#SO SORRY ZAV HERE THEY COME

[fstbmp-a]

“Right!” Oh dear Gaia there she goes--

[youngster-monster]

Razel never imagined himself dying. It just never occurred to him; he’s virtually immortal, and even he if wasn’t he’d probably forget he could die and throw himself in the fray anyway. He just doesn’t have the oversight necessary to envision his own ending.

But if he had ever taken the time to do so, he’s sure he’d have came up with something else than “slowly bleeding out in the middle of enemy territory after failing a rescue missions”.

.

Two days earlier.

The universe always needs saving. It should get tiring, after a while, but Razel thrive on the excitement and adventure. It means he rarely feels the urge to return to the Tower, spending weeks or even months at a time flying from planet to planet, and when he does return it is only for a few days, a week at most.

This time was supposed to be less than that, no more than a pit stop between two missions. But then he got distracted talking to Banshee-44, which mean he was late for everything else on his schedule, and at this point he might as well stay a bit and talk to his other friends while he’s at it.

His first instinct is to seek out Cayde-6 for a bowl of ramen, as is their usual meet-up ritual. But he doesn’t find Cayde anywhere. Not an uncommon occurrence in and on itself: the hunter is notoriously slippery and tends to disappear to check on his caches across the galaxy, so. Not worrying.

But then he goes to Ikora, and she’s just… nowhere to be found, either. He likes to come talk to her when he comes back, Warlock to infinitely-smarter warlock. He’s not a fan of meditation, but she always has tea and a fun story to tell about the rest of the Vanguard as long as he’s not bothering her in her research. She’s also extremely predictable. That’s when he starts to worry.

It’s when he realizes Zavala isn’t in his usual spot that he knows something is really, really wrong. The commander likes to oversee his home, and to be easily found by his troops. He’s always in the same spot.

“Hey, has anyone seen the Vanguard around?”

Another guardian blinks at him, surprised. “You ain’t been around, have you?”

“No, I’ve been-” He stops, not sure how to explain that he’s been running around doing nothing of importance for like, three months. “Busy,” he finishes lamely.

She quirks an eyebrow but doesn’t comment. “Heard a friend of theirs got taken by the Fallen or somethin’? Tower’s been up in arms about it, but the three o’ them has been hidin’ in their strategy room or whatever.”

Oh, that’s not good. Not good at all.

He barely remembers to throw her a thank as he runs off to where the Vanguard is meeting. If one of their friends is in danger… Well.

There’s nothing that he loves more than a good rescue missions.

.

Of course, rescue missions are a lot more fun when they don’t end with a dead target and a soon-to-be-dead would-be rescuer.

It might have gone better if Razel hadn’t gone against direct order by coming here. Ikora insisted that he shouldn’t go; that Jude was unlikely to be still alive, and the mission too dangerous to even try. Zavala had wisely nodded at her words, looking sad but resolute. And Cayde—

Well. Razel can’t read Cayde, because he’s a robot and he’s not that good at reading people. But he knows Cayde has lost many people in his life. As have Zavala and Ikora, actually. He thought, what’s the harm in trying to get one of their friends alive?

He should have listened to them. They’re so much better at planning than he is.

Maybe if he had, Cubix—

Well. Cubix would still be able to get him out of this mess. That’s what Cubix does.

What Cubix… did.

So now he’s stranded in the middle of a Fallen stronghold, with no ammo, his sword broken and lost somewhere along the way and a dead Ghost to mourn over while he’s waiting to finally bleed out.

He’s laying against a broken wall, surrounded by Fallen bodies and the stench of blood and burned flesh. The room is dark, enough to hide him for a little while, but it won’t take long for the rest of the Fallen to track him down and then—

And then he’d be like Jude. Dead and without a Ghost to bring him back.

Because he let his Ghost get killed like a moron—

Pain pulses in his stomach, the dull throb briefly rising to a burning stab in the guts, and he groans. He lifts numb fingers to the wound, clumsily prodding the torn skin, slick with blood. Yikes. He’d cauterize it, but he’d used the last of his power in a desperate bid to save his ass from the Fallen now laying around him. Fat lot of good it does him.

He hisses through his teeth and lets his hand falls again. On its way down it knock against his thigh, bouncing on the small device strapped to his belt.

Oh. Right. He still has that. Communication-whatever, space talkie-walkie. Ikora has him carrying one since the second or third time he went off-grid because Cubix caught some Vex virus and couldn’t communicate with them.

He gives it a poke, wondering if it survived the whole debacle. Must be a whole pint of blood in its casing from the way his clothes are drenched with it.

Unexpectedly, it crackles, the static-y sound of an open channel.

“...lost contact- Wait. Razel?” Cayde, his mind supply, and he feels an odd sense of calm. Nothing can go wrong with Cayde there. Even if he’s not there-there. He just has that kind of luck following him around.

He jumps at the sound of his name and fumbles for the device, managing to unhook it from his belt. He curls around it, mindless of the pain, as if to protect the voices inside it from the Fallen roaming the halls.

“Razel, is that you?”

“Shit- Yeah. It’s me. I’m here.”

“Is that-” Zavala’s voice, quickly covered by Ikora’s.

“Guardian! What the hell do you think you are doing?”

He coughs wetly, giving it an honest thought. “Huhh- Bleeding out, I guess?”

“What-”

Zavala again. “Guardian,” he says in his Commander voice, firm and reassuring. “What’s your status.”

He lets out a shivering breath. “Mission failed, Commander. The target- Jude’s dead. I’m sorry.”

“There’s no mission, Guardian. What’s your status?”

“I’m- I’m out of ammo, and I’m bleeding. It’s… pretty bad, Zav. Gut shot.”

There’s a scuffle as the device changes hands. Somewhere in the distance, someone swears. Ikora’s voice washes over him, soothing despite the edge of desperation underneath. “Why haven’t you been healed already?”

“Out of power. Ghost’s… Cubix is dead.”

“Shit-” Cayde is back. “You really have a gift for getting in terrible situation. Almost as good as mine.”

He manages a weak laugh. “You have a gift for getting out of them.”

“Yeah well, what do you think we’ve been doing? Chatting around tea? We’re on the way, buddy. You’re kinda predictable once you get used to the whole ‘jump first plan later’ train of thought.”

“If you didn’t want me to go head first you shouldn’t have given me a sword.”

It’s an old argument and usually Cayde is fun about it. Today he just sounds tired. “Yeah, yeah. I know.”

“’M sorry.” He blinks, trying to see through the haze settling over his eyes. That’s not going to make his aim better. It’s already terrible when he can see. “I tried to save them, you know? I tried really hard. But I was too slow...”

“You weren’t supposed to try, Raze,” Zavala says gently. “It was too dangerous, too unlikely a rescue. They were ours to grieve.”

“Tried anyway,” he mumbles. He’s just going to close his eyes a bit. Not for long... he’s just so tired.

He drifts off, despite the increasingly urgent calls of his name through the device.

Shots echo in the distance as he claws his way to semi-consciousness. He’s tired, the kind of exhaustion that settles in your bones when you’re dying slowly enough for your body to notice. It’s not the first time it’s happened. Just the first he hasn’t been sure of what would happen afterward.

Maybe the second, in hindsight. Who knows what went in Before-Razel’s head when he died.

There’s a constant hum originating from somewhere around his chest. He gropes around, wincing as it tugs at the wound, and his fingers close around the communication device.

It’s Cayde, mettering under his breath like he does when he’s nervous. The words are covered by shots and Razel is far from his best state, but he thinks he hears him repeat “Don’t be dead” a few times there.

“’M not,” he mumbles. He slides slowly to his side, sprawling over the sticky ground with his cheek smushed against the device.

“Thank the Traveler,” comes the reply, breathy with exertion and something else he can’t make sense of. “Where are you?”

“Dunno. Sorry”

“It’s alright. I’ll just follow the trail of bodies.”

His chuckles turns into a cough. Blood splatters on the ground, more dripping from his lips down his chin. Yikes.

“Shit. Hold on. I’m almost there.”

Odd chatters come from the door, attracted by the noise, and he knows the Fallen have found him. “I don’t think-”

“Shut up. I’m coming.”

The line goes dead. Razel pouts. He’d have liked to hear something else than a bunch of Fallen in his last moments, but then again dying while he’s on the radio with someone else sounds very gruesome and cruel. Better not.

The chatters come closer, skittering steps approaching him — less than a dozen but more than half, maybe. He could take them, if he wasn’t bleeding out. He could…

His thought is cut off as he’s blinded by a burst of golden light. Sparks fly around him, surrounding him. Seven shots ring out, casting the room in stark shadows before fading back to darkness.

Silence.

Then, someone hurries to him and drops to his side. Gloved hands cradle his face and he blinks blearily as the face of Cayde swims into half-focus.

“Razel.”

He goes for a smile, but only succeeds in baring bloody teeth. “You came,” he says, delighted.

“Wha- Of course I did. Ikora and Zavala are just behind me, I rushed in-”

“I didn’t think you’d came,” he babbles on, going from tired right to delirious with blood loss. “Shouldn’t have had t’come, but- but… s’nice. Of you.”

“Of course we’d come. We weren’t going to let you die,” he gripes, fingers leaving his face to settle on his stomach. He immediately misses the touch, and tries to make it clear with a choked off whine. Cayde ignores him, reaching in his pack for bandages.

“I die all the time.”

“You know what I mean.”

He giggles. “Yeah, I kinda do.”

Cayde shakes his head. Softly, he adds. “Friends don’t let friends get themselves killed like idiots.”

“I’m your friend?” Surprised. Then, delighted,  “’m glad t’be your friend. You’re a good friend, Cayde. Ikora and Zavala too but. Y’buy me ramen. Best friend.”

And then he passes out again.

.

Things one forgets when one can be magically healed by a little floating robot: hospitals. They suck.

“I can’t believe you didn’t know you’re our friend.”

Razel looks up from the takeaway ramen Cayde brought him (best friend, he called it) and points accusingly at him with his fork — he doesn’t have the dexterity necessary for chopsticks right now.

“First of all, I don’t know anything. Second-” He blinks. “Hm.”

Cayde shakes his head and pats his shoulder sympathetically.

“Oh, by the way. Cubix should be back online in a few days, so you’ll be healed soon… ish. Might keep him a lil’ while to make up for your dumbass suicide mission.”

There’s a pause as Razel grumbles in his noodles, because. Yeah, that’s fair. Then-

“Wait. Cubix’s alive?”

Cayde’s head swivels around. “Of course he’s- you literally kept his pieces in your pocket. Just had to fix him up a bit.”

“That a thing we can do?”

“You did it with Osiris’ Ghost!”

“Oh. Right.” He hits his forehead with the palm of his hand. “I’m dumb.”

“Don’t worry, buddy. We like you just the way you are. Lonely pair of brain cells and all.”

“Hey!”

Cayde is cackling as he rises to his feet, cape swaying with his steps. He stops with his hand on the door, back turned to Razel.

“But- don’t forget it, alright? You’re our friends. We love you. Don’t be an idiot.”

And then he leaves, because Cayde-6 will never not be allergic to display of emotions.

Razel smiles into his ramen.

[renegadesrpg]

Soulmates Part 18: Night Moves. CROSSOVER with Dark Angels: Creation Part 33. Sean and Layla

Layla: *Yawns and leaves the bedroom* Nallum? Is all well? I thought you had gone already.

  Sean: *Smiles* I had to go to Hawaii for a short meeting with Sin and Declan, but I'm off the roll today so I came home to spend time with my nalla. Want some coffee?

Layla:*Smiling* That is a marvelous surprise. I would love some coffee.

 Sean: Have a seat. I'll get you some. *Rises from the table and kisses the top of your head as I pass you. Rummaging through the cabinet over the coffeemaker, I find a cup and pour coffee into it*

 I'm not interrupting any plans am I?

  Layla: Nothing more important than you. *I take the offered coffee and add some sugar and cream then take a sip* Mmmmm, perfect. Thank you Love.

  Sean: *After refreshing my own cup I sit down at the table with you* If you've got errands I could run them with you. Or we could take Reaper for a walk in the woods.

 *I just wanna make some memories with her. Memories just in case.*

  Layla: I was just going to do things around here but walking Reaper was on that list. We could do that after we finish here. Would you like breakfast? I could make omelets. *whispering with a smile* I've been practicing.

  Sean: *laughs* Baby, I would love to try one of yourself omelets. Can I do anything to help?

  Layla: Do you wanna chop the ham into small pieces? *I get up and grab the ingredients from the fridge and place them on the counter. Then I grab the skillet and spatula and turn on the stove before beginning to break eggs into the pan.*

  Sean: I'm a good hand with a knife, *although stabbing and slicing are more my strengths, but not telling her that right now,* so I should be able to handle that. *Getting up and going to the counter, I stand beside her and put the ham on a cutting board. Searching the knife block, I find a knife.* This one do? *I'm well aware that you want the right blade for a task.*

Layla: Yes, that one is good. It's not too big and will cut nicely. *I work on flipping the egg mixture then begin adding cheese* When you are done just sprinkle half onto here like I did the cheese.

 Sean: *Hefting the large bladed kitchen knife I find it's a little awkward. Not as balanced as the daggers I'm used to, the tip greatly widening from the tip and curving slightly. After testing it on the meat a few times I find the right technique and make quick work of dicing the ham, then sprinkle the pieces on the omelet as she had done with the cheese and hold up the knife again, examining it*. 

The balance on this doesn't make it much of a throwing knife although if the fight got in close one good, we'll-placed stab would end it. *frowning* I'm gonna get you a few throwing knives and teach you how to use them. I might not always be around. Learning some self-defense would be a good idea.

  Layla: I would like that actually. Self-defense is something I've come to believe everyone should have a basic knowledge of. *I fold over the egg mixture into omelet shape and slide it onto a plate then start the second one* One down, one to go.

