded at Aria's suggestion, but said nothing, only looked at Lance for confirmation.
 
Christian

"We?" I asked, looking to Leona and raising one hand, hoping she'd follow my lead. SHe settled some, having been fairly defensive until then, prepared to pounce should the need arrive.
I looked the newcomer over, seeing a natural beauty about her, something that can't be made cosmetically. I also noticed her defensiveness, how she turned one side away, as if it were her evil side and she wished to hide it from me.
Odd how my mind was percieving her, as half evil and half good, something I hadn't even noticed in many years. Were beings, vampires especially, only half evil?
"I am Christian, a warrior of..well, a local clan," I replied, deciding it best not to name my clan, given the possibility that I might be speaking with an enemy just then. "My friend is Leona, and we mean you no harm, no matter what your business here."
I to offer her my hand, but thought better of it. She'd stepped back into the shadows more the moment I'd stepped forward before. Why would she want physical contact now? "Leona means well, but is very protective of her own. If you mean no harm, then the three of us can hold palaver without much harm. Come, sit with us, talk..."
For some odd reason, I wanted to speak to this girl, to try and connect. Perhaps I was just lonely for new contact, as my old contacts had grown uncertain.
"Just think it over, and decide what is best. We'll support you in what you decide." Kavak had said that as well. Not "I'll suppot you," but "we'll support you." A sign that he'd spoken about this with the others. They'd agreed, without my knowing that they'd even spoken, which made me uneasy. Nothing I couldn't forgive over time, especially with leona here to prove that they cares, but still...unease...
"What harm can words do?"
 
A.B.

The invitation caught her a little off guard. Since when did Clans want too social with outsiders? This one was intriguing, different in some way.

“Alright.” she spoke up but kept a distance. Leaning back against the tombstone, She was content in the darkness, feeling braver there.

“I am A.B. and I belong to no clan. I get information for others.” It was all that She would give on this. It felt different talking to someone she did not know and with the protective female standing near by, she made slow movements. She did not need his guardian pouncing on her to protect him.

Cocking her head a little, she tried to picture why one such as him needed protection? Was he someone special? Was he weak? He did not look weak, so it had to be the clan.

“I am .. hunting..” Her voice fell a few notches, bravery fading quickly. “I won’t harm you or her if that is your caution?” There was little really to say without just coming out and asking the obvious questions lingering in the air. Jordan often considered her child like in her actions and thoughts, but she preferred herself that way. It seemed less threatening to just be herself, only now and then her spark flaring up and her determined side to speak it’s mind.
 
Aria

"Well if I am going to be of any use in this crazy situation, I have to work on regaining my memory.." how I would accomplish that was a question constantly on my mind, but I was tired of not knowing anything I should know.

Handing the bill and cash to the waitress as she passed by, I paid for dinner. "We should find a safe place to rest, nothing too flashy but with many exits." Following Gumo, I had little knowledge of New Orleans and where it would be the safest? A premonitional shiver passed down my spine, places were looking familiar. Stepping outside I began to glance around and know I had been here before.

The ring began to glow softly, tugging a little at those memories, as if it were trying to help me fight to pull them out of no where. This place was working it's magic on me! I felt like smiling and telling them both, but didn't. People would really think I was weird if I started shouting about remembering things.
 
"So, you used to live here?" Gumo asked. He was unfamiliar with this city as well, but she seemed to be the best bet at getting around. Gumo motioned his assistants to come around with the car and opened the door for Aria. He'd left his cell phone number with Lance, so that they could get back in touch.
 
