WOD: Through the Darkness of Forever

[Celestiale]

Victoria watched Lucian, her head tilted with curiosity. He was so nervous now, not at all the assured man who had asked her to dance just hours ago. She couldn't help but laugh softly as his face reddened, and she longed to put him at ease, but was still unsure about how to do that.

She studied him...her other half, her twin soul, her twin brother...her aura's brilliance intensified as she stepped towards him.

We are alone...surely it is alright...surely it is safe to verge upon him now...I cannot stop myself...I cannot...

Her hand trembled as she raised her arm towards him. No words were uttered...there was no need. Slowly inching upwards, her fingers grazed his neck, tracing his collarbone as their flesh met. Her mouth parted...a sharp intake of breath, and his essence rushed into her once again. Her eyes closed as she moved closer, drawn to him, unable to stop herself. She felt his arms embrace her, holding her tightly. His heart beat so tumultuously, flowing through her...she absorbed his lifeforce...shared it with him completely. It was as if they were one entity, infinitely harmonized.

She felt an ache within him, a longing. She belonged to him, it was alright...things would be alright now. Her eyes opened slowly....he was gazing into her, feeling all that she felt for and with him. It was intoxicating, there was no right or wrong here...thier universe existed solely within themselves. She moved without thought, her parted lips finding his, and she tasted him...caressing his mouth with her tongue. She took his breath into her body as they kissed greedily, her mind shutting away all thoughts of moral implications.

I love him...I need him...it doesn't matter...we were meant to be joined...meant to be together...

She felt his hands roaming over her gently, soft caresses he'd never shared with anyone else. Her eyes remained closed as his fingers found the buttons of her shirt, assuredly undoing them. His confidence had returned...or maybe it was simply her own confidence flowing through him. She found herself pulling at his clothing, wanting nothing more than to press her flesh in it's entirety to his, and soon the two were revealed, shivering as the force of their souls overflowed powerfully around them.

Lucian felt her quivering against him, and spoke softly, murmuring assurances into her ear.

"I love you..." echoed inside of her as he picked her up carefully, and took her to the bed. He could feel she was unsure...that she had never been with a man in this way, and a wave of completeness flowed from him into her, quieting her fears. He had never loved a woman in this way either...it had been fate that had kept them chaste until this moment. He hovered above her, entranced by her form. He kissed her softly, caressing her flesh, reveling in the feel of her body and soul. She ached to feel him inside of her, to become one in every way with him. Insistently, she pulled him closer...his warm breath upon her neck as she guided him into her...crying out as he pierced her, filling her completely. His strokes were long and unyielding...his voice seductive with want. She clung to him desperately, whimpering her desires as she wrapped herself around him, pulling him inside of her even more deeply. She writhed against him, frenzied and overwhelmed...loving him...aching to feel more of him...she could never have enough, and longed to feel this way forever.

 

[Elbryan]

Lucian

They stood there, looking at each other. So close, and yet, each of them were unsure what to do. Desire flowed through him, tempered with love, and tinged with fear. He wanted, more than anything else in the world, to be with her, to share himself completely with her in a way he had never shared with anyone, never wanted to share with anyone until now.

She took a step towards him, and their eyes locked together. He looked deep into her eyes, and saw his own soul reflected within them, saw her emotions matched his own. She reached for him then, so slowly, and he closed his eyes and waited for her touch, waited for the rush of emotions, the flood of sensations as their souls intertwined and became one, each completing the other.

The sensations rushed through him. Her memories, perceptions, her thoughts, all mingled with his own. He felt... whole. Finally, he was at peace, the void within him filled completely merely by her touch. Their lips met, and he tasted her, carressing her with his tounge, exploring her mouth.

His desire multipied within him, and he wanted to be within her, to be joined with her so intimately. He could not tell if the desire was his, or hers, but he suspected it was a melding of both. His hands wandered over her body, his fingertips carressing her skin lightly through her clothing, before moving to her buttons, and slowly unbuttoning each one.

He could feel her hands on him as well, tugging on his clothing, pulling it off of him. He could hear it ripping in places, but he did not care. He longed to feel his flesh against hers, and he quickened his pace, pulling the rest of her garments from her body, until, finally, there was nothing seperating them. His arms were wrapped around her, and he reveled in the closeness, in the completeness of being with her. Still, he longed for more, and he knew that she wanted it as well, to be joined with him, as one.

Carefully, he picked her up, and carried her to the bed, lovingly laying her down. His eyes traveled along her form, taking in her beauty, exalting in her perfection. His hands traveled a path along her form, exploring a body he had never before touched, yet somehow knew intimately, He carressed and stroked her supple flesh, teasing it to even greater arousal. He loved the feeling, knowing he was pleasing her, but he knew she wanted more, and he did as well. Her soft moans and whimpers drove him on, and her hands guided him ever closer to her, to the core of her being. He poised at her entrance, waiting, looking into her eyes, as he leaned close, his breath hot against her skin.