  Sean:*sniffing the air* That smells really good, baby. *grins* After all these years who knew I'd enjoy food so much again? I'll have Declan make some throwing knives like Celia's for you.

  Layla: The true test is in the taste. *I take a fork and cut into the omelet then lift it to your mouth* You are the taste tester *I smile* so here.

  Sean: *taking the bite between my lips and sliding it off the fork, a soft moan escapes me. Swallowing...* mmmm. Da.... Darn that's good. If you learn to throw a knife as well as you make an omelet, you're going to be one deadly Chosen.

  Layla: *giggling as I go back to adding cheese and ham to the second omelet* From an Ehros to Executioner Chosen...what a change. *shaking my head with laughter*

Seam: *snickers* Baby, you were always deadly with that smile. There's probably a trail of broken hearts everywhere you go.

  Layla: No, definitely not. Besides, yours is the only heart I care about and it'll never break around me. And if someone tries to break it then there will be trouble.

Sean: *setting the knife on the counter, I slide around behind you and wrap my arms around your waist, kissing your neck and holding you as you cook*

 Only you have my heart, so only you could break it and I trust you to keep it safe.

 Layla: *Smiling I lean back into you as I slide the second omelet onto its plate and turn off the stove. It’s a beautiful heart too and it is my honor to keep it safe and loved.

Sean: You're the one that honors me, nalla. *smiling wryly* And I'm pretty sure the Brotherhood would agree with me. *Releasing you, I take both plates, and set them on the table.* Do you want anything to drink besides coffee?

  Layla: No, thank you. Coffee is good for now. *I wait ‘til you sit before beginning to eat my omelet* How are Sin and Declan? Well I hope.

  Sean: “How are they?" *repeating the question wryly.* well Declan's fine. He misses his mate. And Sin is Sin. He managed to slip the leash we've tried to keep on him to prevent the Horseman from finding him and got himself shot. Mortal weaponry so nothing that could kill him, but still... *sighs* he doesn't take chastisement well. Especially from a subordinate.

Layla: I'm not surprised Declan misses his mate. It is hard being separated from those you love even if it's for a good cause. Sin was shot!? Dearest Scribe...I'm glad he is alright. All you males are stubborn about chastisement. It is not surprising that he is. I doubt he'd feel any better if it came from an equal or superior, that is just who he is. *laying my hand on yours* I'm sure he knows the chastising came from a good place though whether he acknowledges it out loud or not.

  Sean: He knows. *smiles* He just has that natural "I am God and why do you question me" thing going on. Zav says he was no different as a human. When he's ready, he's gonna do what he's gonna do and we just have to keep up. But it did give me a chance to experiment a little.

  Layla: Experiment? What kind?

Sean: Sin wouldn't let me heal him -- you know that whole power of life vs power of death thing.

 *heaves a sigh that turns to a moan as I take a bite*

 Mmmmm. We gotta have these more often... anyway, he was losing a lot of blood because he took a full clip. The bullets would have dissolved as he healed but it was gonna take longer and he would have kept losing blood until they did. It wouldn't have killed him but blood loss weakens us for a time. Even him. So we compromised. I used my empathic abilities minimally to locate the bullets in his body and latched onto them with my reaper senses and then dematerialized them out. You know, *grinning at her* kind of like I do our clothes sometimes.

  Layla: *grinning with a blush recalling those favorite times* Ah yes, that is a wonderful gift especially in a situation like that. I'm glad he compromised and allowed you to help him in some way.

 *Taking a bite of my omelet, thinking before I swallow and speak again,*

 So he is well? No more bleeding? And when would you like to take Reaper out?

  Sean: I still had to bandage him up because he wouldn't allow me to heal the wounds but the bleeding was already slowing. He's probably healed up by now. He heals even faster than I do. It's the power he wields. Still, he should stand down for a few hours. If Declan can get him to.

 Let's just stack the dishes and go out and enjoy the evening, nalla. *smiles* I'm looking forward to a walk in the moonlight with you. Even if it's not quite a full moon yet.

Layla: I look forward to a walk as well. Spring is in the air, I love the beginning warmth and the moon, in any stage, is a marvel. *I stack dishes in the sink and go to the front room, grabbing the leash then sitting down to put on my shoes* Will you get Reaper?

Sean: Sure. *Heading into the living room, I call for him*

 Reaper, c'mere boy! *He comes running, all awkward legs and tail skittering on the hardwood and of course, his partner in crime is hot on his heels. Squatting down, I give Bear a scratch behind the ears.*

 Sorry bud, just him right now. Maybe we need to teach you how to walk on a leash, too. *scooping the squirmy pup up in my arms I carry him back into the kitchen* Ready?

  Layla: I am! *smiling I hook the leash onto Reaper's collar as you hold him steady* He's good to let down now, he can run but not far *I giggle as we close the door behind us and set off.* It’s a beautiful night, so happy you are here to enjoy it with me Nallum.

  Sean: *Setting the pup down on the floor, I take your hand as we walk outside into the woods. Carefully tended paths are laid out through them, although a lot of care to see that they appear natural has been taken. The doggen from the manse must take care of them during the daylight hours. I choose one that leads to a clearing I know of, and away from the barn the rogue reapers had nearly cornered Layla in.*

 You're right it really is. This part of the country doesn't get many warm evenings this time of year. And even then the skies are usually overcast but tonight you can see the stars.

 Layla: It's welcoming us. *grins your way as we keep walking* Reaper is very happy. Look at his tail wagging. *Reaching down to pat Reaper and giggle I stand and squeeze your hand.*

 Do you have a destination in mind love?

  Sean: There's a patch of open land in the woods this way. I thought we could watch the stars for a little while since the night's so clear. Maybe let Reaper explore a little. It's a good place. It has the same feel I get when I'm in a stone circle. I think a very long time ago it must have been used in spiritual rituals. It's not far.

 *The pup runs ahead and pulls on the leash, attempting to dart here and there every time a bush rustles, but very soon the path opens up to a large circular clearing. Early crocus are trying to poke their heads out of the earth in a circle around the perimeter and in the center a large slab of granite takes center stage.*

 See what I mean? Let's go sit on the boulder.

  Layla: Oh this is lovely! *I let you lead me to the boulder and we sit, still holding hands* Reaper don't go too far little one. *looking up into the night sky, I gasp* Oh look how bright the stars are love! *pointing up I ask...* Is that the one they call the Big Dip?

 Sean: *laughs*It's the "Big Dipper" And yes. The North Star is always at the end of the handle. And there, *pointing* is the Little Dipper. And over there the Belt of Orion. *the large stone's surface is nearly flat, and I lean back on one elbow.* Haven't you ever gone stargazing before, nalla? Look, *pointing at a bright twinkly star* There's Venus. *Smiles.* Goddess of Love and she's smiling at us.

 Layla: Oh...Dipper. Sorry, *I say into the air* No, I have looked at the stars while here but never gazed at them for long. I just know they are beautiful and some find meanings and shapes among them. Venus, Goddess of Love approves of us then. I'm glad she approves, although to be honest it would not matter to me as I will love and adore you no matter who approves or does not.

 Sean: *laughing, I reach up and drop a kiss on your lips* Good to know. I'm still not sure how the Brothers are going to react to me. Look, there's Taurus, *tracing the outline with my finger tip for you* Are the stars different Sanctuary?

 Layla: Taurus is a bull? The Sanctuary? *I bite my lip remembering my time there before my abduction* No sky like this. Everything is bright and white.

  Sean: *Just the mention of Sanctuary has started the adrenaline flowing in her. I can feel the stress rising off of her. Opening my gift to her, I exude waves of comfort, hoping to bring down the stress levels a little. Still, if just mentioning it to her causes this reaction, I'm not sure Sanctuary is the place for her to go while a major battle goes down and even less certain she should stay there if we lose. Sitting all the way up, I take your hands and look into your eyes*

Layla, your heart rate just skyrocketed and your adrenaline spiked off the charts  at the mention of Sanctuary. I could feel it. You don't have to go there. Both Danu and Freya would open their realms to you if I asked. But even if you choose that, we should talk about this. It won't get better kept inside.

  Layla: *I go from looking far off at nothing to looking into your eyes and sigh* It will not be easy. I knew it would not be as I have avoided it too long but I am sure I must go there. Facing and fighting your fears, is never easy but still very important. I must do this Sean *I squeeze your hand and look deeply into your eyes hoping you feel the importance of this* You have a battle to win and so do I. It starts tonight, here with you.

 Sean: *Lifting your hand to my lips, I kiss your knuckles then lower it and enfold them in both mine* I understand the need to face your past, confront your demons. *smiling wryly* I'd probably be doing something of the same at Callanish if I weren't going to be busy trying to stay alive. But baby, I hate for you to do it alone. If we found another place for you to go, afterwards I could go with you.

  Layla: *Smiling I lean in and kiss you softly* I would love nothing more Nallum but you can't. Just as I can't battle with you, you can't with me. I must tread this road alone. *tears fall and I smile* But, in the end, I will return to you stronger and more deserving of all we will have together because that place of fear will be replaced with happiness.

 Sean: *Pulling you to me, I just hold you for a few moments* That place of fear is in all of us Nalla. Facing it is the true test of courage. It's easy to be brave in front of a flashing blade or a fireball. You react, you don't think, you just do. But that fear inside us? The one that tears at our gut, and puts our heart in our throat just thinking about it? That's the one that shows character. *Smiles as I wipe away your tears.*

 I always knew you were braver than me. *I open my mouth to tell her I love her, when Adrian's voice, rings in my brain.*  'Gimme a second,' I telepath back to him.* Baby, Adrian wants my attention and it sounds urgent. Can we mist back to the house?

 Layla: Yes, of course Love. *I grab Reaper into my arms and grab your hand* I'm ready when you are.

 Sean: I'm sorry to cut this short. *Drops a kiss on your lips as I take your hand. With a thought I dematerialize us back to the kitchen, leaving behind only the fine black mist that is the telltale of a reaper.*

 #TBC

 #Soulmates #Crossover #DarkAngelsCreation #Renegades #RRPG #AU #BDB #Reapers #Vampires #Angels #Wolfen #Ghosts

[taevvas]

Just give me a chance to say I love you (and I need you)

Ships: Cayde/Zavala

Characters: Cayde-6, Zavala, OC, Others Mentioned/Background

Other tags: Post-Forsaken, Grief, Mourning

Warnings: Canonical Death (Off Screen)

Description:  Cayde leaves Zavala and their son messages after his death

           Cayde has been dead for two months.

           It’s inescapable now, Zavala thinks as he watches the City wake. He’s not coming back. He’s known this for months now, since his body was brought in from the Reef, since he’d been murdered, and yet today feels different - final, somehow. That is, until Kyla nudges against him softly.

           “I have something for you.” His Ghost guides him to the sofa, her optic flickering slightly as something powers to life. A hologram, he realises, as white-blue light projects out in front of him.

           His breath catches in his throat as Cayde appears on the projection, legs folded and knuckles cracking against each other nervously. “I-“ He seems to stall, before unfolding a piece of paper and taking a deep breath. Fingers twitching with anxiety, he reads from the parchment before him – “Hey Zavala, I-… If you’re watching this, I’m dead. Or at least I should be, if Kyla has followed my instructions. I’ve probably been dead for a few months, or however long it’s taken you to accept it, and -.”

           “I don’t know how I died, but I can imagine that it was something stupid, right? Something reckless and preventable. I’ve always been like that, and I – uh, anyway.”

           Zavala isn’t sure when he started crying, but it’s unmistakable now, as salty tears track down his cheeks silently. “I’ve recorded a set of these for Andal, as he grows up, y’know. One for each birthday until his 18th, so that I can kinda be there. -nd give him my cloak, yeah?” Cayde lets out a small, dry laugh. “From one Andal to another.”

           “-nd Zav? Don’t blame yourself. I know you’re gonna anyway because you’re too nice for your own good, and you’re a fucking idiot, but please.. Andal needs you. So does Taea, and Ikora and Shiro and Eyas. So many more people need your attention and love and care than I do. ‘nd I’m sorry for leaving the burden of raising Andal alone on you, but if you teach him anything, please teach him this.”

           “Teach him that he’s enough. That he doesn’t need to live up to my reputation, or yours, or fulfil anyone’s legacy. Love him no matter what. Tell him that I love him everyday.”

           “I love you Blue. Never forget that.”

           The door behind him creaks as the holo cuts off, small pitter-patter sounds echoing against the hardwood floor from light footsteps. Andal – his son, his beautiful, beautiful son – nudges into his arms. “Papa?” He asks in his small little voice, tiny tanned hands patting at his tear-stained cheeks. “Are you sad?”

           “No-“ His voice strains, and he gulps down some emotion. “Not anymore, now that you’re here.” Andal snuggles into his chest and Zavala smiles down at him. “Would you like a present from Caya?” He uses the name Andal had given Cayde back when he could hardly speak, and his son’s green eyes light up in happiness.

           “Daddy has a present?”

           He nods, scooping up Andal in his arms and holding him close to his chest as he retreats back into their – his – room, setting his son on the bed as he digs a box out of his wardrobe.

           It contains all the most personal things of Cayde he still has – his playing cards, the little photo album filled with memories, the small, strange, Golden Age instrument he somehow had remembered how to play. And, folded neatly, his cape.

           With shaking hands Zavala extracts the expanse of fabric, familiar yet so alien against his touch. Andal patters over curiously, and he smiles, strained. Hands still twitching with pent up emotion he unfurls the cape, carefully setting it into place around Andal’s shoulders. He’s bouncing on the balls of his feet, but still careful with the cape (as Cayde had always told him to be) when he pulls the hood over his mess of ginger hair. With a giggle he hugs Zavala and starts pretending to shoot bad guys, the Awoken managing to feign happiness for a moment when he plays dead after Andal ‘kills’ him.