Keith

One of the automatics came out, as he ran in a single direction. He couldn't tell what direction it was, but he flanked to one side. It was the best thing he could think of. Ancient instincts since the academy came back to him, through slow shifts that seemed to more imprint onto his brain then find him.
Flank right. It's harder to hit a moving target. He pulled the trigger to the gun, watching a reign of fire release from his hands. It went towards the opposing group, finding nowhere in particular to lock home, but having a narrow disarray everywhere. On the ground, behind them with that atv, even at the further wall over a hundred yards away. Little holes and explosions of dust and debris all came out as Keith continued to move.
The clip finished emptying into the group, which had now scattered from the first fire, but were already retaliating with their own. Keith jumped to the safety of cover, the only thing around that he could find was a tall length of bush that ran adjacent to the mansion. It wouldn't stop a bullet, but they couldn't see him either. Better than nothing.
Keith rested against the side of the mansion, letting the empty clip drop to the ground, useless, and locking home a full one.
When he stood upright, he would be seen over the hedge, so he cowered, low enough to be invisible, moving down the hedge's row, and waiting for a lul in the shooting.
As soon as it came, he raised himself up high, and shot.
 
"We should really..." And that is when he saw it out of the corner of his eye. A soft shadow that carressed the wall, and pierced out with dark eyes. Lance fixed on it immediately, unable to look away.
Red glowing eyes.
And that smile.
He recognized it anyway.
That fucking cheshire smile, grinning at him bulbously from across the room.
When the proposed to leave, Sebulba motioned to let them. Lance agreed, lowering his head and accepting a scrap of paper for a number. They would get out ok. If that was the deal, Lance would be happy with it. Besides, all in all, Mongrel only wanted him, right?
Of course. Sebulba was a mean ass fuck, and any sort of leniancy that he got from the man was a silent prayer in and of itself. He could sacrifice himself for the ringbearers. He'd done it before.
After they left, Sebulba sat down at the table, picking up the small piece of paper.
"Contact?"
He nodded, "A cell phone number."
Sebulba pocketed it.
Lance looked around, wondering just how many guns were on him at this moment.
"Enough. Don't bother. Mongrel wants all three of you, but I made a little deal with Willow. We'll just take you for now. Seems that we found someone else in this drab city to persuade you."
Lance wondered who was left to do anything for him. He didn't think even with Aria that he could tell them a thing. At least with her he knew. Mongrel was good at surprises though, the one thing Lance truly hated about the man.
"We'll be following them. Just in case you plan to be stubborn as always. I am sure you will though, it's only a matter of time."
Lance nodded. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. A phrase that ran over time.
"We've got a plan already waiting. Mongrel hasn't seen you in a long time, he's very eager. How quietly are you going to come?"
A restaurant? Maybe a half dozen people with guns already pointed at him. Maybe if he had the element of surprise, but he didn't. He had nothing. Nothing except the chance to let them go.
For that, he would come quietly.
"Let's go," He held out his hands, as shackles were put on them. Not silver, but hard iron. They weighed almost a ton, and wearing on the old wounds. He winced as he felt them, moving to the back of the restaurant.
"How did you find us?"
"From the airport. We had a group waiting, but there was too many people. We decided on a more quiet approach."
Lance understood. A lot of scrutiny for all that has happened, and the quieter things were, the better.
"Willow waiting on the plane?"
"Yeah. He's looking forward to see you too."
In the back, there was a limo. Lance got in first.
"Aren't I the popular one?"
"Indeed," Sebubla gave his toothy grin, fangs reflecting the moonlight in a dazzling sparkle that Lance swore would make him go crazy if he stared at it for too long.
 
Aria

"Lance not joining us?" I asked as Gumo held open the door. At his head shake, I felt a little relieved but it was short lived.

I did need some time away from his cold callous comments, calm down and think rationally for a change. Perhaps it was for the best for tonight? I kept thinking that but deep down I was worried. He had the answers I did not, and obviously had something important that needed done.

The book must have been what mongrel constantly carried with him, I had seen it but not given it much attention. Why would I? I didnt recall any of it.

The car pulled away and into traffic, slowly moving along as I watched out the window absent mindedly. The ring bearers had to get together, did they have a listing in the phone book? I laughed to myself, I was starting to sound like Lance with the sarcasm.