Eyes gazing into hers, he peirced her, sliding within her being filling her completely. They were one, joined together, for now and for ever, each one the compliment to the other. He could feel her surrounding him, carressing him, pulling him deeper within her, to the very core of her being. Her body wrapped around him, holding him close to her, and he plunged in and out of her, with long, slow strokes, feeling something starting to build within him. His pleasure grew, and fed her own rising ecstasy, which in turn only drove him higher. Their feelings spiraled upon each other, each sensation pushing the next to new heights.

He kissed her again, his lips meeting hers almost hungrily, as if he wanted to devour her mouth, and he sped up, as he sensed them both nearing their mutual apex. Their feelings mingled together, until he was not sure he could tell his pleasure from hers. Her moans pushed him harder, and he whispered softly to her, of his want, his need, for her.

He knew he could not hold out much longer, and he knew she was close as well. She smiled up at him, and he felt her grip him powerfully, pulling him as deep inside of her as he could go. Leaning close to her, he whispered to her softly.

"I love you..."

He could hold back no longer, he exploded within her, and he felt her rise up to accept him, and he felt her peak as well, her muscles rippling around him, drawing his essence out of him, into her. He held her, as she rode out the peak of her climax, writhing in the throes of it, until it finally ebbed, and he felt her collapse into his arms.

Lucian looked into her eyes, and smiled at her, holding her so close to him as he spoke.

"All my life I have felt empty, as if a part of me had been ripped out of my soul. I have wandered, stumbled, through my life, searching for that missing piece. Now, finally, I have found it, found you. You are the twin to my soul, and I will never let you go again..."

 

[Mirad182]

Rufus continued to play in the club beneathe the twin lovers. He switched into a more techno sounding beat. The DJ when realizing what was going on looked right at rufus as he mixed the entrancing beats. The crowd of dancers moving with the music, fluidly, intimatly.

The DJ moved twards the dj boothe.
"What do you think your doing?!" he yelled as he aproached Rufus. He then agresively pushed Rufus out of the way. The music whent into a normal tone. The crowd didn't notice but merely adjusted the rythm of thier dance.

Rufus sudenly with a burst of rage punched the DJ in the face. His eyes whent blood red. The music once again changed tracks to a Ramstein sounding heavy metal track.

The vampire and the DJ continued to fight. Punches and kicks flew. The human managed to score a hit in Rufus' solar plexes. It hurt but only increased his sudden rage. He continued to punce the Dj in the face. He took a hold of his wrist, twisted and flung him to the floor. He then walked out of the boothe and into the croud.

The Dj got up, his wrist hurting. He clung to the edge of the table on which the audio equipment sat. Dazed he rose to his feet in a comical daze. He stumbled for a bit. A clearly visible sore on his cheek. He then regained focus and looked for Rufus Who had disapeared into the crowd.

OOC:Comic relief, had to be done

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Particles are everywhere, really.

They'll move if they want to. They move all the time. Sometimes, if you're polite, they'll move for you.

Devin was a very polite girl. And a fast learner.

"Telekinesis," she murmured, staring wide-eyed at the vase in her hand.

Well, you certainly are apt, Girl. Funny, though... now that we both understand it, it seems odd that we never knew how to do it in the first place. Lucian's explination, plus the pattern he was giving off when he cast his magic, was very intriguing... and I think I understand.

I'll trust you to come up with the philosophical reason for Space Magic, Boy.

Har har. Let's try combining Correspondence and Time and see what's happening at the same time as what we're doing right now.

Sounds good! I think I can handle that!

Standing in her room, Devin began to dance -- when she wasn't in a rush or trying to hide her spellcasting, often dancing while she wove the threads of magic reduced the pain on her mind and made the Planet welcome her more. She smiled and felt her mind flow...

Closeby, two men fought roughly in the dance room.

She felt her mind being pulled away from there by the currents, and after a flash of light, she found herself in a woman's room, seeing a naked woman lying in her bed, sleeping.

Hey... is that... Sonja? Why did I come here?

Heeehhh... can we stay here for a while?

Boy! NO!

She willed herself away forcibly, and tried to return herself to her body. But she felt a disturbance near her room, somewhere within the Oracle... like two souls bonding... and curious, she willed herself there.

Uh, Girl, let's not go there.

What? Why?

...look, I just don't think you really should--

I want to see what it is!

Girl, you won't...

Unheeding, Devin focused her magic vision on the place of the disturbance...

...and felt her blood run cold.

O... oh...

Immediately, the magic faded, and she was whisked back to her own body. She stared straight forward, looking at nothing, as Boy stayed silent.

Listen... Girl... I just wanted...

It's not a problem.

Uh, Girl...

"It's not a problem," Devin said aloud. Boy didn't respond, so she continued, talking to herself. "I'm just a silly girl. A spoiled girl, thinking that everything I find can be mine. I barely know him. Why do I feel so strange? I'm just being silly..."

