Mutants (non x-men)

[Inkubus]

Parasite

I look at Rachel and sigh, "I know what they did to you using my powers"...I breathe ragedly wishing I could cry...wishing I could have some release to my torment.."Rachel I actaully wish it was all my fault so you could take your vengance on me and it would be over and maybe you could sleep better at night...because I promise you , I never ever will...I will always have nightmares I will always fear my powers and I will always have a million eyes staring acusingly at me in the darkness so I will never know peace until the day...until that blessed day that I die...but knowing the gods sense of humor I may never taste oblivion..." I very slowly turn and notice that the street is almost empty. I walk slowly towards the happy couple who have already walked inside.

 

[Neale]

Fortunato

Why not? Fortunato thought to himself. Allowing his cloak to fade slowly, so people would notice him without wondering how he just 'appeared' out of nowhere, the mutant made his way to the table where his 'guests' were gathered.

"Nice show you put on, Leech... Pity she couldn't finish you off," he sneered. Turning to Rache, he addressed her directly, admiring the look of her, "Would be glad to help you try again, sometime, but not in here. I learned a few things about our boy here from the humans that studied him... he isn't quite as invulnerable and immortal as he seems to think." He grinned wolfishly at the memories of how he'd extracted that information from the scientists.

"Lucas, Violet... welcome. Long time, no see."

Fortunato pulled up a chair, and sat down.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I look thoughtfully at Fortunato. Evidently, whatever I've stepped into the middle of is more than someone just wanting to work out a grudge if he's involved. Man's got a subtle mind, which came in great for planning strategy against the Genoshans. Haven't heard much of what he's been up to lately, but can't see him just sitting around twiddling his thumbs.

Well, whatever is in the air here between the three of them: Fortunato, Rache and Vincent, I'll just keep my ears open without prying.

"Hey, man. Yeah, been too long."

I grin, remembering how we stumbled onto the Genoshan's private booze stock. I'd helped him move it to a safe place, not being particularly interested in it myself. If his proprietary air is any indication, he's found a good use for it.

"Nice place you've got here," I tell him.

 

[Inkubus]

Parasite

"Dont let him fool you its his moms, So Fortunate one has mommy let you come out and play? Trust me psiman you think you got what it takes to end this game then I'll be the first in line, but trust me ..its gonna cost ya." I walk away from The Psionic and bow to Lucas's guest. "Im Para..er Vincent. enchanted to meet you"

 

[intriguess]

Violet

I hold out my gloved hand to shake and offer a small smile, I was content to watch things unfold even as I gave Lucas's knee a friendly squeeze.

 

[Neale]

Fortunato

Fortunato opened his mouth to say something, then his eyes glazed as he listened to a mental message. Each of those gathered recognized the signs of a telepath receiving a call. After a couple of moments, his expression cleared.

"I need to go. I will see you soon. Don't forget to pay your tab on the way out, leech."


OOC: I'm going out of town until Sunday, and won't be able to post. I've just sent Fortunato away, but if anyone needs to use him for something, feel free.

 

[Serah]

Rache

My anger is spent. And I'm having a hard time finding a target for it. For a moment I stand outside and let the heat of my rage cool off. Then I walk slowly into the bar. I smile at Fortunato , keeping my distance from the Psi, and look blankly at Parasite. I offer no apology but I dont beat on him either. I step up to the bar and order a beer and walk cautiously to the table with the others.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I smile at Violet, and my hand creeps under the table to squeeze hers. I wonder if she is a puzzled at the tensions between Vincent and Fortunato as I am.

Fortunato goes quiet and gets that look in his eyes of a psi receiving a message. I grin wryly at his comment about the tab, but he is gone before I can smart off to him.

I turn to look at Vincent, who, though looking pretty wiped, seems to seethe with anger. Behind him, I notice Rache approaching with a beer in hand. I wave for her to join us.

Leaning over to Violet, I whisper. "Hmm, this ought to be interesting at the least." It also gives me an opportunity to give her a soft kiss on the cheek. I am interested in knowing what she will observe, will think of all of this.

 

[intriguess]

Violet

I order a soda, thinking I've had enough wine for evening and I'll probably need all my wits about me to observe the conversation ahead.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I grin at Violet as she orders the soda. I take coffee, black, some sugar. She's a wise woman, my love, and I realize we both have come to the same conclusion.

Rache and Vincent seemed dazed, lost in their own thoughts. Much as I want to help them, I've concerns of my own to deal with, and plans Violet and I are making that I've no desire to postpone.

With my hand upon hers, I lean over and smile at her, feeling again the bursh of minds and feelings we share. I want nothing more at that moment than to take her in my arms and just hold her for a long, long time. To go somewhere we can be alone, to talk, to make love, to just be together.

"Find out anything about the minister or the property, darlin'?" I ask her.