           When Suraya comes around later to pick up Andal and take him to school with Eyas she smiles at him, setting a hand on his shoulder comfortingly as Andal runs out to show his cousin his cape.

           They’ll be okay. Zavala will make sure of it.

[martykirkby]

Ok i am here for Guy returning, SO happy about Jac and Kian, but pissed about Essie and Fletch as im certain one of them will die. Only Zav can look sexy while trying to investigate crimes and Cam is still a manipulating dick, what a surprise :) Love Jac being back to her own self again and I am surprising really interested in Max's storyline and anger, and really don't want Henrik to become CEO again (dont come at me). Very here for Nicky's storyline progression but also worried for her:( (1/2)

(2/2) and im SO excited for David to be up on Darwin. Im worried for Kian as he looks like he's potentially relapsing but Jac allowing Nicky to hug her? Character development and we stan. Drew, the new surgeon and Ange's ex looks ehhh, i don't really have any thoughts on him yet but if they make Fletch jealous for some reason i stg i will be so pissed off. Also, love Max basically telling Cam she hates him and for him to f off. Can't wait for Ben to leave and I just want to hug Fletch :(             

Sorry for the rant I just needed somewhere to let my thoughts out bc omg do i have a lot of them            

fdghfdh it’s okay!! i agree w most of what you’re saying except the stuff about guy and max obvs (beginning to think it’s a pattern that i’m just gonna hate all the neurosurgeons)

re essie and fletch i really don’t want either of them to die but i think it’s likely one will and i would say it’s more likely to be essie :(( 

[renegadesrpg]

Dark Angels: Creation Part 30, Crossover with Rekindled. Honesty #RRPG. Zav, Truely, Adrian, Celia

Adrian: *I'd stayed invisible as I followed Zav and Truely to her apartment over the bakery and stationed myself on the small porch landing outside the door. I didn't like this set up much. Unless there was an interior door that led to the bakery, there was only one way in and one way out. And if there /was/ an inside door I doubt it was fortified appropriately. The human wouldn’t understand the need. Sounds of laughter echo through the door and as I start to mentally shake my head in amusement white light flares in my brain and a blinding pain nearly drives me to my knees. And I see it. We've been followed. They’re coming. The pain fades as I reach out to Celia. 'Rogues. They're coming. Get the humans out.' Simultaneously I bang on the door and shout*

ZAV! We're about to have company in the shop!

 Zav: *This day had been all I could have hoped for so far. Truely had felt our souls connect and was as into me as I was to her. We'd spent time talking and time doing ....smiling at the recent memory... "other" things and had begun making plans for our future. If I hadn't fully opened up yet as to just exactly /what/ I was, I was beginning to have real hope that might not be as big an obstacle as I'd thought it might be. Just as I grasp Truely's hand to go meet her friend Frederick and have a mid-afternoon lunch a banging on the door starts and Adrian bellows at me. Looking sharply at the door as I drop Truely's hand and manifest my angel's short sword in it, I tell her*

There's trouble. Stay here. Please. And, *grabbing one of the two medallions I wear around my neck, and handing it to her.* Wear this. I lost you once. I won't again.

 Truly: *I was having such a magical time with Zav. He was more than I could have ever asked for and I couldn't wait for our next chapter. I almost hated to breathe for fear I'd find out he wasn't real.* Who is that? *Suddenly there was a loud pounding on my door and Zav dropped my hand, his look of panic evident. Next thing I know he has a sword in hand and he's asking me to wear a pendant that was around his neck.*

Zav, who is at the door? What's going on? Are you in danger? Are Celia and my shop? *I was rambling. Whatever was happening was out of my realm of knowledge but I did hear Zav ask me to wait here though.* Fine, I'll stay. *I’m confused but I’m trusting Zav. So, I touch the pendant and just wait...for now.*

 Celia: *I'd just finished taking out another tray of cookies when Adrian's voice invaded my headspace in full force. Neither shifters, nor ghosts are naturally telepathic, but Sean and Sin had always managed to maintain a link with us. I hadn't expected Adrian to be able to do the same. Communication wasn't generally his gift. I stagger under the mental assault but manage to get the tray on the table without dropping them, then call out to Truely's assistant*

#Lucy, I need you back here for a second. *She hurries through the door to the kitchen...'What is it Celia? I just had two customers walk in the door.' *Dammit, I think just as loudly as I can in hopes Adrian hears, They're here!*

#Lucy, *I begin, forcing calm into my voice,* I'm out of vanilla and I don't know this town. Can you run to the supermarket and get some? I'll cover the counter while you're gone. *Lucy frowns and looks at me questioningly, because she probably knows damn well Truely has this place stocked to last through Armageddon, but she doesn't argue, just grabs her purse and starts back out the door to the front. I grab her arm, and turn her...*

Go out the back door. I'm sure it's closer to your car.

*She frowns at me but only answers 'Sure.' But I can see she's making mental notes to have a word with Truely about me. And that's just fine, assuming we make it through this. As the back door slams, Adrian mists in beside me, sword drawn and ready to fight. I hike up my sweater in and pull my .38 with its "kill anything that moves" bullets out of the holster at the small of my back.*

Was just too good to be true, huh?

 Adrian: We'd hoped they wouldn't find her but I think they must have been trailing us. I'm not sure how, but this isn't a coincidence.

*I can hear them out in front now, moving around and banging on that damned little counter bell for service. At that moment Zav materializes on the other side of Celia*

I think we might have led them to her Zav. I don't know how, but we need to figure it out.

 Zav: I'll be back. Keep the pendant on.

*Drawing her to me, I drop a quick hard kiss on her mouth and then I'm out the door. As soon as I'm out of her sight, I hone in on Adrian and mist to his side.*

Later. We'll figure it out once they're dead. Celia, stay back in the doorway and cover us. But don't hit us. Those bullets will kill us too, feel me? *She gives me an indignant look but just nods. As the sound of an insistent bell turns into glass breaking I cringe. Dammit, Truely is going to be upset.*

 Truly: *I'm standing here holding the pendant Zav gave me and I'm so confused. He gave me a quick kiss then left me.*

What the ever-loving hell is going on? *

As I absent-mindedly put on the pendant I hear a crash come from below.* What's going on in my shop? *I hear a couple more crashes and bangs and I realize I can't stand here twiddling my thumbs anymore. The man I love is in trouble, his friends could be too, and my shop, my livelihood is being destroyed.*

Nope, sorry my Star but I'm not going to stand here listening to my world get destroyed, just not happening. *I open my door, carefully look out in both directions, then run down my steps and around to my shop's back door. The scene I come on is one of nightmares. Creepy, smelly things fighting with Zav and Celia, and the blonde man. I see swords, fists, and bullets flying. My shop is in ruins and my temper boils over.*

Oh fuck no. *I whisper yell as I grab the first heavy thing I can find...my cast iron skillet. *I quietly move through my kitchen and get up behind one of the ugly beings. I raise the skillet and scream* NOOOO!* as I slam it on his head.*

You will not hurt my family. No! No! No! *with each yell I hit the being, fury that I've never felt taking over. I didn't recognize myself but I would rather die than have Zav hurt. Unfortunately, my energy isn't long lasting and now I don't know what to do. So, I lift the skillet and wait, my breath still heaving with effort...anger, fear, and frustration filling me.*

 Celia: *I watch in a combination of mixed horror and admiration as the human woman attacks a reaper with a skillet. Cast iron. That sucker has to be heavy. Adrian has one almost cornered between the oven and walk-in fridge and Zav...dammit, he dropped his guard when he heard Truely>and missed it when two more misted in. I shouted....* ZAV! *and swung up from behind the table I'd crouched behind, unloading my .38 into one, the volley of reaper-killing bullets opening up a center mass wound as he falls to the ground.

 Adrian: *I'd fought my foe into the corner. Celia had had to be careful not to hit me but she'd managed to place a well-aimed bullet into his weapon arm, which slowed him down considerably. I blocked and parried but he was tiring. The sounds of a cast iron skillet knocking against a skull hadn't really caught my attention, but when Celia yelled Zav's name I decided enough was enough and gutted the bastard, a mortal wound, dying, but not yet dead.  He falls as I turn just in time to see ...well... I'm not sure what I'm seeing.

Zav is starring at Truely... TRUELY? with a stunned look on his face as she stands there, in front of him, chest heaving from the exertion of swinging a frigging massive cast iron skillet. The reaper he'd been fighting was groaning, laying on the floor. There had only been two rogue reapers in my vision but now there were four. Two more had just misted in. The originals must have called for reinforcements before they'd fallen. One goes down, its chest exploding into a bloody mess from Celia's bullets, but the other one is headed straight for Truely. If it touches her....*

Gods dammit Zav, GET HER OUT!!!

 Zav: *Gods… Truly…. One minute I was fighting and the next minute I was staring into her flushed face with a reaper groaning on the floor in front of me. My eyes locked on hers in stunned admiration, and yeah, not a little fear for her, just as Adrian called out. Another reaper, a new one, had misted in and was making for what he assumed was the easiest target in the room, my woman. Time seems to slow down. I note the sound of Celia ejecting and reloading a new clip into her gun. Adrian is throwing himself at the new attacker. In the blink of an eye I leap over the prone rogue on the floor and grab Truely, misting her away from the attack, to just outside the back door. As I hear shots ring out I’m torn between going back and staying to protect her but I hear Celia’s glee as she shouts out  ‘And another one bites the dust!’. Heaving a breath of relief, I turn Truely’s face up to mine and frantically scan her eyes.*

Are you all right? Did it touch you? Are you hurt?

 Truly: *I'm huffing, puffing, and staring at mayhem in my shop and then the next thing I know, I’m outside and Zav asked how I am.*

I'm pissed. I'm stunned. I'm confused. What the hell Zav? What... *I lean over to catch my breath and that's when tears start falling and I just plop myself down on the ground. The realization that my shop is ruined, my man has a secret that turned deadly, and he could've died all hit at once.* Talk Zav, please. Am I losing my mind here?

 Celia: As the Zav misted out with Truely I shouted*

DOWN

*and opened fire hoping Adrian wouldn't get in the way. Of course, he was already on the move but he heard me and turned to mist, allowing the bullets to pass through harmlessly and embed in the chest of the last standing rogue. Slowly lowering my gun I look around at the carnage just in time to see the bad guy Truely ... damn, I have a lot more admiration for her now... Truely tried to pound into sand start to struggle to his feet and I raise my gun and put my last bullet between its eyes. The rogue fell to the ground, its physical body disappearing as it died and its untethered soul shimmering beside where it had fallen.*

We're going to need something to do with these souls so where Truely is doesn't get back to the Horseman and his boys.

 Adrian: *Looking around as a 2nd rogue followed suit*

Bryn used a Dybbuk box for the last crew. I'll reach out to her and have her send one. Meanwhile, *grabbing the disembodied souls each with one hand*

You two are with me.*

*Mentally I call to Bryn with my request and in seconds a box materializes in front of me as she conveys instructions on how to use it and where to take it when I'm done. Death Valley, with the other one. Of course. She's always had a gallows sense of humor.*

In you go...*softly chanting the spell Bryn had given me, watching the two souls being sucked into it. As the last two expired, their souls too were sucked into the box and I had the distinct feeling it was still hungry. Hastily I say the words that lock the box and pick it up, handing it to Celia.*

Put this somewhere safe and out of the way while I take care of this mess.

*Looking around at the rubble, I inhale and dematerialize it all, sending it to Brazil to be burned outside the safehouse.*

 Zav: *She's pissed. She's got a right to be but the cats out of the bag now and she's got a right to the truth. More, I want to tell her. As she sits down on the ground, I sink down cross-legged with her. I've fought with Adrian long enough to know he's already doing damage control in there. Now I have to do it out here.*

No, baby, no. You aren't crazy. I'm so sorry this followed us here. It's what I was trying to keep from happening to begin with. But everyone is all right and we're going to fix this, I promise. Just please, listen with an open heart. Because I can promise, whatever you're thinking right now? That's not what this was.

 Truely: *What I'm thinking? What I'm thinking is the Twilight Zone is being filmed again or Candid Camera, a really bad version of it. I'm thinking you could've been killed. I'm thinking my shop is destroyed, and...*

HOLY SHIT! Lucy! Where's Lucy? Is she ok, oh my god how could I have forgotten her. *I stop myself and take a deep breathe reaching out to touch Zav.* Ok, first...where is Lucy? Then explain so I don't go overboard in my thinking cuz right now...*deep breath* What I DO know is that I love you and trust you. What I don't know is why the secret, why the chaos. Please explain.

 Celia: *As I stand there holding the box in both hands I watch Adrian make a clean sweep of the place. Walking to the door to the front, I check to be sure it’s all gone too.*

Good job. It could pass a Health Department inspection. Now, since you're already in my head how about you materialize what needs to be replaced here. Yeah, yeah, *I dismiss as he opens his mouth to protest*  I know you can't make it out of thin air like the Boss can, but I know what she had and where it came from. Pick my brain. Literally. This is a small operation and I doubt she can afford to replace all this. I'm pretty sure her insurance doesn't cover damage from the Reaper Wars. Zav will see the funds get into the right accounts to cover it. He's picky about that stuff.

*Leaving him frowning as he invades my brain again, I turn and walk out the back door, still carrying the box, just in time to hear Truely freak out over Lucy.*

Lucy's fine. I got an advance heads up from Adrian...

*jerking my head back into the doorway* Tall, blonde and deadly in there.... and I sent her to the store. I told her you were out of vanilla.