Maybe because you've never met a handsome young man who didn't think you were insane? Maybe that's why you wanted him from the moment you met him? There's nothing wrong with the way you feel, Girl. I'm just sorry you had to see that before your feelings could ebb slightly... it's only the second day since you've met him, your feelings were bound to fade at least a little... I tried to protect you...

Boy... I...

Devin fell to her knees.

"Oh, dear..."

Girl...

"How funny... I must have kept my eyes open too long while I was casting the spell... t-they're watering..."

Girl...

"Hee... heehee... oh... oh, my Boy!"

She collasped with a sob, hugging herself tightly, trying to hug her spiritual partner but unable to touch him.

"Oh, Boy, hold me..."

Believe me, Devin, I am. I am...

Somehow, even as the tears of grief and loneliness streamed down her face, Devin didn't feel quite so alone...

 

[NyghtRayne]

Sonja stirred slightly and pulled up the covers as she started to wake. She glanced about her room as the feeling of someone being there dissipated quickly. Must have been a dream. She pulls the covers tight about her and settles back into sleep.

 

[Mirad182]

Rufus whent to the bar. He ordered a drink scotch and watched the crowd. He wonderred what Victoria was doing. She was the only one he knew. He really needed to find someone else. Victoria seemd extremely close to him though. The way she was earlier, when he found her in her room. The way she reacted to his embrace.

He sat and contunued to drink his scotch and listen to the music.

 

[Celestiale]

Victoria awoke, still quite entangled in Lucian. The overwhelming emotions of being joined, now felt like a warm humming deep within her. It was comforting and tempered, and a sense of safety and love cradled her gently. Lucian was still asleep and she watched his chest rise and fall with deep, even breaths. She marveled in his humanity, mourning the loss of her own. If only they'd found one another sooner...

She knew that she should be feeling guilty....that morally she had just done the unimaginable....but she could not. It all felt so right. Lying in his arms, their power magnified ten-fold, they were never meant to be separated. What had happened in the past? Why had they been torn apart?

Victoria tried to remember the circumstances that had divided them, but could only recall bits and pieces from her fragmented memory. Bits and pieces that fit into what Lucian knew as well. Neither really understood what had happened, but maybe together they would discover the truth.

It was still early, but Victoria could not fall back asleep. Her mind was still reeling, and she pondered what was to come as she fingered the amulet that lay near her heart.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Devin sat quietly on her bed, swathed in blankets. She blinked reddened eyes, and wiped at her tearstreaked face.

Girl? Devin? Are you feeling better?

I... I guess. I just need to come to terms with reality, I suppose...

Heh, "reality." I'm still coming to terms with that myself, I think. Perhaps everyone is. Don't worry too much about it.

...thank you, Boy... it's just...

Hmm?

...you're so wonderful. I wish I could hold you...

...

Boy, what's wrong?

...you've never acted like this before. But recently...

I'm sorry... am I offending you? She bit her lip. Please forgive me, Boy. I just meant...

No, no, it's not that. I just... why?

Well, I've always respected you... you're so analytical... you always help me out of tight spots... and other than give you a body to live in, I don't really do much for you.

Well, it's a very beautiful body.

Boy!!

Hah! Maybe you could do me a favor and let me say those sorts of things about you.

...except it wouldn't be as fun for you if I did, would it?

Hah! You're probably right.

Devin smiled gently to herself. Despite all the strange things that had been happening to her, she and Boy were still the same people.

Seeing a guttering candle by the windowsill, Devin levitated the candle over to her nightstand, but it went out as she did so, so she reversed time in a small area around the candle, causing the flame to reappear.

...well, almost everything was the same.

I'm going to try and delve into your mind and see if I can come up with a good analyze of Space and Time magic. You're nowhere near a master, nor even skilled yet, but I'm too curious.

Go ahead, Boy. I'm going to take a nap...

 

[Elbryan]

Lucian

Slowly, Lucian opened his eyes. He could hear breathing in the room, slow and measured, and for a second it confused him. Then he remembered. Smiling, he looked down at the woman who lay nestled close to him. Slowly, carefully, slid out of the bed, and walked quietly to the door. He had slept well beyond his normal waking time, so he decided that today he would go without his usual morning training routine. Instead, he slid out of his clothes, and stepped into the shower. As the hot water poured down over him, Lucian let his mind wander over the last few days, and towards the future.

His need to complete his mission still burned within him, but he found it had been tempered as of late. He had a student to teach, and a love to explore, and these things were more important to him now. He still wanted to free the Sleepers from the bonds their static society and the Technocracy had placed on them, but now he wanted to for a different reason. He no longer wished it becuase it was his duty, but because he desired to live in such a world, and he wanted to share that world with those close to him.

