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Post by Luka on Jun 17, 2009 22:45:43 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]One of London's finest and largest parks, sprawling over 350 acres. There is something for everyone in Hyde Park. Home to over 4000 trees, a lake, a meadow and horse stables, it's easy to forget you're in the middle of modern London.
The shadows that lurk also look forward to you forgetting that you are in London...With the beautiful surroundings, it's easy to let your guard down. Depending on what's more important to you, maybe you'll feel safer knowing that your wallet might not be what they're after.[/glow]
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Post by Adrian on Jun 17, 2009 23:00:32 GMT -5
A man walked through the park with a visage that betrayed itself merely through existing in the first place. While he looked exquisitely young on one hand, not a day over twenty, part of him left chronological breadcrumbs back to the day that he had truly been born. Black trimmed with gold swathed his appearance from head to toe. Yet truth be told his head was the only thing bare to the night while everything else remained completely concealed in clothing from another century's fashion.
In plain sight a lone sword dangled at his hip in a sheath.
Eyes that might change color by the beckoning of emotion currently existed in a calm yellow state. Yellow as a soft moon of corn would be up in the sky on a night like this very one. Hair flowed to his shoulders, appearing white to some and a very pale blonde to other onlookers depending on what light hit the mysterious man's locks. But at the sametime one had to wonder if they ever changed color with the serene yet unmoving stoic expression he wore on his face at this very moment.
Perhaps it would soften some in a moment, considering he was most likely NOT alone. . .
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Post by Luka on Jun 17, 2009 23:14:24 GMT -5
The young man looked as though he had stepped out of a time-warp. Or from another world completely, due to the unearthly aura that surrounded him. The qualities of his fair features were ones that only appeared in the rarest of humans.
Perhaps that was why she kept her eyes on him so much. But, if anyone knew the girl well enough, they would see just how deep her affection for him went. No doubt his beauty had caused others to shun him in the past.
The sound of quick footfalls triggered behind him as the young woman stepped into a light jog. She came up beside him, casting a smile up at him. “Sorry…” she apologized softly, looking for all the world a gentle person.
…all except for the lanky little boy struggling in her death grip. He couldn’t scream, not just yet. Not until he pried her hand off his mouth. Either she was trying to keep him quiet, or she was planning on smothering him.
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Post by Adrian on Jun 17, 2009 23:43:03 GMT -5
For all the people in the world to chance being buffeted by his unearthly aura which only welcomed bloodshed and death, this pair seemed the least likely. An aura which hinted that sometimes, it was even Death itself whose blood was shed by this otherworldly man. One who met him would have expected a thousand men armed to the teeth instead.
Even the Demons which Hell itself seemed to loathe spitting out would seem more appropriate to greet him brandishing cursed claws and . If to do nothing more than compliment the mood his presence set, perhaps both would take up his silent invitation to materialize and do a battle they were likely only to loose in the end along with their lives.
Yet, nothing of the sort occured here.
Rather the opposite came when his statue-esque pose cracked just enough to allow a gaze over at the young woman who had decided to join him. Eyes that often looked out into the world with silent sorrow toward a tragic destiny held a different tinge to them right now. For her alone those eyes of yellowed moon replaced restraint with romance. On which had blossomed between them in spite of all the nearly insurmountable odds stacked against them both from their respectively dangerous worlds.
"Tis no need to apologize, Luka."
He looked at the lanky young man restrained by the unquestionably beautiful young woman. Did either of them know the restraint needed to brak his old habits? Namely the one involving her own name. More precisely, what he often had called her due to the formalities instilled within him from day one of his life. Childhood as one of the Nobility.
". . . . . . . . . . . . ."
Once more he looked into her eyes.
". . . . ?"
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Post by Luka on Jun 18, 2009 5:27:52 GMT -5
A faint blush dusted over the girl’s face when he spoke her name. It was true that up to the recent past, he seemed to prefer using more formal titles such as “Milady” and the sort. Slowly though, Luka had somehow managed to work it out of him. She didn’t really mean to. It was an endearing trait. But it was nice to hear him say her actual name. . .It was a pretty rare occurrence, and a certain selection of memories usually came into play each time.
She looked up at him with a puzzled expression when he seemed to want to ask a question. “…Huh?” The girl blinked a few times, slightly confused.
Seidei continued to struggle in her arms, both his hands grasping at the one of hers that was pressed to his mouth. He squirmed in her grip as hard as he could, the fear he felt becoming real as he noticed that Luka was becoming increasingly distracted with Adrian. What if she totally forgot about him!? Although he continued to struggle, he seemed to be losing strength, his eyes soon losing focus. With the last of his power, Sei’s trembling hand reached up and he tapped out.