 Adrian: *I frown as I rummage through Celia's brain and select the equipment needed replace what had been damaged. She might be a bossy ghost, but her thoughts were well organized and she provided me not only with the items, but brands as well. I materialized them from their manufacturer's warehouses and set them into their proper places, being sure to get the front of the shop covered, too, then follow Celia out the back door. Taking the Dybbuk box from her, I begin*

I've got the souls Zav. Bryn sent a Dybbuk box to hold them like she did the ones from Layla's place. She told me where to leave them. I'm going to stow them and I'll be back to watch your six shortly, so try to stay out of trouble until I get back. Oh, and Celia, the place is put back together to your specifications. *smirking at her raised eyebrow* What, you thought that would take time? You've lived with reapers long enough to know we're efficient.

But, Zav, you might be thinking up a story in case someone called in the gunfire. Something harmless like Celia was teaching Truely how to use a gun and it went off or something. Cops can't hold you but they could make life uncomfortable for your lady.

*Nodding, I dissolve into a fine black mist, to take care of this errand.

 Zav: I nod at Adrian as he goes. His method of leaving is going to cause more questions, but she needs to hear it all. Running my hands through my long hair and pushing it back from my face, I take a deep breath.*

Celia, I think Adrian's story will hold up since he repaired the damage. Can you go man the fort while Truely and I talk? We'll be right here if you need us.

*Celia nods and shoots me a quick look of sympathy. She's aware this won't be an easy discussion and I stand to lose everything if it doesn't go well.*

Truely...*licking my lips and sighing* I love you. And everything I've told you has been the truth. It just...the details are going to be hard for you to believe. But this won't happen again. I'll take steps to see you're protected. *sighing*

Humans had a great poet and playwright who once wrote "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Well he was right. There are more things in heaven and earth and the worlds beyond than humans comprehend. And I... and Adrian and Celia... are some of them.

 Truly: Shakespeare, Hamlet right? Ok, so what are you and what were those icky creatures that were trying to kill you? I want to understand this all, I really do. Please tell me everything Zav...everything.

 Zav: It might be easier to show you some of it. *Materializing a slim dagger, I hold out my forearm and make a fist, running the sharp blade across it. But what flows out isn't red blood. It's blue.*

That's grace. Not blood. It's the first part of what I am. An angel. *With a thought I allow my wings- enormous and capable of lifting my weight, and much more, in flight to materialize. The deep navy blue of them fades down into a pale blue at the bottom, the gloss of them catching the sunlight.*

And I'm more. *With another thought I dematerialize myself into a black mist and then reform.*

I'm also a reaper, a powerful being who collects mortal souls and helps them move on. *sighing* Once, long, long ago I and angels like me were sent to earth to teach humans. Some of us fell in love with them. But the white god...not the Creator, but one whom most humans believe is...he was jealous and afraid. The children we created with our human wives held great power. They had both soul and grace. So he had us all killed before they could grow up. Now, what happens to angels when they die is different that it is for humans or other mortal species. Most mortal souls move on to other lives. A few, when they are ready, ascend to a new plane of existence. But not angels. We go into the Long Sleep. So my wife and I could never be reunited. Not in new lives, not in ascension. But the reaper who came for me had been a friend once and he offered me the opportunity to join his corps. And to look for the soul of the wife that the white god...El Shaddai... had taken from me. And so... here I am.

 Truly: *I let out a squeak as I watch him materialize a knife. That squeak became a gasp when I see him cut himself. Then before I can say anything out runs blue blood. I watch it flow then stop. THEN the most beautiful set of wings appear... WINGS! I'm looking at actual angel wings. Then he's talking about angels and reapers and his dead wife.*

Wait. So you were an angel living among humans? Teach humans what though? Then you died or just your wife? *I shake my head*You are now a reaper? Or an angel? And you are not only taking dead people's souls to, their final resting place? But also searching for your dead wife? But if she's dead, why look on Earth? And where does this leave me if you are wanting her?

 Zav: *smiling in relief at how she's taking all this. Quietly I demat my wings. No point in keeping them exposed in case we do get a visit from other humans*

I taught them art, music...how to govern and care for a people, how to grow things. The Creator wanted humans to prosper. When I died I didn't lose my angel's grace or power. It would have gone into the Long Sleep with me. When a being surrenders his soul to Death to become a reaper, he brings with him all that he was in life. I have grace instead of a soul, which is a different kind of power than a soul has, but an immense one. So I am both angel and reaper now. Just not one who serves the Creator anymore.

*Pausing for a moment and inhaling before I continue. This was going to be the hardest of all.*

Her soul was human and it was not ready to ascend. It had more lives to live, more lessons to learn and grow from. If I had lived... and angels will live forever if they are not killed...my grace would have kept Kalare young and alive for as long as I was. Love is that strong.

But I don't have to look for her anymore. *looking deeply into her eyes* I've found her.

 Truely: *I stare into your eyes as you speak. I see and feel the truth but it's still overwhelming.* So, you are still an angel but also a reaper. And you said your grace could keep Kalare alive for as long as you...how? Like, she fed on it like a vampire? *damn do vampires exist too? Ok, not asking that right now. I just want to understand this man, his history, and how I fit into his present.* So, waaaaaaiiit.... *something he said just processed through my stuffed brain* You found her soul? Her reborn soul? *I squeak that last part out, then whisper...* me? You're saying I'm your dead wife reborn?

 Zav: *laughs softly and takes both her hands into mine* There are other ways of passing grace than drinking it. Humans don't have the teeth for it. My grace passed to her every time we made love. As it will pass to you. And yes, I have searched for her soul for 35,000 years. It has grown. Learned much. Been tempered by the experiences of the lives it has lived. Truely, the soul she bore in her mortal body now lives in yours. But you are not Kalare. You are Truely. And I am very aware of it.  And grateful for how her soul has grown and who it has become. How it has become you.

 Truely: *I'm...stunned*. 35,000 years? You searched that long to find her soul? But, but how can you know her soul is in me? *I touch my chest* And how *I shake my head trying to gather my thoughts* how are you sure its ME you love and not the idea of her soul being found? What, what do I do with this information Zav? *I stare into your eyes and absent-mindedly brush your hair out of your face as tears fall.* Is this why our connection was strong and fast? Is her essence like going to take over or how does that work?

 Zav: *taking her face in my hands I wipe away her tears with my thumbs. Kissing her gently,* I would have searched through eternity for it. It /is/ why we both felt such an instant connection, but I was not sure until I looked at your soul. *smiles* Yes, it is something reapers can do that angels can't. But the connection....*shaking my head and smiling a little* It was so instantaneous that I just knew it had to be from the moment you walked into my shop. But "she" doesn't take you over. You are her and she is you. There is no difference in the essence of your soul. What it's learned in each life, it brought to this one and made you who you are. The qualities that made her who she was then are still there now, and help make you who you are. I love you because you are Truely. Not because of who you were, but because of who /you/are.

 Truely: *I smile the tears drying up as I feel the truth and love in his words.* You said you had children. Does that mean their souls are out there too? And, um, can we have kids?

 Zav: *The smile fades from my face at this* Angels can. Reapers...cannot. I'm a mix. I still have my grace, but to be totally honest with you, I just don't know. Death is powerful.

 Truely: So, it’s one of those questions that has no answer ‘til we try. Right, then. What now Zav? What happens next and what about my shop?

 Zav: That's been taken care of. Reapers have the ability to materialize and dematerialize objects. Only our captain can reform molecules into other items, but we can all take it from one place to another. From what Adrian and Celia said, I can promise you your shop has been cleaned up, repaired and the equipment replaced. I'll see that the proper companies are paid for it. No one will lose by it. As for what happens now... *smile fading* I have to go to war.

The creatures that attacked us were rogue reapers. There's a struggle going on for the soul of the worlds. The Horseman of Death, whom I supposedly owe allegiance to, is in league with Lucifer and seeks to overthrow the Creator and rule the worlds with death. A group of us have broken away.

Our Captain is a very, very powerful being. As strong as the Horseman himself. And I owe him everything. I owe him finding you, as he was the one who offered me the Reaper Corps instead of The Long Sleep. He blocks The Horseman's hold on us. The rogues were souls that were corrupt before they died. So corrupt they were doomed for their respective Hell planes. Instead, The Horseman used them to create a fourth column of corruption in the corps, to help him alter the Fates’ decisions and let him take souls before their time to consume rather than let live and then move on to their new lives when it was time. *shaking my head* We fight for all the worlds, all universes.

Celia, I will leave here with you to protect you. She is not a reaper. She's a ghost and in life was a wolf shifter. She brought that ability over with her but her shooting is something she learned from Adrian. Her mate serves with us. I'll ward the shop and your home so this doesn't happen again. But go nowhere without her. Please.

 Truely: So, this Horseman is rebelling against his boss, siding with the devil, all for power and greed? Sounds kinda human. He should be ashamed to stoop to our level. And, um, you and your friends are going to stop him from taking souls that don't belong to him yet, if at all. Do I have it right? And Celia is a ghost who can bake and kick ass and you want me to hang with her 'til you come back to me?

 Zav: *laughs at her succinct summation* I love you. *shaking my head, then kissing her.* I really do.

We're going to do more than stop the Horseman. We're going to overthrow him, purge the ranks of his corruption and set the worlds back on their paths. But yes. Celia is all of that. And one of the other lieutenants is in constant contact with her mentally, so if there's trouble we'll know right away. *Pausing,* There is one more thing. *reaching out and taking the medallion by one finger.* Wear this. It contains a bit of my grace as well as some personal warding. It will make you harder for our enemies to focus in on and the grace will act as a homing beacon if anything should happen. Never take it off.

 Truely: *Returning the kiss* Ok, so you are going to go kick his ass, overthrow him, kill him and his lackeys, or all of the above. And this necklace will keep me safe from them. Right? Will Celia need one too or does being a ghost make it unnecessary? And lastly...when do you leave?

 Zav: She has one. It will /help/ keep you safe. And other things I will do before I leave will prevent both reapers and demons that do not possess a similar medal from entering. As for when I leave....I'm afraid this attempt on you means we are being more closely watched than we had hoped. Once I've warded everything I'll need to go and make a personal report to our Captain. I'm pretty sure it's going to speed up our timetable.

 Truely: Alright. So in a few minutes then or does this warding take longer than that?

 Zav: *Standing and drawing her to her feet* I'm afraid so. *huffing a sigh* I didn't want to tell you all this in quite this way, but I /was/ going to tell you. I never lied to you, but I didn't tell you everything. I promise, that will never happen again.

 Truely: *wrapping my arms around you I look into your face.* I'm going to hold you to that promise. I want our relationship based on truth and trust not just love. Can I help with the warding or what should I do now?

 Zav: *Lowering my lips to hers, I kiss her deeply, putting all my love into it. Finally breaking the kiss, I rest my chin on your head* I'm sorry I brought this to your door. And in the spirit of honesty *Looking down at you* I have to tell you there will always be enemies to guard against. I want you to know that going in. But I also want you to know that I'd die again to protect you. I won't let myself ever be caught unawares. *Not again. Not like the first time* And I think that I can teach you some of the warding so if you need to refresh it and I'm away you can. It's not hard, just some simple symbols in a certain order. The key is what you draw them with. Mortals /can/ do it with blood. It's more effective than paint, but like paint, blood will show and we don't want it to show. *smiles and chucks you under the chin* It would scare away the customers. So we're going to do it with my grace.

 Truely: *laughs* Yes it would. Ok, thank you for being honest. It’s a little scary to think about but I know you will protect me and I can learn to protect myself I'm sure. *leans up and kisses you letting you feel my love*

Alright, let’s do this and then, Zav...no weepy goodbye. Just smile and go, ok? I want to watch you go with us both standing strong. *knowing I'll fold later into a pile of mush but if he can be strong, so can I.*

 Zav: *materializing a small jar, I take the same slim dagger I'd used before and re-open the vein on my arm, letting silvery blue grace flow into it. When it's about three-quarters full, I materialize a gauze pad and place over it* I do heal fast, but not that fast, *I smile.* Next I need you to trust me. We are going to put these symbols on the inside of your shop but we are going to paint them in the half-world. It's where I am invisible to this world but it's visible to me. It's also where we fold time and space to walk the different worlds. *Shrugging my shoulders* It's complicated. But when we're done it won't be visible to the mortals. If you have to do it and I'm not here you'll have to do it where it can be seen but I've seen our resident reaper-witch do it so looks like decorations.

So to do this, I'll need you to grab hold of my belt and not let go. If you do, you'll just fall back into this reality, so it's nothing to fear, but to learn you need to be with me.

 Truely: Ok. This won’t be seen but if I have to use my blood to redo then make it look decorative. Got it. *I grin up at you.* I'm ready for the next step Zav. *I grab your belt tight as we shift into this, what I assume, is this half world you mentioned.*

 Zav: *I mist into the interior of the bakery with Truely at my side and then reform, keeping us in the half-world*

So, *Materializing a thick artists brush* we're going to paint symbols on the windows about 2 feet apart all around the outside walls of this room. If I needed to I could even paint it on the half-world air itself and it would just float there. I just did that for an area in New York state. But that takes a level of power you won't have on your own so we'll do it this way. There are four symbols we are going to use. This one *Drawing the first* is the equivalent of Gandalf the Gray facing down the Balrog and shouting "You Cannot Pass". And this one *drawing a new one* is for reapers. And this one *moving along the window and dipping my brush in the grace again* is for demons. And this one is for angels. Because not all angels are your friend. And then you start all over again. When we get to the wall that separates the kitchen we want to be right up against it and then start up with the next one right up against it on the other side. The wall itself won't impede the magic. Want to try?

 Truely: Yes! I like painting and these aren't overly complicated. I need to do this. *I dip the paint brush in the "grace" paint and mimic the symbols on the walls as he directed. When I finished the last one I turn to face you.* How was that? Did I do it right?