To accomplish that, though, he needed to recover the other gem fragments, and reconstruct the Trinity Stone. Only with the power of that artifact could he shock the Sleepers out of their mediocracy, and begin the process of creating a world where the Art could prosper. But where were the other pieces hidden? He needed to study the fragment he had recovered more, and do some more research. But night was already approaching. He had slept most of the day away, and he also needed to prepare the Oracle for another night of buisiness. Also, he should really be spending more time on instruction for the girl. And he wanted... needed, to spend more time with Victoria. Lucian felt torn, his different responsibilities and desires pulling him in opposite directions.

Sighing, Lucian let the hot water pour down on him...

 

[Celestiale]

Simon was livid. He ranted aloud to himself, furiously pacing in front of the hearth in Victoria's sitting room. The arrival of the Sabbat could not have come at a more inconvienient time, and yet Simon mused, perhaps he could use this opportunity to his advantage...

A few phone calls later, Simon welcomed his guest into the front parlor of the Ventrue chantry. In front of him stood a bizarre creature. At one time, this individual probably had possessed the atributes of a human being, now however, he was likened to a beast....yet this particular beast still held onto it's rational thought and intelectual cunning.

"You will find her at The Oracle." Simon said through gritted teeth. "Do whatever it takes to retrieve her, but allow no harm to befall her. You will take her here..." Simon handed the being a detailed map of the building where she was to be kept.

The creature nodded curtly, then left without being shown to the door. Simon would indeed cage his little canary...and would find out about this Lucian as well.

The Sabbat Vampire was proficient and adept in the magical arts. He kept himself cloaked as he found his way to the nightclub, whispering enchantments at every obstacle he encountered. The hardest part would be getting into the highly guarded building. It was easiest to simply walk in through the front entrance, and then make his way from there.

As soon as he entered, he could sense her energy. No ward was strong enough to mask the power that the two lovers had generated. How foolish they had been....lustful with stupidity to have given up their hiding place so easily. He found that he could still detect the resonance of Lucians spells from the night before, and though the private chambers had been warded, his powerful magics allowed him to pass as he mimicked the spells exactly as Lucian had cast them.

Victoria's scent was almost overwhelming as he made his way deeper inside the protective fortress, he was nearly there now. Her scent intermingled with the heady essence of sex drove him forward. The door to her chamber flew open, and he growled triuphantly as he reached her bedside, finding her asleep and vulnerable.

Quickly, the being silenced her just as her eyes popped open in surprise. He laughed and slowly ran a fingernail down the front of her body while the other hand clasped tightly over her mouth, muffling her protests. His grin exposed sharp teeth and his eyes shone with crazed insanity as he scooped her up, draping the sheet over her naked body. Her mind screamed out to Lucian...where was he? What was happening?? She had no time to think as she was warded, shielded, and whisked away from the room.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Hmm... I can see them...

Devin slept, but Boy was active.

Yes... but is Time a line, a circle, or a spiral? I cannot understand...

Absorbed by curiosity, he delved within Devin's mind and feelings, searching through the threads that made up her growing knowledge of Time and Space magic.

Hmm... it always surprises me how interconnected our minds and bodies are... how emotions are much like chemicals... few people truly realize the weakness of their own brains. Many people believe their thoughts are impervious, like ghosts within machines...

But I'm getting off topic. I usually am. Let's see... if I draw the threads from Girl's position to the position of other objects within the room... ugh! It's like a maze! Correspondence is so complicated!

But I'll figure it out for her. It's my duty to help her learn...

...what?

He pulled away from Devin's mind and searched intently. Something was disturbing the area.

What is that?

Girl! Wake up!

"Mmm," whispered Devin, twitching slightly.

Hey! You!

"Lucian?" she muttered, opening her eyes.

Ah, is THAT what you were dreaming about...?

Devin blinked and shook her head. "What? What are you talking about?" she said, speaking aloud.

Never mind. Look, something strange is going on. Get up...

Nodding, she rose to her feet and dressed quickly, refastening her bra and replacing her stockings, and then tugging on a white shirt and white pants as she slipped back into her boots.

Hurry! Something strange is here!

Umm, calm down, Boy, I'm still tired...

 

[Mirad182]

Rufus sat there unknowingly. His mind drifted into the music. He once again resumed a transe-like state. He then rose again this time taking to the dance floor. He mingled with the dancers but then noticed that none of the others noticed him. He looked at himself and then realized that there was nothing there to notice.

Startled he backed out of the crowd and tripped over a table leg. He fell and the sudden impact took him by surprise and he once again became visible.

He looked on to see if anyone noticed. There was not a lot of people there for it was early in the night. He had spent the whole day at the club and was now ready to get a room for a change of scenery. Whn walking up the hall he turned the corner and saw the a creature come out of some room with a naked woman in his arms. He quickly retreated behind a corner before the beast could see him. He chanced another look, and on this second examination the woman was non-other than Victoria. She was slung over the creature's shoulder being carried in his direction. As the thing turned around it spotted Rufus and started his way to inspect the thing hiding around the corner.