Again I wondered how we could possibly be friends? We seemed to rub each other wrong at all times? Was it because of Mongrel? I knew it had to do with my assasination orders, that would put me uneased as well. But to sum up my life as useless? I glanced down at my hand, seeing no ring outline there, I wondered how long ago this husband and son died?

I tried to recall their faces, tried to bring up that pain a mother would feel for losing her child, but nothing happened. Not a single tear shed, not a face in mind. Perhaps it was my mind's way of protecting me from trama? Perhaps it was more than that? I wouldn't get any answers until I spoke with Lance again.. Or would I?

Sitting up a little straighter in the seat, my eyes widened a little as an old two story stone home came into view slightly down another street we were passing.

"STOP!" I made everyone in the car jump at my sudden out burst, but did not hang out to answer questions. Opening the door, I ran across the other lane, kitty corner over the next street and up to the front steps of the abandoned house.

"I know this place.." I mumbled more to myself than anyone. I didnt even notice if Gumo followed. Staring up at the building, visions and pieces flashed before my eyes. "I've been here before!" My hand hovered near my mouth, unsure if I would laugh or cry, but I had something clicking.

"An old truck.. And.. There is a training room below.." More faces flashed but nothing stuck, no names or dates. No idea who owned the house but I had a sense that it did not belong to me. This wasn't my home. Three story home above ground and a basement where........ Someone trained......... The thoughts danced around but quickly began to vanish.

"DAMMIT!"

Turning around I bumped into the chest of Gumo. "I have to drive down this street for a distance.." I said it matter-of-factly, not asking but urgently demanding. Before it was gone, I needed to drive in a southern direction. Something was down there.
 
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Gumo quickly turned around and shouted to the driver.
"Hiro! Backseat, now!"
He turned and got in the passenger side with her, the assistants now in the back.
"What are we looking for, sir?" Hiro asked.
"The past, Hiro. Let the woman be so she can search coherently."
Hiro gave a look like someone had explained a four year quantum physics course in four easy steps, and reclined after taking resignation that he wasn't going to understand.
 
Aria

Climbing into the driver side, I put it in drive and hit the gas, but not too hard this time. Driving down the road, my eyes kept darting left and right, my knuckles turning white on the steering wheel.

I had a feeling but it was quickly fading. Barely two blocks down the road, I pulled over and rested my head against the steering wheel.

"It's gone..." I felt frustration well up inside me, still torn between crying and cursing, I put it into park and crawled out. Pacing on the sidewalk, I tried to summon back those memories. All I got was dead silence.

"Fuck!" I stopped pacing, pushing my hand through my hair, I tapped my nail against my cheek as I glanced around lost yet again.

"Alright, that went horrible. Thanks, sorry it's gone now. We should get some rest. Who knows.. I might be seeing things that arent real or .."No, something clicked there, I knew that other house. Some how!? Maybe sleep would help?

Moving back to the car, I gave a sheepish grin, "Perhaps it'll come to me after this heartburn goes away?"
 
Gumo smiled a little half smile at her. It was the best she'd seen out of him yet.
"Heartburn or not, if there is anything around here that could help you get your memory back, tell me, so I can get some research done. One of these houses, maybe?"
He left her a way out, if she wanted it. It was obvious that she still didn't trust him completely, but he was infinitely patient. If she wanted to tell him, she would. If she didn't, because of the way he worded the question, he would not lose face.
That's the Japanese way.
 
Aria

"Perhaps tomorrow we can just drive around a little? I do need some sleep, it has been a long day .. few days actually.." I sighed, climbing back into the car as the driver moved into the front again. My teeth chewing on my lip as I got lost in thoughts again.

"I know that other house.. And for a moment I knew the way home.. But it left. Perhaps tomorrow? Will you write down that address? Perhaps I can start here tomorrow?" I fished for a pen and couldn't find one, hopefully Gumo or his assistant might?

"Something tells me you cant really research anything.. Maybe mortgage records but I dont have a last name to go with that search.." I fell silent again, perhaps sleep was the best bet. Although I wanted to sit on the street corner we were parked at and wait for something to return. I knew it would be pointless but it could help?