 Zav: *Grins and pats my chest* I feel like a proud papa. You did great. We'll just continue this around and then mist upstairs to do it. *Working quickly, we finish the downstairs and move up to Truely's apartment.*

 Truely: *I can't help but sneak glances at Zav as we work to protect my apartment. I know our time, for now, is just about to end and it's breaking my heart but I have to stay strong, I will stay strong.* Is that it then, we done?

 Zav: *Smiling down at her* Almost. *Reforming in her dimension, I take the dagger and slice the other forearm to refill the small jar with grace, then bandaging  it to match the other arm.*

If you have to do this where people can see it mix some of this with your blood. It will be almost as powerful as grace alone because of our connection. And combined it will kill the scent of blood make a nice purple shimmery color that will be easier to explain as decor. *When the jar is full I cap it tightly and hold my hand over it murmuring ag dúnadh go docht* When you need to open it say “oscailte” and then twist. *sitting it on the table and sighing* You don't know how much I really do not want to leave you. *drawing you into my arms again, I just hold you, memorizing the feel of you in my arms*

 Truely: *I tighten my hold on you not wanting to release you but knowing I have to. I inhale your scent, I absorb your heat, and I kiss your shoulder tasting your skin.* Ok my Star. You have to go, so you can come back. And you WILL come back or I'll go find you...no matter where or what rules I have to break. Take my love with you and let it be your shield. *I step back a step and smile holding back the tears I feel forming*

 Zav: *Fuck, how can I leave her, but how can I not? If Sin loses this fight all the worlds are screwed including this one. And they know about her now. They'll find her. I have to go. I have to fight, now more than ever. Reluctantly, I let her step away from me, letting my hands drop.*

It will be. It's my reason to survive this. *taking her hands and kissing her knuckles* I promise I /will/ come back. You are my heart and my soul. I will be back. *Stepping back, I mist away, calling to Celia to let her know I've gone and bidding her to guard my heart as I will guard hers. And now to find Sin.*

 #TBC #Renegades #RRPG #DarkAngels #Creation #Rekindled #BDBAU #Reapers #Angels #Vampires #Wolven

[renegadesrpg]

Dark Angels: Creation. Part 17. Claiming. Crossover with Soulmates

Sean: Leaving behind only the residue of the black mist that we become as we travel interdimensionally, I reform almost immediately in the bedroom I'd claimed in the safe house. I knew Bryn would put her somewhere safe and the room I used had thick black out curtains. And, as I'd mentally predicted, she was there, beneath the covers of the large bed. Lowering myself carefully to the edge, I watch the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest, the delicate features, the mussed hair. Mentally I'm beating on myself for not having foreseen this could happen, not protecting her from the dangers of the war I'm fighting. But she will be. I can count on Zav for that. Gently, trying not to wake her until I've had a chance to wash the disgusting mixture of dried demon blood and fresh reaper blood from my body, I move a lock of hair that threatened to fall into her barely parted lips back from her face. And as much as I don't want to touch her until I'm clean, I know she'll kick my ass for not waking her if she wakes up and hears me in the shower. Very quietly, running the back of my forefinger along that fragile-looking profile, I breathe out... “Layla, baby, I'm back.” Layla: *I was in that lovely place where dreams erase memories from the day left behind. I was in my cottage, holding Sean in my arms whispering how much I love him while messing with his hair. The next scene was blurred as my mind started kicking me awake. There was a scent that was drawing me to it though it was muddied with unpleasantness. I slowly open my eyes when I hear my name called by the voice of my angel.* Sean, mo chridhe, you're here! Are you injured? *I sit up and start looking him over trying to decipher what was his blood and what was not.* Sean: Placing my hands on her arms to stop her as she frantically begins to search me for injuries... “Baby, I'm fine. Not a scratch on me. This all belongs to bad guys.” Leaning in to kiss her lips, careful not to let my blood covered chest and arms touch her, but the need to do so much more is almost overwhelming. I pull back with an effort of will. “I want to hold you but I don't want this stuff on me touching you.” Inhaling, “I hate that what I'm fighting came for you Layla. I hate I didn't protect you baby and I am so sorry. It's being taken care of right now. You'll be safe and so will your family, I promise.” Layla: Sean, you are not responsible for the actions of others. They chose their demise because they choose to mess with family. The bonds of love and family will always beat hate and evil. No matter the form. I've seen this, I believe this. You need to as well. Now let's get you cleaned off so we can hold each other properly. *gets off the bed and takes your hand leading you to the bathroom. I turn on the water and wait for it to warm.* Sean: As I let her lead me to the bathroom I have to smile at the female that's chosen me. “You're a wonder, you know that? Most females would be dissolved in a corner in hysterics at what you just went through.” Stripping off my ruined black leathers, I drop them in a pile on the floor before stepping under the hot water pulsing from the showerhead. Streams of bloody water begin to flow down my body. As I rub shampoo into my hair and beard rivulets of pink flow down my face and neck and I begin to realize just how I must have looked to her. It's a fucking miracle she didn't scream when she saw me. I don't blame her for thinking some of it would be mine. It wasn't like it was impossible. I'd been cut up my share of times, both by someone else and by opening them on my body with empathic healing. If I had scars from all of them there wouldn't be a square inch of /any/ part of my body that wasn't scarred up, but a perk of being able to heal others is my own body doesn't scar permanently. I only have two. One on my gut from the healing I did that killed me as a mortal. And one from when I was a kid. Both had left a scar on my soul and since my reaper body was just a projection of my soul, they showed. As finally begin to feel clean and revitalized, I stick my head out of the shower and grin irrepressibly at her. “I don't suppose you'd want to join me?” Layla: *While you were washing the remnants of battle away I stripped and waited my turn. When you peeked your head out asking me to join you I was already halfway there. I stepped inside the shower and let the water spray us both as my hands roamed your body unconsciously making sure you were whole.* "You look marvelous Love." Sean: My head tilts back against the wall as she runs her hands over my muscled chest and abs. Regardless of how tired and filthy I'd been a few minutes ago, my cock springs to life in response. “Gods, you're killing me baby....” Looking down at her as I pull her against me, my hard body against her soft one, I take her mouth. I want to be gentle with her... I always want to be gentle, she's been through so much, but the residual from the adrenaline spike of fight and fear for her is still running through me and I ravage her mouth, demanding, taking what's mine. Tongue and teeth move down her neck as I grip her hips and switch our positions, her back to the tile, then move my hands to grip her wrists and press them over her head against the wall as I move against her. Layla: Oh Sean, mine male. I need you. *I grab on tight as you spin me to the tile wall. My arms play with your hair, just like in my dream, as my mouth connects again with yours* Sean: Murmuring against your neck, “Baby, you /are/ my dream.” Sliding my hands down to cup your hips, I lift you, bracing your back against the slick tiles and thrust into you, your hot, wet sex parting from my cock, your tight body clamping around me. “Fuck....” Taking your mouth again as my body begins to piston into yours, hard and fast. My lips move to your neck as I groan... “I need you Layla-mine, I need you. Don't leave me, don't ever leave me...” It's a chant I can't stop, all my fears of what could have happened to her today flooding out as I claim her... “Mine...Mine...” Layla: *I am in the midst of an intense pleasure as he pumps into me hard and fast. I hear him chant over and over, "mine". I realize this need we have to claim each other again is more from the fear of what might have been than anything else. He needs to know I'm his always.* Sean. Sean look at me. *he raises his eyes to mine* I'm here and going nowhere. I'm yours, take what you need...my body, my blood, all of me. It belongs to you as you belong to me. *I hold him tighter as we thrust in time together. Our need building as we reaffirm our love and commitment to each other.* Sean, please...I need...more. Sean: “Gods... so tight...” The words are gravelly and ragged. Moving harder in her, stopping my thrusts for a moment to circle my hips against her, moving my cock inside her, searching for that one spot that will make her come apart. She gasps in my ear and I adjust the angle of my thrusts so I'm hitting it with every stroke, so that the tip of my dick is tapping the entrance of her womb. I growl as I bury my face in her neck and bite hard, knowing in my head I can't give her what a male of her species can but it doesn't matter right now. I'm going on instinct, guided by the gasps and cries to tell me what she needs. “Layla-mine....” I'm so fucking close. Her tight channel grips my dick with each thrust, trying to milk cum from my body. My balls are drawing up hard against my body as I fight for control a little longer. “Come for me baby... give yourself to me. Give me all of you.... I need you.... I need you...” Layla: *I cry out as he adjusts position and moan with each thrust that hits me just right* Oh Sean! Mo Chridhe! Yessssss.... *I cry out into the air as I cum hard. Stars of white are flitting in front of me as my breath is taken away.* Sean: “MINE!!!” It bursts out of me, a roar of claiming as throw my head back and my body explodes. I thrust into her again and again as her body spasms around mine, hot jets of cum filling her body. The orgasm is so hard it feels like time has stopped and all there is in all the worlds, on all the planes is the two of us in this moment for eternity. Finally, I'm spent, and I drop my forehead to her shoulder, her legs still wrapped around my waist, her back still braced against the tiles. “Mine...,” It comes out softer now, a promise. “I love you.” Layla: *His roaring claim wraps itself around my heart like velvet steel. No one can break is now or ever. This joining was a promise, a vow, and means everything to me.* Mine, eternally. We bend, we don't break, we are forever, this I vow. Sean: Breath coming hard now as my racing heart begins to calm, but I recognize the vow. I recognize the promise, more binding than any mortal ritual will ever be. Our souls our bound together now, forever one. I pull back and gently kiss her. “Hold on to me Layla-mine. I'm taking us to bed.” Holding her tightly against me, I move her from against the wall. With one hand I reach out and turn off the water, then I mist us back into my... no, OUR bed. I re-form on my back with her on top of me, and then settle her against my side. Grinning down at her, “I’m looking forward to doing that with you every night for the rest of our lives. *teasing* Maybe several times.” Layla: Several times works for me. *I smile as I snuggle into you accepting your physical warmth as well as the love I feel emanating from your soul. This moment is important, it begins a new chapter of 'Us' and as I close my eyes and just let myself feel, I smile.* Sean: Kissing the top of your head, I let myself be enfolded by the warmth that is love and family, and, for the first time in my existence...wholeness. “I never knew it, but I've been looking for you for over 2000 years. The other half of my soul.” Sighing deeply as I shut my eyes, happy in ways I've never been. “Sleep Layla mine, and dream. Give me your dreams to walk in forever. I love you. Goodnight baby.” #TBC

[renegadesrpg]

Dark Angels: Creation Part 10 Demon Trouble -- Zav and Bryn

Bryn: I’d finished making the cancellation calls for Zav and waited until he’d finished with his “tattoo”. Tattoo. In the middle of all this, he takes time to do a tattoo for a pretty face. It wasn’t in character at all for him to lose focus like that. So something was up big time and I was going to find out what. When the old-style bell on the door jingled, I brushed aside the beaded curtain that separated the shop from his small back office and walk out to lean on the counter.

“So, you want to tell me what /that/ was all about? We’re literally about to go life or death here and you take a time out to indulge your hobby?”

 Zav: --I’d been fixated on the door after Truely walked out, lost in the wonder that I’d finally found her, but now my whole body jerks around towards Bryn. A slow flush creeps on my face and down my neck. I knew better than to put the personal ahead of the professional when lives were on the line but…hell.—

It was Kalare. After all these millennia, it was her Bryn. She just walked into my shop out of the blue, and I… --

 Bryn:  I held up my hand…

“Stop. You don’t have to say anymore. I wouldn’t want to be accused of causing a chick-flick moment. You guys give me a hard enough time as it is.”

And really, I knew what this meant to him. The “chick flick” crack was meant to lighten the guilt I knew he’d be feeling over taking time for himself, because we’d had plenty of “chick flick” moments over the years and I knew all about Kalare, right down to her favorite color and how many kids they’d wanted. And he’d heard all about my mom and sisters. So baring our souls to each other wasn’t a problem. I just knew he wasn’t ready to tell me about finding her yet. He’d want to hold that to himself awhile, to let it become real before he shared it. So, time for change of topic…

“I made all the calls. One… Dragon was his name in your book? Yeah, Dragon said to tag him when you were done with your ‘personal business’ and he’d meet you for a ‘ride and a brew’ before he rescheduled. And that if this ‘personal business’ needed backup he was in. And then he asked if I was as hot as my voice.” Raising my eyebrow… “That would be the dragon tat with the Enochian protection symbol on the wall?”

 Zav: --breathing a mental sigh of relief that Bryn wasn’t pushing for explanations, I nod and grin a little.—

Yeah.  He’s a friend. And a ‘hit it and quit it’, so watch your ass, because he sure will be if ever sees you in reaper leather.  – My smile widens as she calls up a fireball and aims it at my head. We both know it won’t kill a reaper, let alone a reaper angel, but it would sting if she landed it. Luckily, hey, angel here. Dead, but still with all the perks. I slow the fireball in midair and turn it into a bouquet of flowers. Taking them in hand, I present them to her with a bow and a snort of laughter.—

Bryn: “Idiot.” I choke back my own laughter. “Are you ready yet? You take more time to pack than a girl.”

 Zav:  Almost. I just gotta clean up after the tattoo.

--Turning back to my workstation, I remove the needle I’d used from the gun and toss it, the tracing paper, and the small ink pots into the same metal trashcan I’d put the tissues that I’d used to blot Truely’s blood into. Then with a snap of my fingers, I incinerate it all, blue flames briefly flaring so hot it put spots before my eyes but then dying just as quickly, having burned the contents so thoroughly even the metal needle had turned to ash.—

Bryn: “Angelfire?” I raise my eyebrow at the overkill.