Rufus froze his body going stiff. He then remembered the insident in the club. He consentrated hard and once again resumed his transparrent state. It amused him rather. As the thing turned for a look he saw nothing and continued on his way.

Rufus completely forgot about the room and in his state of invisibility followed the beaste and Victoria out of the club.

 

[NyghtRayne]

After a long uneventful day, of unsucessful calling for job prospects, Sonja gave up and decided to shower and dress to head for the Oracle. Having made up her mind to go and apologize to Devin for her abrupt departure. Dressing in a white peasant type blouse that fell loose over her shoulders, she donned a pair of tight black leather pants and 3" spiked heels. She grabbed her ID and cash slipping it in her back pocket, then calling for a cab, she heads down to the street to wait.

A short while later, the cab pulls up and she slips in giving the driver the address to her destination. He gives her a once over as she slips in and then heads off, looking in the mirror at her more than she would have felt comfortable with if she hadn't been lost in her own thoughts.

Arriving at the club she pays the driver as she slips out and heads inside. Once inside the music is almost overwhelming again tonight, the crowd is, as she is swept up in it on her way to the bar. After a few sort of dances and just trying to make her way through the crowd she reaches the bar and looks about for Devin. God I hope she's here tonight, she probably wonders why I ran off like that. She orders herself a drink from the bartender, noting that there is more help here this evening. She sips her drink and stands near the bar watching the crowd, letting herself relax and enjoy the music and distraction of the club.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Still tired? You slept all day!

Devin blinked, surprised, as she stumbled out the door, heading up the stairs.

I did? I'm sorry... I must've just gotten really worn out... so what was this thing you felt?

I, ah... I guess it's gone now. Something's missing, though. I'm not sure what, but something's missing...

You think maybe somebody stole something, Boy?

Could be. When we see Lucian, let's mention it to him.

Nodding, the young, pretty girl managed her way up the stairs.

Ugh, I want a shower. But I'd better check on things first.

Moving out of the private quarters and following the sound of the thumping beat, Devin made her way to the dancehall. She peered around curiously, making sure nothing was amiss, and she walked over to approach James, to see if he had noticed anything.

Before she could reach him, however, she saw Sonja, and turned towards the silver-haired woman, approaching her and smiling.

"Sonja!" said Devin happily. "You're back! I'm glad..."

 

[NyghtRayne]

"Sonja!" said Devin happily. "You're back! I'm glad..."

Hearing Devin's voice barely over the music, she turned smiling."Devin I'm glad you're here.. I am so sorry I ran off so quickly last night. I really have no idea why just acting silly I guess." She looks to Devin. " I was having a good time though and I feel bad for running out like that."

 

[Elbryan]

Lucian

Suddenly the shower felt cold. It was as if a frigid breeze had suddenly blown through the shower. He felt a panic rise inside of him, illogical, but no less palpable for its absurdity. Quickly, Lucian turned off the water, and stepped out into the room, scanning it quickly for the cause of his unease.

The bed was ruffled, as if Victoria had left quickly. The panic rose in him, greater than before, and Lucian struggled to drive it down, to keep his calm. Images flashed through his mind, of her being torn from him, all those years ago. He did not know what he would do if he lost her again, so soon after finding her.

Lucian crossed the room, towards the wardrobe, quickly dressing in his normal clothes. As passed the bed, he caught a scent. It was very faint, and it was hard to isolate with the scent of Victoria still hanging in the room. But it was there, the slight, but foul, smell of rot.

Something had come here. Something had taken her! She had been ripped from his grasp, from right under his nose!

Anger seethed inside of him, coiling out to take control of him. It siezed his muscles, it burned in his brain. Unconsiously, the room began to flex and bend, as his power burned and grew within him. The room ground began to rumble as he drew upon the power of the Node, gathering as much as he could, using it to bolster his own energy reserves.

Finally, the building stopped its quiet rumbling. He had gathered all that he could hold, until his pattern was so saturated with Quintessence that he almost glowed with power, he started for the club, to seek out his apprentice.

It was time for some field training...

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

"Don't worry about it, Sonja," she said, smiling softly. "I've been feeling strangely myself."

Ehehehe...

What are you giggling about now, Boy?

Ehehehe, ask her for her dimensions!

BOY!!

Preeetty lady...

Since when do YOU care about other women!?

Despite herself, Devin felt herself getting slightly jealous, so she shut out Boy's voice. Normally such an ability was extremely difficult and painful, but Boy appeared to have been reduced to a gibbering idiot by the beautiful Sonja, so he was easily repressed for now.

"Sonja, I--" She turned, surprised, to see Lucian emerge from the private chambers and look over the balcony. His eyes were flinty and full of rage, and he positively GLOWED with power...

Amazing... he must've found what was stolen...

Boy burst through her block, apparently recovered. Yes. Let's go ask him what happened...