 

[intriguess]

Violet

"Mama Pierre suggested several lovely plots of land. I was thinking we could scout them out this afternoon after we meet with a couple of ministers."

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

A waitress brings our drinks. I reach into my pocket for some cash and remember something I should have told Violet earlier, but don't want to mention with the others so close at hand.

The band onstage has set up and is moving into their first set. We listen for a while, not talking much. There's a sense of comfortable companionship between us that in no way detracts from the excitement I feel when near her.

Some couples are beginning move onto the dance floor. I look at Violet and smile.

"Lovely lady, would you honor me with this dance?" I ask her.

 

[Serah]

Rachel

Rachel drank her beer quietly and noticed that this was quickly becoming too cuddly for her taste. She smiled politely and exchanged pleasantries saying only that she had alot to think about. She finished her beer and left some money on the bar. She looked at Parasite on the way out , it wasnt an angry look it was unuasualy hollow. She looked away and steped out into the night.

 

[intriguess]

Violet

"of course," I smile as I take his hand and we move off to the dance floor.

 

[Inkubus]

Vincent

Somehow I think I would have appreciated it if she had hit me instead. The look Rachel gave me as she left shattered something that no mortal force could. I look and see Lucas and Violet so in love, I sigh as I realize that such can never be for a parasite. I dont have any money thus I never come to these places. even if I did alcohol has no affect on me. I remeber Fortunatos words and thus dont start a tab. As the happy couples take the dance floor I slip out unnoticed and stare at the starry sky. I see a shooting star pass near our little island I wonder to myself if its a metorite. Im tired I wander off into the darkness.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I lead Violet out onto the dance floor. The tune is slow and lovely, but not nearly as lovely as Violet. While I have a certain amount of natural rhythm, Violet is grace incrnate.

My hand slips to her waist as my other holds hers and we move across the floor with perfect synchronicity. I smile into her eyes those lovely violet pools, and see the beauty of the night.

We dance without speaking for a time, our bodies molding together, all but sparking where they touch, even through our clothes. I cannot see how this fire between us which is passion of soul as much as body could ever grow dim, but more likely grow stronger with each passing moment. I chuckle at the sudden image of us on a dance floor bright as a dance ball.


"I love you, Violet," I whisper to her. Her smile is all the answer I need.

"It's maybe not the most romantic thing to bring up at this time, but I have something to tell you that may invluence what kind of property and where we might locate."

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas II

"I feel kind of stupid not thinking of this before," I say to Violet as we move across the floor.

"Back after we won our freedom from the Genoshans, it was kinda chaotic there for a while. Lots of mutants lost touch with friends, parents, family members. A few of them got in touch with me. At first, I did a lot of tracking just to be helping out. But some of them, well, they wanted to show their appreciation. There wasn't much in the way of hard currency then, as you might remember. But, somehow, some of them managed to smuggle in gold or jewels. Felt real weird about taking them, but it did help with the expenses.

"Others I'd helped and not taken anything for it, well, they came back to me later. Some of them had opened businesses or found other commodities to trade. One thing led to another and, well..."

I blush, because I do sound stupid, even to me.

"I actually have a bank account at Landstrom's, the mutant math whiz who opened one of the two in town. Also, he's one of those I helped out and I, sorta, have a few shares in his bank. And in a few of the other companies.

"I mean, I just haven't really thought much about it all, I don't often have call to use actual cash and I've just sort of let it sit there...I kind of think it may be enough to at least get us started."

Violet looks at me slowly...

 

[intriguess]

Violet

"Do you think I'm without resources?" I smile our conversation turns inward, silent to all but the most gifted telepath. I kiss him as I tell him not to worry that between us we can swing anything. I add a little mental image our my body swinging against his in lovemaking and nearly blush. Our bodies so close together yet fabric keeping them apart.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I smile. Yes, with Violet I know we can swing anything. "just wanted you to know...maybe we can get a better swing between the two of us."

Her lips on mine hush my words, but open the door fully on our feelings. I linger within the kiss, weaving thoughts and feelings with hers, our own tapestry vivid and alive. the image she sends me ignites again the warm glow of desire as I draw her closer to me. Wrapped within the moment, it is as if we are outside this time and space, in a place only we share.

The music ends as the band takes a break. I don't want to let her go, but we draw apart, reluctantly.

I notice Rache and Vincent are gone. Perhaps they've more to think about. So be it. If either wants to find me, they won't have to look that hard.

For now, though...I am with Violet and nothing much else matters. I put my arm around her and draw her close, walking back to the table. The afternoon has grown long shadows.

"Sweetheart," I ask her. "Shall we hang out here for a while or maybe go somewhere we can talk a little more privately?"

Yes, I want to talk, want to plan. But also, I want very much to be alone with this woman I love, to make love with her, to continue weaving our lives together.