Zav: --nodding—

Fuck it, Bryn, I just found her and I’m ass deep in demons and psycho reapers. I don’t want anything left behind that could be used against her. So yeah, angelfire. Not much withstands it and it’s controllable in a small container like that where the fuel source is limited. And before you snark, the trashcan is spelled to withstand it. Truely isn’t the first person I’ve felt the need to protect. Just the most important.

--zipping the backpack and slinging it across my shoulder—

Now are we going to your place or what?

 Bryn: “Actually, it’s the ‘or what’. I figure I’m going to need pretty much my whole workshop to get this right so I need to check out the accommodations at Sin’s house in Brazil. It’s been awhile since I’ve been there.  I’ll need to clear a room and then move my workroom contents into it.” Grinning at his resigned look, “Magically. If the space is right I can just move it from one place to another. You remember the way?”

 Zav: --Ok, so I’m relieved that I don’t have to try to pack a llama with all of Bryn’s tools. Or be the llama.—

Yeah, I remember. We’ll go back to the alley and mist out from there.

 Bryn: “Good enough. C’mon Romeo. Let’s get this done. The sooner we kick the Horseman’s ass, the sooner Sin can put Lucifer back in his place and you can get to romancing your lady.”

 Zav: --I follow her to the front door, the bell jangling as she opens it and step out onto the sidewalk. As I turn to lock the door, I take a moment to look over the place one more time. This place had been my sanctuary, where I shut everything out and it feels like I might not be coming back to it. My face sets into determined lines as I pull the door shut and lock it. Brynn’s already turning the corner into the back alley as I lengthen my stride to catch up.  And then I catch it… the whiff of sulfur on the air. Long steps turn into a sprint as I catch up with her.—

 Bryn: Turning in surprise as Zav comes up behind me at a run…

“What…?”

 Zav: Demons.

–it comes out short as I materialize my angel blade in my hand and watch Bryn’s reaper daggers appear in each of hers. I turn my back to stand back to back with her so we can 360 the alley.—

 Bryn: “How many?” My eyes are sharp, searching every nook and cranny of the alley but coming up empty.

Zav: I don’t know. I just scented the sulfur. FUCK. They must have seen Truely leave! I’ve got to get to her….

 Bryn: “Chill, loverboy. They don’t know she wasn’t just a customer and you destroyed everything that leads to her. They came for you, not her.”

 Zav: --grimly—Not everything. I put a couple of drops of grace in the ink I used. Not enough to be mistaken for an angel, and they wouldn’t be able to sense it if they didn’t get close enough to touch her, but if they did…

 Bryn: Quietly, I swear under my breath. “What were you thinking?”

Zav: That I could find her again when this was all over. That I wouldn’t lose her again!

–it comes out a hiss of anguish that I could have put her in danger. That she could die because of me…again.—

 Bryn: “They could just be gathering information. Can they get into the shop? You destroyed everything personal to her, but if they’ve got a hound with them and it picks up her scent, they’ll still find her.”

 Zav: --My eyes are still focused on the entrance to the alley but I can hear the old bell jangle as someone manages to get past my locks and open my shop door. Cautiously, I edge forward to glance around the edge of the building, just in time to see someone disappear into the entrance.--

Then they’re screwed. Seal of Solomon is painted on the ceiling disguised as part of that big mural that covers the whole thing.  Two steps in the door and they’re trapped. And it looks like the trap just sprung. Can you glamor us so the whole world doesn’t see us with sharp shiny shit in our hands while we check this out? We could go half-world but I need to be wholly in this one to do what I’m going to do if you’re right.

  Bryn: I dematerialize the dagger in my left hand and softly utter “cuir am falach armachd.” The weapon in my right hand and the sword in Zav’s shimmer briefly before changing. To the human eye it will look like we’re holding cell phones.

“Done. Let’s see what you’ve caught in your trap.”

One day I’ll ask him why he didn’t just ward the whole place against them but for now it works in our favor that he didn’t.

Zav: -- Casually we walk towards my shop and stop to look in the window. To the randoms on the street it will we look like we’re looking at some of the photos displaying my work, but in reality we’re scoping the enemy. In a voice so low it’s almost a growl…

-- You called it. Two and a hellhound. Stay out here. I’ve got this.

Bryn: Looking at him warily, “What are you going to do?”

Zav: --grimly—Angelfire burns more than crap I throw in trash cans, Bryn. 

Bryn: If he does this it will burn down the entire building and everything in it. Maybe even the entire block. Only ash will be left.

“You love this place….”

Zav: It’s just a place. I always knew this day might come and it’s warded so the angelfire won’t spread beyond these four walls. The fire department is going to have a headache trying to figure the how’s and whys, but everyone else will be safe. Now, step back.

--stepping into the doorway, I lean lazily against it, de-matting my weapon and folding my arms as I do—

Well, well, well. Tweedledee, Tweedledum and your fur baby. How nice of you to stop by.

--The male of the pair snarls at me, keeping a tight leash on the mutt. The female, always the more dangerous, lunges towards me only to be stopped dead at the edge of the trap. Languidly I look up at the ceiling and magically call the Seal of Solomon to the fore of the mural, letting it glow against the background. –

Sorry guys, but you’re all screwed.

--The female glares at me. -- ‘So we’re trapped. Big deal. You have to come closer to kill us. You have to touch us or use your reaper blade. Which’ she looks me up and down, ‘you seem to be missing. And we’ve got these.’ 

--I raise my eyebrow, at the angel blade she draws from her belt. Funny how that mannerism of Sin’s seems to have been one of the things we’d all picked up from him, but I’ve got to admit, it gets the point across.—

Where did you get that? –keeping my tone mildly irritated, when in reality it concerns me a great deal.—

Only angels are supposed to have those and I highly doubt that Lucifer’s mangy bunch has managed to kill enough angels for low level scum like you to have them. 

--The male smirks at me.— ‘We have a source these days.’

--Still, maintaining that relaxed, unconcerned profile, I shift my weight against the doorframe.—

You’ve got an arms dealer now? Now that just pisses me off. I don’t suppose you’d name that source for me in exchange for dying easy as opposed to hard?

--the female replies cagily— ‘Maybe if you come in here we can talk about it. I’ve always wondered how a reaper…does it.’

--After having spent even an hour with Truely, that disgusts me on levels I can’t even begin to describe. Anger replaces the calm façade I’ve displayed so far as I push myself off the doorframe to stand straight.—

I don’t think so. I’ll find out some other way. Demons talk. If you know how to ask. –leering at her malevolently—and you aren’t worth the effort of asking.

‘Big talk for someone who hasn’t dared step inside the seal,’ stormed the female.

Oh, that won’t be necessary. You should have researched /which/ reaper you were tailing. Because I don’t /have/ to touch a demon to kill it, provided I don’t care what else goes down. And I don’t.

--With that my dark eyes begin to glow blue as I reach my hand out. Blue fire flares from my fingertips, igniting the room around them.—

You see, I’m the angel-reaper. And you’re going to die in agony.

--the enormous black devil dog snarls at me and leaps forward only to be repelled by the edge of the trap. I focus on the beast and it bursts into blue flame, then I turn my gaze on the demons and let the fire begin to edge up their fingertips and spread. Their screams ring out as the fire explodes from within them, a wave of flame and wind pushing me back as it does. Vaguely, I feel Bryn’s hand on my shoulder, urging me to back away and let the angelfire do its work, but all I can think is these bastards would have hunted my Truely and they have to die.—

Bryn: “Zav….ZAV!”

The fire had exploded in a whoosh out the door and still he stood there, letting it dance around him.

“Demat NOW. We have to go.” The sounds of people screaming were all around us. I can hear sirens in the distance. “If we go now, while the flames are surrounding us, it will look like we died in the fire because I know damned well security cameras on the surrounding buildings caught us standing in the doorway before this all happened.”

Zav: --For a moment I resist, wanting to see them burn, to know the threat to Truely is neutralized, but Bryn’s sane, insistent voice breaks through my haze of anger. Rather than stepping back out of the flames, I step forward, drawing Bryn with me as we turn to black mist and ride the winds away. There was a bigger battle to be fought. This was just the beginning.

#TBC

[renegadesrpg]

Dark Angels:Creation Part 9B: First Contact #SL Crossover with #Rekindled: Part one: First Contact  -- Zav and Truely

Truely: I'd been walking along the beach enjoying the peace before my trip here ended. I had this crazy notion that it was time to get the tattoo I'd envisioned so long ago. My body vibrated with the need to do this now.  So, I wandered towards the buildings I'd seen earlier and looked to see if I might find a tattoo parlor among them. Sure enough, there was one and the open sign had just come on. What luck!

 As I entered the quiet shop, I heard the ding of the bell but my gaze was focused on the man I saw, his dark eyes and hair captured my attention immediately. I had a hard time pulling my focus away and replying when he asked if he could help me.

 Do you have time to do a quick tattoo this morning?" I smiled in hope he had the time as I would not have another chance.

  Zav: --While one part of my brain is telling me I need to pack this stuff up and focus on the mission, the other is slapping me around telling me, Hell, no, you don't let this woman walk out of the shop without being sure. Bryn's giving me "the look" which only she can give. Part ‘What the hell is this?' and part 'focus Zav'. Mentally I tap her brain, telling her 'I need to do this. It won't take long and besides, I needed to cancel appointments for the next few weeks. You can do that for me while I take care of this. My book's in the back.' Her eyebrow shoots higher but she only saunters off through the back curtain without saying a word. Clearing my throat, I practically turn into a damned puddle on the floor as the woman in the doorway smiles at me.—

 Ah... well, we were closing up for a few weeks, but, sure, I've got time to do something small. *gesturing to the table in my work space* Come in and we'll talk about what you want.

 Truely: Are you sure it's no trouble? I mean if you have pressing plans I don't want to interrupt them. It's just...well, I've been meaning to get one for a long time and now just seemed to be the moment.

 *smiles not quite sure why I'm babbling so much*

 Oh, you probably want to know what I'd like. *laughs* Sorry, not sure why I'm babbling but I guess it comes with first tattoo territory. On the inside of my wrist I'd like the word Meraki with a small flower attached at the end. Would that be doable today? If not I totally understand but could you recommend another place as I'm leaving tomorrow and not sure I can muster the courage again.

  Zav: --Let somebody else touch that perfect skin? I feel a growl forming inside me at the thought that I can't explain. Pushing away the thought I smile at her persuasively because I need her to stay—

 Nah, you don't want any hacks working on that perfect skin. I'm the best. I've got time if we do it right now. Have a seat and I'll draw something up to show you. Do you have a font or type of flower in mind?

 --Reaching into my station, I pull out a Surface-Pro.—

 I work by drawing out the basic design here for your approval, but I warn you, once I'm into it, I usually add things.

 -- I sit down on a stool as I gesture to my tattoo chair—

 Have a seat, please.

 --The aura I'd seen around her hadn't disappeared when she'd let the door shut. She still glowed to me. My heart was pounding with the idea she could be the one. She could be my Kalare, my clear, bright light. But I had to be sure. To hide my growing hope, I focus on her tat. –

 Did you want colors or just black ink?

 Truly: *His eyes drew me in and I sat where he asked. There was something magnetic about him but I couldn't explain why.*

 Black please. I'll let you pick the font and flower. I like simple things so it does not have to be fancy.

 *I smile as he looks at his pad typing in things*

 OH! Where are my manners. I didn't introduce myself...sorry. I'm Truely, Truely Goode. Pleasure to meet you- *I stuck out my hand waiting for his reply.*

  Zav: --I have to smile—

 "Truely Goode"? That's a lot of name to live up to. My name's Zav. Adams... Zav Adams

 -- I didn't really have a last name, but when Sin had taken "Adams" to use for business purposes in the human world, it had seemed like a good idea to keep the name in the family. The others had had last names in their human lives but only Sean still used his. Adrian, so far as I knew avoided doing anything that needed one and Bryn was content to be thought of by humans as Sin's and my little sister. Still, giving it doesn't come naturally unless I'm prepared for it. Reaching out to shake her hand, I slip her small soft one in my large calloused hand. And the shock is immediate. It runs through me like lightening as her soul speaks to my grace and I know. I KNOW. My eyes are locked on hers now as I try to keep it normal. She won't know, won't remember. It will take time and I could totally fuck this up and scare her away.—

 Nice to meet you Truely. You mentioned you were leaving tomorrow. I take it you're not from Miami?

  Truely: *His large hand grasps mine and, for an instant, there was a shock that almost caused a gasp to fall from my lips but I held it back.*

 I see you caught the cleverness of my name. *giggles* My parents are rather nerdy and thought it hysterically clever to name me Truely. Plus, they found it a true blessing when they adopted me so they found a couple of meanings for it. And, hey, it's an icebreaker!

 *giggles again at explaining my name. I always have to and never mind doing so but it still makes me giggle*

 Oh, no I'm not from here. I'm from a small town but here for a business conference. It finished this afternoon and I fly out tomorrow morning. That's why getting this tattoo done now is important.

  Zav: --Far enough she has to fly...I'll have to find a way to track her without seeming like a stalker. Smiling back at her, I ask –

 Where do you want your tattoo, so I can get an idea of how to size this?

  Truely: Here on the inside of my wrist, if possible. There's a birthmark there that you can cover up with the tattoo. Well, if that's even doable.

  Zav: --As I release her hand she flips it to show me her wrist and a wave of pain flows through me. Reborn souls who died a violent death in their last lives often carried a birthmark over the fatal wound into their next. I had no doubt that my Kalare had lived many lives since we were both slain, but the death was so brutal, so traumatic that her soul still carried the mark.