Stopping myself from doing just that, I turned my attention elsewhere. perhaps if I wasnt looking for it, it might come to me?
 
Lord Vladamir Trepes

He dropped the gun, running towards the group. He groped and pulled out a simple handgun. The gunners moved back, perparing to make the best use of their weapons, and the melee fighters went right for it. He blocked the first slash that came his way, ducking another as he emptied a few bullets into the lower regions of one of the fighters. He pulled back, turning as the axe came down. Swordblade met wood, and the weapon was useless.

A common problem. He saw the sword coming towards him from the corner of his eye. Rather than risk trying to move the sword around, he raised the gun. Metal rang on metal. He heard the two behind him. A twist of the wrist and his sword was around to block another blow. Fire rang through his body as he felt the bullet burn it's way through the flesh of his leg. In and out, luckilly, the metal always caused problems with the healings. He felt pressure move from the gun, and heard the cry of battle.

The gun pointed over his shoulder, aimed purely by sound as he pulled the trigger. The sword clattered to the ground at the same moment axe-boy tackled Vlad. Well, that was one down,.....

What in Hell's name was that cop doing? He could use some backup.
 
Hiro was writing down the address before she even finished the sentence. He may have been a feeble young man, but he was an apt office assistant.
"Something tells me you can't research anything.. Maybe mortgage records, but I don't have a last name to go with that search," she said. She almost had a point, but that wasn't the point.
"Maybe not, but..." he trailed off. "May I see your hand for a moment?"
She looked at him warily, but eventually extended her hand to him. He gently placed his hand under her wrist and drew a sharpened pinky nail across her finger, drawing blood. She winced, but not as much as someone without training for pain resistance. He drew in a smell of her blood and released her hand.
"You're still young. Hiro, start a search on all of the previous owners of that house within the last fifty years, starting at the most recent. Don't get too detailed, but I need that as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir."
Gumo had an idea. Many amnesiacs regained their memory in a familiar place just driving somewhere without thinking about it. All they needed was a little prompting.
"As you said it is time to rest. You have the wheel, why don't you drive us to a good hotel. I'll pick up the cost this time." He gave her another half-smiling glance. "And plese don't beat me to the bill again, now that I've offered."
 
Aria

"Young eh?" I chuckled, shaking my head a little. "A lady never tells her age."

The car moved back into traffic and down a few more blocks before pulling over again. There sat a quaint Hotel, very nice and looked fairly empty.

"This will do. Thanks." Stepping out, I grabbed my bag and headed towards the front desk. We needed a few rooms to accomidate everyone. He could get the tab, I wouldn't argue with him this time.

"I will need my own room, Im sure you already guessed that. Are you securing one for Lance or will he meet up with us later?" I turned to study him as he filled out the paper work for the rooms.

Taking a room key from the clerk, I smiled and thanked her softly. All signed in and nothing more to do but rest, I thanked whatever god there was. I was stiff and tired, needed to shower and the scrapes from earlier still hurt.
 
Are you securing one for Lance...?" she asked. Gumo wasn't quite sure whether or not to get Lance a room, so he put down a deposit in case anyone fitting his description and/or name came to the hotel. He paid for the three other rooms, the third for Gumo's assistants, connecting by a double security door on Aria and Gumo's rooms, and distrubuted the keys. Lance's room connected to the assistants' room, but none of them knew that Lance wouldn't be coming to claim the room before they left the next morning.
"Did the drive bring anything back, Aria?" he asked before retiring to the room.
 
Aria

Pausing at the door, I gazed over to Gumo and shook my head.

"no, afraid not. Little things flash in my mind, but nothing sticks. Its like watching a movie without words or back ground... I hope something comes to me soon, I am not sure how much longer I can take not knowing.. Be it bad or good, I want to know.." Giving a slight smile, I whispered good night and stepped into my room. Setting my things down, I paused again, thinking over the faces I kept seeing.