Devin nodded slightly, forgetting that Sonja could see her, and turned back to the silver-haired woman. "Sonja, I have to talk with my... boss... for a few moments. Wait for me, please..."

So saying, she approached the stairs, her silver earrings twinkling in the light and her semicurly raven-black hair trailing behind her. Even in a simple white shirt and pants, she was a beauty.

Ehh, ahem. Sorry about that. Dunno what came over me.

Boy, you don't usually act strange around her. You didn't the first times we met. What happened?

Eheheh, well, in the bed, she was...

Boy. You see me naked all the time. What's wrong with you?

Ah, well, you're a very pretty girl, but she's a WOMAN...

BOY!!

Hahah! Teasing!

Grr...

Grimacing and blushing slightly, Devin continued to make her way up the stairs.

I must admit, said Boy quietly, I don't know why I feel the attraction to her that I do. Whatever the case, I will find out soon... it may have something to do with what that nightwalker called me... the "Dark Knight"? "Destroyer of Worlds"?

Well, you are my avatar, aren't you? Or something like that?

...maybe...

Devin approached Lucian, looking at him worriedly. "Master Lucian," she said softly, "Boy and I sensed something important was stolen. You... don't look so good..." She shook her head slightly.

"Master, can I help you somehow?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Sonja smiled, happy that Devin wasn't as upset about her abrupt disappearance as she herself had been. Then Devin looked away and she followed Devin's gaze to look upon the man from before.

Devin nodded slightly, and turned back towards her. "Sonja, I have to talk with my... boss... for a few moments. Wait for me, please..." She noted Devin's hesitation at calling him her boss, but let that slip from her thoughts as she watched Devin walk away.

She looked up watching the man as well, his anger seemed almost palpable. "I'll be here Devin." She spoke as Devin left, unsure if she was even heard. She watched as Devin headed up the stairs and spoke with him.

 

[Elbryan]

Lucian

Lucian immidietly spotted the girl, Devin, talking with a silver haired woman near the base of the stairs. She turned towards him as soon as he entered the room, and walked over to meet him on his way down the stairs, greeting him near the base of the stairway.

"Master Lucian, Boy and I sensed something important was stolen. You... don't look so good..."

The girl looked at him worriedly, before shaking her head and speaking again.

"Master, can I help you somehow?"

Lucian tried to temper the anger in his gaze as he turned towards her, not wanting her to think that she was the target of his wrath. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and even, and as cold as steel.

"Yes Devin, something very important to me was stolen, not more than a few minutes ago. Stolen from right under my gaze."

Lucian realized he was shaking with rage, and struggled visably to control it. He needed to be calm, to think this through. He could not risk losing Victoria due to a stupid mistake on his part.

"And yes, Devin, there is something that you can do to help me. Please follow me to the office."

Lucian led her up the stairs, into his private office, closing the door behind them.

"Devin, are you familiar with the sphere of Prime? The manipulation of Prime energy is the manipulation of the energy of the universe, called Quintessence. This power flows thoughout all things, infusing every pattern, enabling existence as we know it."

Lucian sat down on the bed as he spoke, trying to remember the words his Master had used to describe the energy to him, those many years ago.

"Well, as you may or may not know, this club is built upon a nexus of such energy, one of the few places on the planet where Quintessence gathers and bubbles up, kind of like a spring. We Mages can capture this power, and use it to bolster our Effects, allowing us the produce spectacular Vulgar magic that we otherwise could not, as well as to help stave off the effects of Paradox backlash."

Time pressed on him. Every minute spent here was another minute that could not be used to seach for Victoria.

"What I want you to do is simple. I want you to concentrate, and try to draw the power out of the Node, and into your own pattern, so you can take it with you out of the club, and use it to help your Magic."

Lucian could still sense Victoria, faintly, moving away from him. It was almost as if something were masking her, making it more difficult for him to figure out where she was headed. They needed to hurry.

"Hurry and try it Devin. Time is of the essence."

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Devin listened intently, though she felt her gaze being drawn to Lucian's face.

He looks so angry... I wish he wasn't... even though he still looks so handsome...

Keep your mind on the matter at hand, Girl!

Nearly blushing, Devin continued to listen.

"Ah..." she said softly. "Prime energy. Yes," she continued, smiling, "the Planet and I are close allies. I know of the Prime energy you speak of. My close knowledge of Boy -- and perhaps, therefore, of myself -- allows fairly close understanding of the Planet..."

She kneeled down softly and closed her eyes, relaxing herself, a beautiful image of the softness of youth. She smiled gently, and glittering particles of gold and copper began to swirl around her.

"Yes," she said again, "I feel the Planet holding me to her bosom. And there is very little strain..." She looked up at Lucian, wide-eyed. "This place is powerful! No wonder my studies have gone so well!" She then blushed modestly and looked down. "Though, of course, I have been aided by Boy as well..."

Shaking her head, she smiled. "Y-Yes, Master Lucian, I'll try and absorb some of the energy..."