 The birthmark was a slightly raised jagged line that ran the width of her wrist. Today's medicine would have called it an oddly shaped hemangioma. But I knew what it was. I'd seen it happen. When Michael's forces had managed to subdue me and slain the rest of the village, he'd dragged Kalare and our son to me. He'd had me on my knees and stood behind me, his fist hauling my head back by my hair with a sword to my throat. Kalare had been fighting, trying to protect our son, but she was six months pregnant with our daughter and had also been trying to protect her. It was a losing battle no matter what. I'd been outnumbered and there was no help coming.

 Michael had held me and I'd watched them yank back my toddler son's head by his long dark curls and slit his throat, throwing him to the ground to let him bleed out. Kalare's screams still echoed in my nightmares. But not my son’s. He could make no sound as he choked on his own blood. No, it was his eyes, beseeching his father to protect him that haunted my dreams. And then it had been Kalare's turn. An angel had taken his sword and made a long, deep cut across her wrist slicing both vein and artery, then thrown her into the dirt in front of me. She'd bled out but it had taken what seemed an eternity.

 I had watched screaming, tears running down my face as she'd grown weaker. She'd managed to crawl to her knees in front of me and, one hand laid across her womb, she'd reached up with the other and caressed my cheek, telling me it wasn't my fault, that we'd meet again. Finally she'd grown so weak she had simply fallen to the ground, curled up and breathed her last. An example, Michael had said. We Grigori were to be an example to other angels about what happened when we disobeyed a "god" that I knew wasn't /my/ god at all. And then he'd slashed his sword across my throat and shoved me to the ground. I'd laid there in the pools of my wife and child's blood, the blue of my grace bleeding out and mixing with the red. And then they had left and the reapers had come.

Others had taken Kalare's and my son's souls as Sin had knelt beside me waiting for my death. It was written by the Fates he'd told me, and he could not interfere, even for an old friend. That had been early in his career, before even the Fates had been swayed by him. But rather than take me to the Great Sleep that awaited angels he offered me the opportunity to join him. Kalena's soul would move on, be reborn, he'd told me, but an angel's grace did not. We would never see each other again. By joining the reapers I could search for her and perhaps have a life with her again. And so I agreed to join my old friend and I'd been looking ever since.

 Until now. Until I finally found her. Inhaling slowly, I turn her wrist from side to side as though inspecting it before answering.—

 I think we can cover that up very well with a heavier font.

 --Releasing her wrist, I pick up the tablet and select an slanted font that hovered between script and print, then typed in "meraki", then added a small daisy off the end of the "i".—

 Is this what you are looking for?

  Truely: Oh, that is perfect. *my excitement evident in my voice* Is it normal to be excited and nervous about a tattoo? Because I am, but I've learned to listen when my inner voice speaks. Maybe you were meant to be the one to do it? *I giggle* You did say you are the best.

  Zav: --smiling at her—

 Yes, I am. I believe I was meant to do this, to be here when you were ready.

 --Taking her upturned wrist again in my hand, I can't resist letting my thumb slide across the birthmark in a gentle caress, silently promising her that badge of trauma will be obliterated from her skin and soul.—

 This is a pretty simple tattoo, but it's your first, so being excited is normal. --laughs-- I don't normally do newbees. Generally I'm by appointment only and my clientele is pretty select. So you might say walking into my shop today was fated.

 --Reluctantly I release her wrist and hit send on my pad, releasing it to be printed on transfer paper. The printer on the counter behind me hummed to life and spat out the design. –

 And this... --reaching for the print out--will transfer on your skin. Then I'll work from that.

  Truely: That's amazing. So, you don't normally do newbies? I'm honored that you are doing mine then. *I smile* My employees never thought I'd actually get one. I've talked about it for so long but the time just never felt right, until now. Sorry, babbling again. *I chuckle*

  Zav: You're not babbling at all. --smiling as I get out the antibacterial soap to begin prepping the skin-- I'm interested. What kind of shop do you have?

  Truely: *I sit up a little straighter as you start disinfecting my skin* I own a bakery. Best variety of sweet rolls in the country. *smiles*

  Zav: A bakery, huh?

 --Kalare was always a great cook and she'd loved baking breads. I can only imagine what she'd have done with modern ovens and spices. Intently I watch her wrist as I position the transfer paper –

 So where might I find these sweet rolls --looking up at her and smiling. -- I ride, and once in a while I get an urge to just take off across country. I might stop in and sample some.

  Truely: I own Truely Goode Sweet Treats in Pascoe, Oregon. It's a small town but very pretty and peaceful. And yes, the bakery name was my choice. Figured I might as well make good use of my parents’ cleverness. *laughs hard* Oh that will look great! *I say as I see the placement of the parchment paper* Really, thank you for taking the time to do this for me. *I touch your hand as it fiddles with the paper* I appreciate it.

  Zav: --Electricity flows through me again at her touch. All I want to do is grab her and hold her against me, I'm so damned grateful to have found her again, but that's a sure way to convince this mortal I'm crazy. Instead, I put an iron grip on myself and answer her in an easy voice as I peel away the paper—

 I'd say it was a smart marketing tool. Pascoe... Is that near the coast?

 --sitting back on my stool as I discard the transfer paper—

 Take a look and make sure I got it right.

  Truely: Perfect! *I'm so excited I can barely sit still. This was such the right time to do this*

 Oh, Pascoe is about 30 minutes from the coast. Close enough for us to visit often and, also, to bring the tourists our way. I hope you get to make it there, I think you'd like it. So, what's next?

  Zav: --Her enthusiasm and sunny nature would make her hard to resist even if our souls weren't mated. I smile at her as I stand—

 Now comes the hard part. I'm going to raise the arm on the chair to a comfortable height for me as I sit on the stool. You need to lay your wrist on and hold it completely still. The needle gun will make a low buzzing sound. It's going to sting and it will probably bleed a little bit. There are a lot of blood vessels in that area. But as a baker I'm betting you've burned yourself on a hot oven a time or two and it won't hurt nearly as much as that. I'm going to put some ink in one of these cups. If you ever get another tattoo,

 --and she will be doing it with someone else over my cold, dead body—

 make sure they don't dip right in the ink and that they use a fresh cup and fresh needle for you for each color they use. Tattoos are safe if your artist follows protocols but you there are always sleazes who don't.

 --turning my back to block your sight, I lay out a small ink cup. Before pouring ink in, I use a fresh needle to prick my finger and squeeze out several drops of my iridescent blue grace. As I begin to mix it I get a strange feeling... it's earth magick, mixed with Sean's touch on my mind. Pausing, I look up for a moment and reach out to him. He laughs and informs me we are now part of a pack. Mentally I laugh. I'm not sure how Sin will take this but Bryn will be delighted. Taking his assurance that this is a good thing, I focus back on mixing the ink with my grace until the brilliant blue fades into it. When I’m finally satisfied, I smile. This will be part of her skin and there will be nowhere on any plane that I cannot find her. Turning back to her I set the cup down on the small tray beside my stool that holds my needle gun. Raising the arm of the chair I secure it firmly and position her wrist carefully.—

 Ready to do this?

  Truely: Absolutely. *I steady my breathing, my nerves ebbing a bit at his secure, confident touch* Let's do this!

 Zav: --I lay my left hand on her arm to help steady her wrist as I begin. It's always a jolt at first, especially for a tattoo virgin. Intently, I focus on the transfer as the gun buzzes, making sure to follow the outlines and pausing occasionally to wipe away blood. –

 Meraki... so tell me Truely Goode, do you put a bit of your soul into your sweet rolls?

 --I'd recognized the ancient Greek word and smiled internally when she'd told me. It was so like the soul I had known so long ago.—

 If you do, I can believe they are the best in the country.

 Truely: *I smile wide* You know the word? I found it in a book many years ago and it's been a favorite ever since. And yes, I put a bit of my heart and soul into my treats. I don't think there is any other way to do something you love than to put a bit of yourself into it. I'm sure you are the same with your art, your tattoos. If you weren't, you wouldn't be the best...right?

 Zav: --laughing softly to myself, because I /am/ truly putting a part of myself in Truely—

 Yes, I do. It's part of who I am. Whether following my vocation or my avocation, I do put myself into it.

 --I was so focused on doing the tattoo that I'd let that slip accidentally. Of course, she had no way of knowing that being a tattoo artist wasn't my true work. She'd assume it was my vocation. If she asked what my avocation was, I'd have to come up with something but I really don't want to lie to her. It doesn't feel right. But neither does saying 'I'm an ancient supernatural entity that just happened to be married to your soul 35,000 years or so ago.' She'd run out of here screaming.—

 Doing ok there? We're almost done.

  Truely: Oh yes, it's a bit like a bee sting so not bad at all. How long does it take to heal usually? Aside from riding what do you do to have fun? *I didn't want him to stop talking. His voice was soothing.

 Zav: What do I do to have fun?

 --I echo her question because, I'm not really sure. Reaping is normally busy and lately....it's been consuming. The tat shop was my creative outlet and riding my emotional one. –

 I like the beach. I've got a friend who surfs and has been after me to try it but I've been too busy lately. Once in a while I'll have a few drinks with a friend but I'm not into bar scenes.

 --laughing a little, because I like biker bars—

 Well, not your touristy pick-up bar scenes. If I'm going to have a beer I usually pick someplace gritter. More guy focused.

 --turning off the tattoo gun, I lay it down and wipe away some blood.—

 This will be a little red and swollen for a day or two. It's probably going to bleed for a couple of hours so I'm going to wrap it in saranwrap. After that it’s safe to take off. It will itch and scab. DON'T scratch it. Put A&D or Aquaphor on it two or three times a day. You can get it wet in the shower but no pools, lakes or oceans until the scabbing is completely gone. About 10 days should do it. Keep it out of the sun, so it's good it's your last day here. No sunbathing today and I hear it rains a lot in Oregon so it shouldn't be too hard to keep it out of the sun. If the redness doesn't go away in a couple of days, or it gets hot or has a discharge go to a doctor, ok?

 --It will never happen. With my grace in the ink it will be healed before she steps on a plane but she needs to hear the normal spiel about aftercare.—

 Take a look and tell me what you think.

  Truely: It's beautiful! Exactly how I pictured it. Thank you so much. *I whisper as I stare at his work* I promise, no major amounts of sun. Totally doable since I'm always in my shop and not big on sunbathing. See, my maternal grandfather had a lot of skin cancer issues from his farming days. And even though I'm not genetically able to get it, I don't wanna chance it either. It was hard watching it grow on him and be cut off over and over.

  Zav: That must have been very hard to see as a child. And you’re smart, because most skin cancers are caused by sun damage.

 --Unable to resist it, I raise my hand to lightly run the back of my fingers along her jawline, murmuring—

 And you do have very lovely, fair skin. It would pain me for something like that to happen to you....

 --suddenly aware I'd been leaning in, I pull back and drop my hand. In that moment I had almost forgotten...—

 Here, let me wrap that for you.

 --the blood had already almost stopped oozing, but I dabbed it with sterile gauze anyway before wrapping it gently in clear plastic wrap. –

 Just a couple of hours for that. And here... --grabbing some Aquaphor samples out of a drawer-- This will keep you until you get home. I don't know if your luggage is all carryon, but airlines have gotten so tough on the sizes of liquids they let you put in one. This way you won't have to buy any until you get home.

 Truely: *His touch was so loving and gentle. I leaned into it before realizing he had pulled it away*

 Thank you for the samples. I can put them in my suitcase.

 *I watch him as he wipes and wraps my wrist. Not wanting his touch to stop but not fully understanding why. I just know I could sit there forever with his hand on me. I clear my throat forcing the thoughts to leave* How much?

  Zav: --I know what I'd like to ask for. Just the brush of her lips on mine. But it’s too soon for that. Instead, I just say—

 How about a dozen of those sweet rolls when I make it to Pascoe? And dinner out while I'm there. We'll call it square.

  Truely: *I get up to go, slowly* Oh really? I mean you took time out of your schedule and everything to do this for me. You don't want more than sweet rolls and dinner?

  Zav: --standing as she gets up, I finally can't resist any longer. I gently take her chin between thumb and forefinger and tilt it up. Leaning down, I brush my lips across hers. More a promise than a kiss.—

 That’s all I want Truely. That and to see you again. It's all I need.

  Truely: *His kiss is unexpected and too quick. It needed to last. I smile and just stare into his eyes. The drive to stay is strong and I'm not sure why but I'm thrilled he wants to see me again.* I want to see you again too Zav. Do you have a favorite fruit?

  Zav: Hmmm.... a fruit?

 --right now my favorite taste is her lips. They're sweetly cinnamony and her fragrance reminds of me of apple orchards in the fall –

 Apples. I like apples. --teasing her a little-- Are you already planning something special?

  Truely: *I smile* Yes, I am. *I take a deep breath* Well, I guess I should probably go. Let you get back to what you were doing before I interrupted. *Why did it hurt to say that?* Thank you again Zav, I love it. You are very talented. *I touch his cheek briefly then give him a peck before forcing myself out the door.*

  Zav: --My hand goes to my cheek as my eyes follow her out the door and I regret not getting a telephone number but how hard can it be finding a telephone number for Truely Goode Sweet Treats in Pascoe Oregon? It might be a while before I can actually bike up there and just misting into town without my bike would raise questions. And besides, I don't want to bring trouble to her doorstep. I need to get this crap with the Horseman settled and demons off my back. –

 Goodbye Truely Goode. --my voice follows her out the door-- You'll be hearing from me soon.

[renegadesrpg]

Dark Angels: Creation: Part 9A, Surprises

Zav --I’d told Bryn to follow my trail when we misted out and we materialized in the alley behind my shop. It had been only an hour or so before sunrise when we left Hawaii, but here, in the Art Deco District in South Beach it was 11 in the morning and the street my shop on was already becoming crowded with tourists. We’d held ourselves in the half-world that let us see the physical world without being seen in anticipation of that but the alley was vacant so we came all the way onto this plane. SB was a trendy, high-end neighborhood, but we were going into an ink shop so nobody was going to look twice at our black leather. Well… everyone was going to look twice at Bryn’s curvy figure in the tight black leather biker vest and low-slung form-fitting leather pants, but nobody was going to think it was out of the ordinary. The weapons however…..