Sighing, I shook myself out of it and headed into the bathroom for a shower.
 
Gumo returned her "goodnight" and entered his own room. He immediately pulled the loose-fitting shirt off and turned his attention to the painful wound in his side. It's not like he'd never had worse, but the part of him that was still a young Okama clan samurai hoped that Lance noticed and appreciated it. Not that he knew who'd done it...

:devil:???:There is a beautiful woman next door, and you're just going to sit here and nurse a feeble wound?"

"Silence, P'o. Now is not a good time." The moment the thought crossed his mind, he knew it was the WRONG thing to say to it.

:devil:???:Wonderous!!! I do enjoy waking up right when it's a bad time. So...you want her don't you? I know I do."

Gumo dropped to a lotus position and began reciting mantras right then and there, not wanting to surrender to the demon. It always did this at the most inoportune times, he thought. In reality, he had come come so far that he never noticed when it came any other time, but it wasn't going to tell him that.

He WAS the enemy, after all....
 
Christian

No clan? Odd. She must be quite the loner to be so bold.
"No clan at all?" I asked. "How then do you survive with all the violence that surrounds us? Do you not need the help of others to protect you?"
I tried to sound uncertain, as though I were concerned for her well-being, but in truth, I was intrigued by this bit of information. Another who lived a lonely life, one that must have felt the way mine was growing to feel, with my love gone and my clan growing distant.
 
A.B.

Glancing nervously around, she wondered if there was any way she could just leave now and not be there? Curiousity always seemed to get her into deeper trouble.

"I have survived since the plagues and can continue to do so on my own. I had a good maker.. he taught me all I needed to know before he was killed.." It was more than she had ever offered before information wise about herself. But she did not know him and doubted she would see him again after this little meeting.

He appeared to be peering into the darkness around her, as if trying to see what she would not show. Curiousity. He wanted to know but would not ask exactly why either.

"I work best alone, no attachments. But I am sure a clan works for most. Safety in numbers..." Her voice trailed off, making small talk for no apparent reason. The lonely side wanted company, the scared side wanted to hide and be left alone. The whole time this battle was waging inside her mind.

She focused on his face, ignoring the prowling female lurking just behind him. Her eyes moved over him from head to toe, his clothing making it hard to determine his strength. He must be one of the stronger in the clan, if his companion stayed in the back, just watching, it made sense to her some what.

She could detect no real accent, no way of determining where he was from other than locally. There wasn't much information her eyes could gather from this new comer. Or was she the new comer? Some how, she wasn't certain of either answer.

"What are you doing here?" I motioned with my hand to indicate the grave yard. This was not a normal hunting ground, it is why she chose it.
 
Christian

She seemed uncomfortable, but not too intimidated, not enough to flee. I wondered if the strength I saw was just a front, or if she'd gained the ability to fear no one in her long ages of being alone.
Leona waited, but impatiently, uncertain if this girl posed some level of danger to either of us.
Work? I thought. She must mean survive."I am here seeking tranquility, and where better to find it than among so many who share our secret. Dead or Undead, the life is absent, do you agree?"
I hadn't felt as such just days ago, but the feelings that drove the words already felt ancient and carved in stone within me.
"Tell me, have you never desired company?" The idea that could survive in such a way was new to me, and I greatly desired to hear more of it. It seemed that life alone for a while might help me gain some perspective of what my future may hold.
As I eyed the girl, I ran my finger around the ring, feeling the warmth there, which hadn't eased much since it first appeared there.
Leona looked to me questioningly, wanting to either leave and take me, or to attack the girl. SHe would do neither without my help, or agreeance (she was never one to be selfish, only protective of those she cared for).
 
A.B.

Stiffening slightly, she did not want to answer that question. Why should she anyway? She didn't know him or owe him any explanation, but he seemed truely interested in knowing her life? Why? That wasn't natural, from what she had seen. Rarely finding a single vampire anywhere, safety in numbers...

"People do not seek my company.. " She halted from what she was going to say, again the woman distracting her with nervous movements. The woman was making her edgy by each passing moment.