She focused, and felt herself drawn inward, and yet outward at the same time. She was looking inside herself, yet she was delving deep within the Earth -- and then she realized they were the same thing. The wellspring of the Planet, of both Chaos and Order, was both around her and inside her. Reveling in the power she felt, she drank deeply from the fountain, feeling the energy warm her to the bone.

She felt her own heartbeat pulse with the rhythm of the Planet and of Life. She felt her natural energies bolstered, and she felt her spirit soar--

--and she was falling, falling...

...and someone caught her.

Turning within her own soul, she saw Boy -- only he had black wings, like those of a dark angel. "I am here for you," he whispered. "This power surges through you, and because we are both being enhanced, the energies might have harmed you. But I will protect you..."

And he leaned in, looking into her eyes.

"You know... you really are beautiful..."

She opened her eyes. She looked up at Lucian, her face flushed -- and perhaps not only because of the new power.

"I-I'm ready," she whispered. She felt her own voice echo within her. This was perfect... this enhanced self-awareness...

...but what had Boy been talking about?

Boy...?

There was no response.

 

[Elbryan]

Lucian

"Yes, this is indeed a powerful place, and that has sped up your studies, but you also have a great amount of talent, which may or may not spring from your close relationship with your Avatar."

Lucian watched as she drew from the Node, drinking deeply of it's power, letting it diffuse into her pattern. He was suprised at the amount of energy she could retain, although he did not know why he was suprised, considering what she had already accomplished.

"I-I'm ready."

She spoke hesitantly, and as she looked up at him, he could see her face was flushed. It must be the feeling of so much power rushing through her for the first time.

"That is very good Devin. You will need all of the power you can muster tonight. A rouge sect of Vampires has invaded the city. Normally, that would not concern me or you, as they are only here to fight the Camarilla, the ruling sect of Vampires in the city. Recently, though, I have become embroiled in the politics of the nightwalkers, and they have struck at me this evening. Less than an hour ago, one of the rouge Vampires, called the Sabbat, snuck into the club, and stole Victoria from me. He must have been a powerful being indeed to have bypassed my wards, although I will admit I was hurried when I erected them."

Lucian cursed silently then, wishing he had taken just a few more minutes when he had cast the wards. If he had only taken his time and done it right, instead of hurrying her to her chambers, this may have been avoided. Lucian lowered his gaze and sighed, sitting back down on the bed.

"I fear that her Sire has sent that monster to retrieve her, and it is taking her to him as we speak. In addition, there will be many other rouge nightwalkers roaming the streets this evening, wreaking havoc, fighting with the Camarrilla Vampires, and creating more of thier kind."

Lucian looked up at Devin then. Up until this point, he had been ready to order her to follow him into what would surely be a long and dangerous search. After all, it was an apprentices job to follow the orders of her Mentor, no matter what they were. But Lucian found that he could not simply order her into a dangerous situation, to help him find someone whom she knew nothing about.

"Devin, I will not order you to accompany me. You may stay here at the Oracle if you wish, and I will not hold it against you if you choose not to come. I am leaving now, to go and search for Victoria. I may not return. The beings that hold her captive are surely powerfull and ancient examples of their kind, and will likely not give her up without a fight."

Lucian stood then, and slipped into his white longcoat, and picked up the Infinity Rod. He checked to make sure all of his gear was in place, and that he was ready to leave. He looked to Devin then, who seemed to be thinking. Or perhaps she was consulting with her Avatar. Opening the door, he spoke quietly to her.

"I will leave the choice to you."

 

[Mirad182]

Rufus followed the creature but lost him outside as it took to the back allies. He walked back to the club. He wanted to check Victoria's room to see if he could find any clues to where the thing had taken her. He forgot he was invisable and when walking through the hallway he bumped into someone leaving what seemed to be an office. He fell backwards and again came visible.

The man was standing wearing a white overcoat and carried a strange rod and gear. Not knowing what to do he quickly got up and dusted himself off. He took a glane inside the office door which was standing ajar. A girl was sitting inside. He waved at her and then turned back to the man in the overcoat.

"Do you know what happenned here. A girl was taken who happens to be my friend. I followed it as far as I could but lost it in one of the allies."

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

"M-Master!"

Devin stood, flushing even more deeply.

"Any friend of yours... is a friend of mine. I will come with you." She bowed her head then, now beginning to blush, though Lucian no doubt couldn't tell the difference. "I-If nothing else, for the sake of improving my skills."

Or just hoping that maybe if he hangs out with you, he'll stop paying attention to that other girl?

V-Very funny, Boy!

Hah! No... I'm proud of you... I imagine you've wondered what it would be like if that girl disappeared...

Don't say something like that! I would never want that! Not in exchange for a silly infatuation!

Heh heh heh... don't get so riled up... I'm only teasing.

I bet you're just jealous I'm interested in another boy!

I bet you're jealous I'm interested in another girl.

I am not!

