The Halfbreed (closed)

[Justplatonic]

Perry received a text from Clarence… They were there at the Omen’s tonight!

Twenty minutes later, a couple blocks away from Omen’s, Perry walked calmly towards the bar. Tonight he was going to get answers, and he wasn’t going to settle for anything less. All of a sudden he heard a stifled shout. He turned about, looked down an unlit alley way, and he could just make out two men restraining a woman. The adrenaline pumped through him, as he walked towards the unfolding scene. “Two men against one woman? You’re not really men are you? Is it money you’re after?”, and with that he tossed his wallet towards the pair.

“Are you crazy?” said the first man as he approached Perry, and kicked his wallet to one side.

The other man, released his grip on the woman, and sided with his friend. “May be he needs to learn a permanent lesson as well”, he smiled menacingly.

Perry wasn’t a stranger to a fight. He grew up on the mean streets of the slums, and if you don’t fight, figuratively speaking you’d get eaten alive. Only this time, he felt it wasn’t such a metaphor. He leaned back into a stance, raised his fists in preparation.

Suddenly the men’s mood shifted. “Oh… Er… We’re sorry… Please…”, the first man was in complete shock, and the second man nodded in agreement.

“Thanks for the assist… All I needed was a distraction”, and with that she gave the first man an upper cut, which sent him flying into some bins with a clatter. The other man didn’t get off as likely. She kicked him in the groin, as he retched in pain, she jumped up, and elbowed him in the back. As he fell, she landed on top of him. She stood up, and brushed herself down. She sent a text, and walked up to a shocked Perry. “You saved my life! These two took me by surprise when I left Omen’s, and dragged me into this alleyway. They were going to rape me, and then beat me to death!”.

As she spoke Perry got a flashback, of Tara, as he held her in his arms. “Please Perry, don’t go after them alone. I don’t want you to die as well”, Tara cried.

“You’re not going to die, my love…”, cried Perry, as his heart began to break into million pieces.

“You’re an awful lair… Promise me, if you’re going after them, you do it with your friends”, Tara began to feel extremely weak.

“I promise, Tara… I’ll make them pay”.

The woman clicked her fingers “Hey mister? Look… I saw what they saw. You’re different somehow”, she said as she picked up Perry’s wallet and had a read. “Peregrine Chase?”.

“Perry is fine… Why did they attack you?”. He could tell this was premeditated.

“They’ve had it in for me and my family for years… I’m… Humph… They’re racists”, she frowned, and looked downwards.

One hour later, an off duty taxi cab pulled up to a house of the west side of the city. “When will I see you again Perry?”, smiled the woman.

“Mala… I… Er… I’m a widower, and I’m still…”, he looked downwards, as Alfonso looked intensely through the windscreen mirror.

“Listen… I’m a patient girl… You’re really special, and I’m willing to wait”, she said as she began typing a text. “There, that’s my number. Call me!”, and with that she leapt out of the cab, and walked to the door of her house.

“Mess man… Tat’s a woman. Look at her move…”, smiled Alfonso. It wasn’t often he’d see a woman of Mala’s calibre.

“Tonight’s been a bust… But I couldn’t ignore Mala’s plight”. Perry was frustrated, as he’d have to wait for the answers he sought, another time…

 

[Asa]

They sat back at the bar nearly a second home for her. Those here would protect her from her demon father if they had any clue what she was or how to fight him. All they knew for the most part save for a couple of people was she was not someone they wanted to get on the bad side of. Every now and then someone would get stupid but they seldom lasted panther stare and those that did got a letter in the mail from Omen with their teeth in itor a ride in his sisters ambulance.

 

[Justplatonic]

Next day just after breakfast, Sister Aria approached Perry.

Five minutes later, in the Archbishop’s office, she motioned Perry to take a seat. He knew why he was called in to see her, but his cover story was as important as ever to maintain. He still didn’t trust anyone within the church, as they’ve yet to appeal to his better judgement. And of course, if the purpose of this meeting was a warning, he’d have to adjust his manner accordingly, no matter how uncomfortable. Easier said, than done, he thought.

The Archbishop finished reading a report, and cleared her throat before speaking…

 

[Asa]

You should not have been involved in Zain having to call on such associates.

Shw held a hand up to silence any questions.

Before you ask no you are not authorized to know about them. I would also recommend not seeking or questioning about them. Our... balance with them is tenuous at best and necessary at worst.

 

[Justplatonic]

And with that, he was dismissed. Perry felt like a reprimanded child. On walking out of the office, he thought it was nothing unexpected. He’d have to be far more careful in his investigations. He made his way to the schedule hanging on the wall in the quadrangle. It was a quiet day, and the church was deathly silent.