Again turning her attention towards him, She eyed him over once again. "You have no reason to seek out a life of solitude. I don't recommend it to anyone. Although you go by your own rules, you do get lonely.. you do have worry about your back with no one to protect it. You get little sleep, little nourishment and sometimes have to move suddenly before you are found out. Larger numbers have safe houses, family names and hard cash earned. What one can't give you, or you can't do for yourself, another is there, able to do so.. Unless you are in a selfish clan?" She flushed a little, thankfully the shadows hid it.

That was the most she had said to anyone in a very long time. She used to talk for hours with her maker, not even Jordan heard this much from her. She had to go before she revealed more than she should about herself. She didn't want to be known, nor seen. Definately did not want a clan after her for some 'slight' she may have done without knowing. It took everything she had not to probe his mind for his memories and why he was this curious over someone not worthy of attention.

"I must hunt..." An excuse to leave before the strange pacing woman attacked. She had no weapons on her tonight, having left everything behind for a simple job. Now she was regretting it. It was in her nature not to trust. No man or woman she had been around save one had ever been kind or at least decent to her. This hardened her for her own protection.

The faint glowing of the ring caught her attention, "What is that?" She asked before she realized she spoke aloud. "Never mind.. Have a nice evening.." Turning, she moved around the head stone. The wind began to pick up, her black trench coat pressed against her legs as she moved forward. Something that would cover the sound of her movements, perfect. Pausing, she figured she would have to find another place to hunt tonight.

At the last moment she paused and turned back towards him, giving him a faint smile she spoke softly, "Perhaps we'll meet again?" With that said, a possible chance that might happen, she moved off into the depths of the graveyard.
 
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Gumo silently recited his mantras, working to overcome the urge of the shadow soul. It had not taken him in years, decades even, but every time was harder and harder to resist. This thing that had come back with him from the hell of upside-down sinners was a particularly nasty little beast. It was possesed of the idea that Gumo didn't...let us say...enjoy himself enough. It was a twisted little demon, one whose idea of a Sunday pic-nic was finding a nice, balanced, loving (boring) family and inviting them (skinning their children and using the skin for a blanket that the parents would be forced to sit on) to a nice wooded area (ever seen the Deer Hunter?) and serving them a nice lunch (force feeding the remains of the children) before letting them sleep (after they asphyxiate on the uncooked meat).

This was called "fun."

Gumo did not share in this opinion, especially since he had woken up standing over the scene in question. He did not want a repeat in a populated area like a hotel.
 
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Another empty clip uselessly sliding out of the chamber, and another one fitting into the slot with an easy click home. The weapon felt anew in his hands, as he rose up from the bush to take aim once more.
Except, the one he had been aiming at wasn't there anymore.
Over forty yards, Keith would swear to anything he could lay his hands on that this man had just cleared forty yards in about the time it took him to reload a gun.
Vampires. It had to be.
He wanted his proof.
The man grabbed at his outstretched arm, he tried pulling the trigger, but by the time the message made it's way from his brain to his arm the gun had already been knocked out of his hands. He watched it fall, with an enchanted sort of disbelief. His trigger finger pulling back at empty air.
The vampire pulled him out of the cover. Pulled him. He rose high into the air, doing a lame sort of summersault, against his own will, and falling down hard on his ass. The vampire held his arm at an odd angle, beginning to pull.
Keith screamed. He moved to the side, trying to align the tendons and muscles that were being torn from their original places.
Something was beginning to let go. He desperately reached to his belt, taking out the one firearm.
A loud crack made him scream louder, as Keith felt the entire side of his arm explode. Without thought, he flung the gun up, luck upon luck the barrel came in contact with his chin.
Keith closed his eyes as he pulled the trigger, blood raining down upon him, as the corpse fell back against the bush cover.
His arm fell to the ground, and as it hit, he was treated with another burst of pain. Keith didn't pause to take it in. He got up, his gun pointed out in front of him.
 
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