Well, neither am I.

Hmph!

Hmph.

"Boy has agreed to come," continued Devin. "We'll fight for you, Master Lucian. I hope I see a greater demonstration of your Time and Space magics..."

I'll keep an eye out for things. With this extra power, it will be a good chance to learn the intricacies of all our potential. Don't be afraid to try new things in the field.

Are you sure that's safe?

If things go bad, I'll take command. No vampire will get the best of me!

Psshh... ever since that vampire mentioned something about the Dark Knight to you, or whatever it was he said, you've been letting it go to your head!

Yes... I also want to know what he meant. The Destroyer of Worlds... wait, what if he is behind this?

Devin blinked, struck with the thought, and she looked up at Lucian as he prepared to go, pleased with her response. "Master Lucian?" she asked. "The culprit wouldn't happen to be the man that defeated me in the dancehall, would it? When you and the lady were dancing? If so, Boy and I have a vested interest in finding him again..."

Shaking her long hair away from her face, she straightened her white clothes and soft boots and turned only to see Lucian bump into a strange man. The man looked rather confused, but he glanced in at her, and waved rather foolishly, a small smile on his face. Confused, she smiled and waved back.

Huh... who is that? He looks strong, but he seems a bit disoriented... I wonder what happened to him?

Uhh... something's funny about him...

Boy, something's funny about EVERYONE here.

Hah. Good call. All the same, I'll try and analyze him when I'm not analyzing battle information.

You make yourself sound like a computer, Boy...

Only I'm smarter!

And far more modest, too...

"Do you know what happenned here?" the strange man was saying to a surprised Lucian. "A girl was taken who happens to be my friend... I followed the kidnapper as far as I could but lost it in one of the alleys..."

Well now... things are starting to come together...

They are? I still don't know what's going on, Boy...

Oh... I have a strange feeling we're going to end up having a lot to do with all of this.

How would that work? We barely know Lucian, let alone anybody else in this fractured world.

Just the fact that the nightwalker warrior knew who I was... it worries me. I'll do my best to be strong for you, Girl.

I believe in you, Boy...

 

[Elbryan]

Lucian

"M-Master!"

Lucian turned towards her as she spoke up suddenly. She was on her feet, and slowly moving towards him.

"Any friend of yours... is a friend of mine. I will come with you. I-If nothing else, for the sake of improving my skills."

Lucian nodded at her, letting himself smile for the first time since Victoria had been abducted.

"I am relieved you will be joining me Devin. Your assistance will be very much appreciated. I will try my best to see that this night does not end in tragedy, and your presence will go far towards that goal."

Lucian turned and started to walk out of the door, only to have his senses warn him a split second before he bumped into... something. Lucian managed to keep his feet, and danced backwards, bringing the Infinity Rod up in a defensive postition. A man was laying on the ground, where no one had stood a second ago. He seemed to be a bit disoriented, but he quickly stood up and brushed himself off. He offered Lucian a lopsided grin, and, suprisingly, waved into the room, towards where Devin stood.

"Do you know what happenned here? A girl was taken who happens to be my friend. I followed it as far as I could but lost it in one of the alleys."

Lucian looked at the man suspiciously, wondering who he was, and where he knew Victoria from. Lucian let his senses peirce the man's flesh, and read what he could of his pattern. It was convoluted, and the specifics where difficult to discern, as if his pattern had recently undergone a some very serious alterations, ones that changed his very being. However, Lucian was able to gather that the man was a nightwalker. Perhaps that is how he knows Victoria.

"The woman who was taken was a guest staying under my protection. She was abducted, as far as I can tell, by a rouge Vampire from the Sabbat. Although I believe it was acting under orders from other Vampires, more specifically, Victoria's sire."

Lucian's voice was low and measured, his expression hard. If this man knew Victoria, perhaps he is another agent of her Sire, sent to throw him off of the trail while it was still fresh. Lucian made a slow movement, blocking the doorway completely, so that the man, if he chose to attack, would have to go through him to get to Devin.

"Now that I have answered your question, I will submit my own. Who are you, and how do you know Victoria?"

 

[Mirad182]

Rufus looked at the man with the rod. He gave off a strange sense of eerieness.

"I am Rufus from the Ventrue. Other than that I can not say for I myself do not know. I won't bore you with the details. I am a friend of Victoria, through the Ventrue..... I suppose." He said the last two words at a kind of a whisper to himself.

"If you were protecting her why didn't you stop whatever that was?" He said this out of despiration and anxiety more than anything else and didn't meen it to be condiscending. It just appeared that way. "If you are in coalition with her might you help me find her? She's the only one that can tell me what's going on....If not I'll just go alone." He tried to let on too much for he knew not these two and didn't know anything about them other than the one in the room seemed a bit..odd(OOC: lol) IC: and the other knew Victoria. He felt he could trust that much.

As The man in the white moved Rufus merely followed until an answer was given the other following behing.