Walking back to his dorm, he withdrew his mobile, and looked at Mala’s text. Was it right for him to move on after five years? Should he wait longer? What would Tara think? Is he being too thoughtful? Or not enough? On a non romantic note though, he had a hunch she was hiding something. He didn’t know what, but he wanted to help Mala as Father Perry would.

He sent her a text, and an hour later at Calvin’s Coffee opposite Omen’s, “Perry, it’s so good to see you again. You look so handsome dressed like that. I bet all the nuns can’t keep their hands off you”, she smiled.

“Oh, if only…”, Perry smiled back, “It’s all very serious, and hum drum. Very boring actually…”. He hesitated, then continued, “Mala, the other night, I got the distinct impression those guys planned to attack you. I also feel you tried to tell me something, then you changed your mind”, Perry paused, waiting for an answer.

“Yes, and yes…”.

Perry’s eyes widened. He thought this’d be harder work.

“There is a tiny group of people, who’ve had it in for my family for a while now. It’s all very political. But my uncle has promised he’ll sort it out…”, she smiled. “Why don’t we have lunch together? In know this great little place, just a couple of blocks away… They do this amazing La Paella Valenciana…”, she paused as Perry seemed reticent. “Er… It’s just… I’ve never met anyone like you before, and trust me, I’ve met plenty of people…”.

“I’ll admit I do have feelings for you…”, Perry felt it was right to trust Mala, the first person who appealed to his instincts in a long time.

“That’s great! I’ve got serious hots for you too, so at least we’re on the same page! OK, I’m moving too fast, right?”, Mala smiled the widest she could muster.

“Yes… That La Paella Valenciana sounds great though… Can we rain check on that? You told me last night you work in this area? Why don’t I walk you back…”.

Mala shook her head. “That’s OK, I’m fine, Father Perry? Or is it still Perry?”, she smiled again. She was so happy, wild horses could keep her away from him.

“Always Perry. Mal…”, before he could finish his sentence, Mala leaned forward reaching across the table, grabbed Perry’s collar, and pulled him closer to her lips. As they kissed, the world around them slowed down. All the surrounding noise disappeared, and they both seemed to levitate from where they sat. They began to spin around together, embracing, as everything and everyone abstracted into smudges of vibrant colour. When they finished their kiss, they hit reality with a thud.

“Wow… Wow… I did not… Expect that… Wow…”, Mala gingerly stood up, leaning on the table, as her sense of balance had yet to be restored.

Perry, just as affected, stood up, and offered his hand. Mala smiled, and grabbed it so hard, she didn’t want to let go…

 

[Asa]

The next day Lyria took the day to patrol the area she called home checking on people and not dealing with the church.

Jacob dove into his art for a bit then went to the gym.

 

[Justplatonic]

Perry had such a great time with Mala, especially that astonishing kiss which came out of nowhere. He had reasons to get fit again. Having checked the schedule at the church, everything was quiet again. But he couldn’t help thinking whether this was the quiet before the storm?

Alfonso dropped him off at Jimmy’s Gym, he signed up, got changed, and began the compulsory induction. The instructor took him through all the departments, the gym was next. As they walked in, the hairs on the back of Perry’s neck stood on end. He saw him working out. The same man he saw at Isabella’s with that woman. It looked like he was having a break, and was chatting to a couple of women.

The instructor signed him in and left Perry to workout. Perry kept his eyes glued on him, as the man retrieved a bar bell, placed it in the rack, and loaded it up. He lay on to the bench, and was looking around for someone. Perry knew this was his ‘in’…

“I’ll spot for you… Promise not to murder you…”, grimaced Perry.

Jacob wryly smiled, took the bar bell, and did ten reps. Perry took the bar bell, and replaced it in to the rack…

 

[Asa]

Jacob always reigned in his true strength at the gym. He dismissed the murdering comment and did a quick rep.

So... stalking us?

Leaving the possibility she might be there too.

 

[Justplatonic]

It wasn’t Perry’s intention to cause any trouble. After a lot of consideration, he surmised this man and woman were merely puppets to the church. Once the pair had served their purpose, their strings would be unceremoniously severed, or worse. “Not at all. It’s just a coincidence. I needed the gym, and there you were. I’ll admit though... I’ve wanted to chat with both of you, off the books for quite some time… I feel like the church is keeping all three of us in the dark”…

 

[Asa]

Jacob chuckled.

Lyria isn't one for talking much and until told otherwise what we do or don't do on behalf of the church is classified. Unfortunate that you even had to know we are involved. You being so new and all.