Keep the dagger in your boot Bryn, but send the other sharps to your workshop.

Bryn: Grumbling a little, I vanish my sword and hip dagger back to my place.

“I don’t see why we couldn’t have materialized directly in.”

Zav: --smirking--

You could have tried and bounced off the building. It’s warded against angels and reapers. A little precaution I took when the fifth column began developing and…

–pausing for a sec as anger and pain flashed through me –

you know how much I trust angels anymore.

--Digging keys out of my pocket as we walked to the front of the building--

Bryn: Um“… Ok, what am I missing here?” I ask as we emerge from the alley.

Squinting in the bright light for a moment, I take in the palm trees standing guard in front of several gorgeous art deco hotels down the street. Canopied seating for their restaurants lined the boulevard. Across the street was a park and just beyond it a sandy beach with ocean waves gently rolling in and for a moment I’m distracted from my question.

“This is gorgeous Zav….”

Zav: --Shaking my shoulder-length dark hair, letting the ocean breeze blow away the darkness that had sparked through me, I grin at her –

My own little bit of paradise. Sin’s got his and I’ve got mine. Somehow we both find comfort in the waves.

– Deftly I steer her to the left. The brilliant white stucco of the building was trimmed with a soothing pastel blue. A neon “CLOSED” sign glowed in the window and switched to “OPEN” as I turned the lock. A bit of angel magick there. I’d done that to a few things here. Much like disarming a security alarm, which I didn’t need or have, I had to disarm the magick that turned the neon sign to on, started coffee brewing and switched on the music if I didn’t want it all to start when that key turned the lock.—

Bryn:  Looking up at him as he started to push the door open and placing a hand on his broad shoulder…

“So if the shop is warded, how do YOU get in? You’re both an angel AND a reaper.”

Zav: With one of these.

– I slip my hand beneath the collar of my shirt and pull out a medallion made from an ancient coin –

It’s spelled to allow me to pass and, --taking her hand—because you’re touching me, it will let you in too. It’s very powerful angel magick. I doubt even you or Sin could break it.

Bryn: Hmm… he’s probably right about that. Angel magick wasn’t the same as earth magick and it was angel magick that had once trapped Sin in Hell. But still, I do like a challenge. Taking Zav’s hand as he opens the door, we step across the threshold. An old-fashioned bell rings. Old-school hard rock blares to life on a stereo. I look up at him,

“Nazareth? Steamroller? Did you do that on purpose?”

Zav: --I laugh aloud and confess…--

Maybe…

--she punches my shoulder—

OW! Ok, yes.

–laughing harder as I grab my shoulder—

It’s a compliment. Nobody gets in your way, little sister.

Bryn: Snorts at him, “Asshole.”

Sniffing the air deeply as I smell coffee beginning to brew,

“I will say you do things up right. I might need a go-cup of that.”

I look around and see racks of design books hanging from one wall but all the others are plastered with photos of bodies bearing Zav’s work. Everything from dragons, angel wings, Celtic knots, I look closer and see some Enochian sigils mixed in with some of the designs… apparently Zav took a personal interest in some of his clients. Personal enough to mix a little magic into it.

“Who’s that?” Gesturing to the photo with a dragon wrapped around an Enochian protection sigil.

Zav: Hmmm – pulling a backpack from under the counter, I go to my work station and begin putting in what I’ll need to do tattoos on reapers. I could just materialize it at the safe house, but I’d rather have it with me. It’s light and mobile and fits on my back. It won’t interfere with my sword arm or balance if it comes to a fight. At her question I look up and focus on the photo—

Him? That’s just a guy I know. He rides with a dangerous club but he’s a good guy. The voice of reason in the group. And /because/ he’s the voice of reason and he keeps the rest of them out of trouble, I’m trying to keep /him/ out of trouble.

--That I’d met him in a dive biker bar and helped him punch his way out when a rival gang showed up in force, I kept to myself. And also that I’d bought a Harley and occasionally we’d ride highway 1 together. It was the only time I ever really felt like myself again. The only time the grief of losing my wife lifted for a few minutes, the only time the frustration of looking for her soul for thousands of years and coming up empty wasn’t a weight on my heart. –

Bryn: I can hear there’s more but it’s not a story he wants to tell. We’ve partnered enough in the past that I can feel that, so I let it go. He’ll talk when he’s ready Patience is the only way to deal with Zav. Instead I sniff the air again as a shrill tone indicates the coffee’s finished brewing.

“I’m going to get some of that. Do you want a cup?”

As I turn to go into the back to get my coffee the old-fashioned bell on the door rings as it opens. I turn back just in time to see Zav look up and go pale. My eyes shoot to the door, where a dark-haired young woman stands. Wrinkling my forehead, I look back at him.

“Zav?”

Zav: -- I’d shaken my head at the offer of coffee while I was busy getting my needle guns stowed and only looked up when the bell on the door rang. Damn, I’d forgotten to turn the “OPEN” sign back off.—

I’m sorry, but … --And I stop, dumbstruck. A girl…young woman stood in the doorframe, tentatively looking around. My heart jumped and my chest hurt as though someone had punched me hard and all the breath had been knocked out of me and still I couldn’t take my eyes away. She was beautiful, her eyes a warm brown that seemed so familiar.  And for a moment…just a moment….it seemed like she glowed. Finally managing an inhale, I shook it off. Obviously the effect of the sunlight backlighting her as she stood in the doorway, I told myself. As for the instant recognition that had bolted through me…. I dismissed it. I’d looked too long and hard for too many millennia for my dead wife’s reborn soul to believe it would be as simple as for it to walk into my shop now on the eve of a war that could see us all dead. Still…

“Can I help you?”

 #TBC

[renegadesrpg]

Dark Angel : Creation. Battle Plans Part 6

Sin: *With a nod at Sean I acknowledge he is correct and take my seat at the table. Now that we have method, we need means, so let us see what we resources we have available. Thoughtfully, I begin…*

Once the Inguz rune is removed the Horseman will immediately become aware of my location. In that instance I will begin to pull power from him through the open link and I believe that will cause him to attack. But as we surmise he will try to wear me down we can assume he will send in those he considers cannon fodder. How many are in this “fifth column” Bryn speaks of?

Zav: My estimate is near 300.

--growling a little as I set my jaw --  

All are fighters and completely loyal to the Horseman. These souls were bound for the Hells and he offered them an out by being his personal Brown Shirts. They don’t take the names the Fates send to us. We’ve given up even trying to direct them. Instead, they act as assassins and soul thieves, killing innocents that the Horseman has consigned to Lucifer.

Sin: *I feel my countenance grow as hard as my heart at this. There is no greater betrayal of our purpose. That the one to whom the Fates entrusted this responsibility has not only personally betrayed it, but has enlisted an entire battery of minions to fulfill his betrayal only heightens my resolve to end this. Coldly I ask*

There are thousands of reapers across the world. How many will be loyal to you and are capable of fighting?

Sean: Uneasily Bryn, Adrian and Zav all look at one another and then at me. Clearing my throat,

“Loyal to us beyond question? Of the 5000 reapers not part of his storm troopers? I’d say four thousand. Able to do more than defend themselves? A thousand. Capable of fighting against this crew? Maybe two hundred.

Sin: *I raised my eyebrow at Sean*

I thought you said you had initiated training for the recruits he brought in after I left.

Sean: Ouch. That stung, but dammit we did the best we could with what we were given.

“I said we put ‘em through boot camp and rode ‘em hard. But the majority of them weren’t capable of the mindset it takes to be a soldier, so the best we could do for them was make sure they could take care of themselves in a pinch until help could get there. For the most part, that’s been enough. The ones we can’t count on to be loyal to us are weak and indecisive. They should have never been recruited but after you the Horseman wasn’t interested in having reapers with strong ethics.  We’ve tried to keep them to creampuff assignments and in a mass casualty event they’re paired with ones we know we can trust. Look,” running my hand through my hair in frustration, “I know it sucks there’s that many that just don’t have the loyalty or ability in them, but hey /we/ didn’t pick ‘em. We just tried to get them into the best shape we could.”

 Zav: --Sean looks as frustrated as the rest of us feel. The truth is reapers shouldn’t have to be warriors, at least not all of them. The system was set up to comfort and assist souls in moving on, not fighting off asshole demons. Unfortunately, the Horseman has screwed with the plan so much that now reapers need to be able to fight. Maybe one day Sin can set that to rights, but I’m not betting on it. A little taste of power is intoxicating and Lucifer was fucking drunk on it. —

Sean’s right, Sin. The ones that we can count on learned as much as they were able. Some of it comes down to sheer physicality. They don’t have the muscle or athleticism or they just don’t have the cojones to do more than defend themselves. Some have the balls but not the ability. That leaves us with about 200 that have both.”

 Adrian: -- My lips set in a thin line. Failure wasn’t something Spartans dealt with well and it had irked me when we were given basically nothing to work with.—

We did what we could with what we had Sin. None of us have ever been happy about it but we held it together the best we could.

 Sin: *Elbows on the table, I tent my hands and rest my forehead against them for a moment. This is my fault and I am aware of it. I left them to do the best they could. Given the circumstances, I could not have done other without becoming as big of a monster as the Horseman had become, but I still will not excuse myself. Finally, I look up*

Indeed you did and I am sorry my friends. The responsibility for this state of affairs lies with me. I should have returned to you much sooner.

*Heaving a determined sigh, I focus on the situation as it stands.*  

Since we will not have superior numbers we must focus on giving ourselves other tactical advantages. The first should be terrain. And we need to keep mortal races away from this. There would be casualties among them and I will not re-enact the crime that has brought us to this place.

 Bryn: “We need more than the high ground. We need a place I can ward.” At their questioning looks I add, “I was Boudicca’s strategist for more than my magic back in the day. We kept the Romans not only at bay, but on the run for as long as we did because she let me select battlegrounds that my sisters and I could lay the traps in. If Boudicca had listened to me after Mags and Aeryn were killed and given me more time, the entire history of the UK and western Europe might have been re-written. And I’ve got some ideas here.”

Sin: *Interesting. Whereas I would have thought Adrian might be the strategist of this group, it seems our quick-thinking witch is taking point.*

Have you a specific location in mind, Bryn, or are you generalizing?

 Bryn: “Both. We need somewhere that has places I can put wards and traps without them being obvious. Once we agree on location, we can get specific about what kind of magick we need. And I have a place I mind that might work.”

Raising my hands above the table, I close my eyes and murmur “Callanish a ’nochdadh.” In an instant an image of a 13 enormous stones standing in a circle on a grassy plain hovers over the table.

“The Standing Stones of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. It’s a place of power.” Raising my eyes to Sin’s, “Power I can use to reinforce wards, or traps. And power you can use if you need it. The center stone, the monolith here in the center is the reservoir. Just behind it is the tomb of a powerful druid priest. It’s his power that’s in the megalith.”

Sin: *tilting my head as I look at the image and thinking…*

Yes, I remember this place and the souls there. But there were two, as I recall. I took them to Elysia some 5000 years ago, give or take. Their mortal souls did not return to this plain. They ascended. I had wondered if beings of power took such things with them upon ascension, but it seems he, at least, did not.

Sean: I had been a druid priest as well as a warrior in my last life, and likely in all the lives I’d had before it. In that last life it had grown to a specific manifestation…empathy I could wield to help, to heal, or to harm. If when I’d died in that last life I’d ascended, it would have returned to the earth to eventually be given to another. Now, we would be the channel that funneled that priest’s power to another. But there’s no way to know who. Sin? It seemed likely, but the power itself would choose. 

Quietly…. “Druids take it with them from life to life until they ascend. We have no need of it on that plane. His power is there, sealed into the stone with his blood. But once we tap that, it’s loose and it will look for its next host.”

Sin: *looking sharply at Sean*

The power chooses? Would it choose one of our enemies, Sean? Does it seek a vacuum of power to fill or simply a host?

Sean: Shaking my head, “It will seek a host with characteristics similar to its last host. The priest ascended, which says there was no darkness in him, so this power will also be looking for a soul filled with light. To go to one with any darkness in it would weaken it, and it seeks to maintain its balance in the universe. That lets out both Death and the rogue reapers, but it doesn’t clue us in as to who it will go to once it’s free again.”

Sin: *slowly I nod my head, filing this information away for future analysis. Tilting my head I focus on the stone circle, analyzing its value in the type of battle we will fight* There are stones leading to the circle in lines from all four directions. Is there power there as well? 

Sean: I need to take a deep breath before I can go on. Bryn couldn’t have known, but this place is very personal to me. 

“I know Callanish very well. There is power in all the stones. See, when a high priest or priestess, a prophet or prophetess, died at least one of their circle would have volunteered as sacrifice so their blood could be used to seal spells into the surrounding stones to protect the high priest’s power from being stolen by the unworthy. We already understood that the life we were in wasn’t the last we were destined to live so it was seen as an honor. In this case, it was his wife. She wanted their souls to travel together. She was sacrificed in front of the monolith, her blood drained to seal the approach stones and then her body buried in a cairn below the ground just at the northeast edge, symbolically guarding the perimeter. It’s her power in the stones outside the circle.” 

Sin: *Intently, I gaze at Sean. There is more here…* If you knew of this place why was it Bryn brought it to us? You were a warrior as well as a druid priest. Why did you not think of this place?

Sean: And here’s the rub of it. My face sets in stone as immobile as the monolith at the circle’s center. There’s a long story behind this, but a simple answer is all I can give right now.

“Because I never thought of it as a place of power. I always thought of it as my parents’ grave.” 

#TBC