 

[intriguess]

Violet

I smile at his unspoken thoughts and desires slip into mine. I take his hand as we part fingers touching, caressing making a love all of their own. "I think we have some time before the first minister expects us." I smile and cuddle a little bit, "do you have someplace in mind where we can talk?" the word is laced with implications and a slight curiousity about how you know the people we had been sitting with.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I smile at Violet and kiss her softly on the cheek.

"As a matter of fact, I do know of a place, darlin'"

Taking her hand, we walk out into the street and head east towards the river. I can sense her curiosity about Rache and Vincent through our bond that grows stronger when we touch.

"I don't know if you ever heard about the one called Parasite," I begin. "He was a "hound" for the Genoshans, has the ability to absorb mutant powers. They kept him on a pretty short leash with one of their dammed inhibitor cuffs, the kind that caused nightmares and delusions. A lot of people around here just see him as a collaborator, though he had little choice in what he did. Those things they used on us..." I shake my head. "You know how viscious they were."

"Rache was one of the few who, like me, managed to escape and form the underground. I never worked very closely with her, but I knew of her reputation."

"At one point, Vincent was forced to draw too much energy from a friend of hers, Geo. Either that, or something after that killed him. Near as I can tell, Rache really would like to trash Vincent for that."

"Again, though, not many people know about those special collars, not the pain collars most of us had, but the nightmare collars. From the information I was able to sneak from Genoshan data bases, those things were so powerful they could even cause delusions."

I pause for a moment, feeling a little sick at heart, remembering Stony. He's still alive up in the hills, and I visit him from time to time. Not much on conversation as he sits and stares out over the island; the Genoshans had turned his collar up as an experiment and left it there for so long it all but fried his brain.

"what most people don't know, Vincent actually fought what they were doing to him, fought it despite all they threw at him. He was the one that brought the shield generators down that night we took the capitol."

I look at Violet. She seems paler than usual, and I don't blame her. It was a bad time for all of us, and I suspect in some ways far worse for her than many others.

 

[intriguess]

Violet

Visions of pain and torment flash by my eyes, closing them does not help. I shiver slightly as we walk drawing comfort from him. We continue walking and talking discussing a little of our more recent past.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I sense the pain in Violet and put my arm around her, drawing her closer.

"I'm not sure why, after all we've been through, my love, why the anger and hatred seems to linger. Almost as if the Genoshans polluted the very air we breath."

Stopping, I take Violet in my arms and hold her close.

"But that too will pass. We are going to make a new world for us, a world where fear and humiliation will be things no mutant need fear."

Smiling into her eyes, "And you and I, Violet, we will help do that. We will make a world for ourselves where children, ours and others will only know of these things as distant history."

Putting my arm around her, we walk another few blocks until we come to an alley. It is not nearly as dirty as the others, but even has soft lighting along it. We go down some stairs towards a basement door.

The door is nondescript, and I knock, then listen before taking a key and opening it. There's a small plastic plant just inside the door which I put outside.

It's a small apartment, once the hideout for members of the underground. After the war, I came back and fixed it up. There is a small refrigerator and kitchenette, a comfortable sofa and arm chair, a bathroom with shower, and a comfortable bed.

"Several of us use this place when we're in town and just need a place to crash or be by ourselves for a while. The plant lets anyone coming by know that it's occupied. Used to be a hideout back in the Bad Days."

I sniff the air a moment, though the neatness of the place should have told me.

"Looks like I was the last one here."

I go to the windows, little ones but able to catch the breeze, and open them then switch on the ceiling fan.


Turning to Violet, I smile. "I usually use it myself if caught in some heavy weather or just want to read," I say, gesturing to an old bookshelf. "If I take books back with me to the woods, I tend to forget them and that gives the librarians grief."

"What do you think?"

 

[intriguess]

Violet

"Looks cozy," I reply removing cloak and spreading the velvety fabric on the bed, I take off my gloves, and run my fingers through my pale purple hair. I began undoing the buttons on my white shirt and take it off, folding it neatly aside as I take off my shoes, and pants.

I tip my head, "Sounds like a storm is brewing," My fingers run along my tummy. "Care to wait it out?"

 

[sojournerwolf]

Lucas

I watch as Violet undresses. Her beauty catches me as if seeing her for the first time. I've heard the word glory used too often, but at that moment, seeing her there with her pale purple hair about her shoulders, faintly glowing in the dim light, I can think of no other word to describe the awe that fills me.

The impish twinkle in her eye as she runs her fingers over my stomach causes me to grin. I lean over to kiss her, gently at first, then more fervently. Our lips part together, seem to melt into one as tongues shyly slip out to tease and play. I put my hands in her hair, feeling her locks flow over my fingers. Her scent is sweet and earthy, the good smell of growing plants and life and clear streams.

I kneel before her, unbuttoning my shirt.

"Hmmm, maybe make a little storm of our own in here while waiting for the one outside to pass?" I grin at her.