He sat up and took a drink of his water

 

[Justplatonic]

Mala had given him too much confidence… Perry had to tread carefully here, but at least he knew the man’s name. He heard a woman call him Jacob… “OK, Jacob… So the church says jump, and you say how high? Or is it worse, like lemmings jumping off a cliff, with not so much as asking why?”. Perry paused briefly for thought… “So you’re a mercenary, and perhaps… Ah… With a vested interest in somethin… No, someone… Lyria… You… Want to protect her… From the church, or from herself, or both… You know what, I really respect that. I saw what you did at Isabella’s. When you hid Lyria’s bloodied hands. And what you said to Isabella. I know there is some good in you somewhere… Whatever the case, all of us are being played… If you can’t see that, well… I’m glad we’ve had this chat. May be you need to think about it, and break it down for Lyria…”, and with that, Perry walked away.

The funny thing was, he felt almost immediately he could trust Jacob. Not in the same way as Mala, but as an ally. Perry got changed, and made his way back to the church…

 

[Asa]

Jacob grabbed his stuff and headed toward the shower before he was intercepted by one of the staff.

Someone left this message for you.

The receptionist handed him a paper which after he read it had him heading for the locker rooms and out a service door. Placing a call once he was free of prying ears and eyes.

Funny you should want me to call old friend. We need to talk... about your latest assistant old friend. No just you and me when she gets back send her on her way. Tell her you need to sleep or something. Be there in 30.

With that he hung up and was no sooner on his harleys and gone.

 

[Justplatonic]

At Omen’s, on the mezzanine floor office, Oliver Omen the manager and owner, was talking to an employee. “So break it down for me…”

“Boss… I forgot my pumps… I don’t like dancing without them. After shift, I dance just after the DJ starts. I’ve got my dress on under my apron, see?”, she smiled provocatively as she pulled up part of her uniform, to reveal a sassy dress.

“How many times have I said don’t call me boss? You scared me shitless…”, his tone quivered.

“I’m sorry… I got back with my pumps on, and a few blocks away, they knocked me out cold. They dragged me to the alley way beside Calvin’s Coffee. You know, the one without lighting. They scuffed up my pumps! Anyways, when I came to, asshole one was sitting on my chest with his knees on my collar bone. Asshole two was telling me what they were going to do, as he unbuckled his belt, and told me afterwards they were going to kill me. I let out a shout, asshole one covered my mouth, and pushed a knife under my jaw… See, I still have a mark…”, she gestured.

“There’s nothing there. Don’t forget, you’re a quick healer, being part demon…”

“25% demon… So that’s when… When he showed up”, her voice and body language softened. “When asshole one moved his knife away, and climbed off me, that was my chance… I gave them what for. You would’ve been so proud! My 25%! Yay! All because of him... That beautiful, sexy man… He saved me…”, she held her hands close to her face.

“Does he have a name?”, Oliver was beginning to get impatient.

“Yes he does. It’s a nice name…”, she began to day dream.

“Mala… You’re like a daughter to me… Don’t do this. I know who he is, but I’d like you to tell me anyway”, he said sternly.

“I know what you’re going to say! He’s a loser, he’s no good for me! You know what? In your world, no ones good enough for me!”, and with that she turned about, stomped out of Oliver’s office, slamming the door behind her, as the windows reverberated…

 

[Asa]

Lyria was visiting Zain in the hospital. Scaring most of the staff with her presence as usual. Daria walked in with a cup of medicine and her usual smirk at why her staff was scared to enter the room of a priest.

Hey Lyria... mind if my patient gets some sleep and the staff stop having heart attacks.

Lyria turned and laughed.

Yeah yeah just leaving talking shop has tired him out apparently.

Offering a hug to Zain she left the room and the hospital headed back to her stomping grounds. Omen was her next target possibly. Maybe it was time to wipe everyone but she and Jacob out. Too many never meant to exists was dangerous and her brother was near she could feel it which meant that incubus was never far behind and who knows which of the elders was coming unbound. In her mind it was simple wipe them all out once and for all so the status quo could be returned.

 

[Justplatonic]

When Perry got back to the church, he heard Father Zain was in hospital. In retrospect, he realised he’d been too hard on the old guy when they were at Isabella’s. As with Lyria and Jacob, Father Zain could be in the dark too, he thought. Although he’d have to meet him again, and chat to be sure.

Traffic was dense leading to the hospital, so Alfonso dropped Perry off on the road which led to it. As Perry walked, he got the distinct impression he was being followed. All of sudden, an unmarked white van skidded to a halt side on in front of him. From behind, someone knocked Perry’s head with a baseball bat, and sent him flying head first into the side of the van. He bounced off it, and landed face first on the ground…

 

[Asa]

Lyria headed to the bar. Her haven... her down time... her second home. Time to relax drink and wait for whatever call came in for her. The bartender walked over and handed her a paper.

Father Zain gave Isabella the number to reach her. She sent her thanks and info on the funeral if she wished to attend. You did what you had to do to save her thank you.