It was all Valentine seemed to have been waiting for as she suddenly released her grip, allowing him to drop to the ground. The boy coughed and gagged, inhaling desperately before tipping over and falling flat on his back. He stared vacantly at the sky for a few moments before his bright green eyes flicked over in Luka’s direction. His mouth moved before two faint words escaped.
”About…time…”
The color suddenly rose in Luka’s face as she cast a MEDUSA-LIKE gaze down at the boy. She raised her foot, suspending the heel of her boot above his face until he quickly rolled out of the way.
”About time, about time, about time!!” the boy shouted as he continued to roll before leaping to his feet and running off into the safety of the trees.
It had been the first thing Seidei had said to Luka when she returned after her night with Alucard. The boy had been dressed differently for once, in a pair of dirty jeans and a white t-shirt, his hair fixed in a certain killer Canuk’s style. A can of pop sat in front of him, a fake beer label taped to it. It looked as though he had been waiting all night for her to make an appearance and quickly leaned back, casting her a look, speaking only two words. ‘About time.’ Luka had made the mistake of giving him the most mortified look she had ever given him…and now, he used it as ammunition!
Now, the girl glared after him, her back turned to Adrian. Her hands were at her sides, tightening into fists that trembled with frustration.
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Post by Adrian on Jun 18, 2009 18:44:00 GMT -5
All this talk of time, perhaps the mysterious young man should have pulled out the pocketwatch he kept tucked away on his person. Halting this one moment just so it would join along with all the others he had lengthened beyond their natural time. Manipulations of that sort only benefitted one who did not age normally. Those who travelled time constantly could leave young and return old after living a lifetime far, far away. . .
Ever silent, the young man made no comment about her travelling companion directly. Perhaps he would view such wrong or even rude given her connection to Seidei. Green hair or not Seidei had known Valentine for a much longer time than himself even now. Knew things about her no one else likely did from adventures together out in the world. Life constantly changing everyday yet isolated in the sense that they would never forget eachother. How Sei must have resented the Dhampire forgetting about her regardless of the circumstances. Adrian probably understood the unfairness the younger felt created from his romance with Luka. Yet how could anyone who exiled himself to such emotional restraint for so long ever really understand? Percieving the motivation behind the actions suited Tepes much better.
"It seems he has left us for now. . . . . ."
Captain Obvious.
Just to incite further mystery on his own behalf it seemed, a pause dangled in the end of those trailed off words. The words 'about time' almost recited themselves out of that empty silence. Intentional or not? Dhampire humor from his lips often destined itself to fall flat beyond the reckoning of humans. Guessing whether or not he had actually made an attempt at a joke to cheer her up likely existed in an even harder to interpret place.
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Post by Luka on Jun 19, 2009 5:36:29 GMT -5
Some part of the bushy-haired boy probably resented Adrian with the fury of a THOUSAND EXPLODING SUNS for being as close to Luka as he was. Why…WHY COULDN’T HE GET LUCKY TOO!? Was God truly that CRUEL!? Had he done something HORRIBLE in his past life!?
It probably would never happen because it would result in SHOTA and a RAID.
A glittering trail of tears seemed to hang in the air in Sei’s wake as he sobbed and staggered into the trees.
After a moment, Luka turned to look up and over her shoulder at Adrian, a smirk on her lips. Her right hand moved to roll up an imaginary sleeve on her opposite arm. “He’s really, really close to leaving for good…” She then hit her fist in an open palm. ”Really close.”
She honestly didn’t intend on being mean to the boy, REALLY! But sometimes, she felt the need to draw a line. And sometimes, that line felt like it had to be drawn…WITH HIS BLOOD.
That and Luka was under the impression that the boy had done something to Alucard's companion. When she had finally reunited with Seidei, the Kirin had looked as if he'd been at the epicenter of an explosion. It was true she'd only seen him a few times, but he didn't really seem to be the type to look as disheveled as he did.
And to mention it, she hadn't seen hide nor hair of the stranger since then.
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Post by Adrian on Jun 19, 2009 14:43:53 GMT -5
Adrian followed the green-haired kid into the trees at a pace faster than one might think maintainable given the graceful movements. No time at all had likely even passed before the Tragic Prince caught up to her companion. Did a motive exist for this pursuit? Knowing where his Kirin ally had gone currently rested within the noggin of Seidei. One hunch ran through his mind as to what poor Liam had gone through on the night he had spent with Luka. But was that the real reason for fleeing to some unknown locale? Perhaps a certain puppeteer had managed to pull a few strings here and there to cause some sort of confusion just long enough to set a trap.
It seemed logical, given that the foe had a high probablity of disliking the Half-breed Hero for overcoming the odds stacked against him. Though the brief victory had not come without a sacrifice which would likely cost him. One of the familiar cards still remained missing and Liam remained out of sight. Yet at the sametime a link between them gave away a few tidbits that could damage either side. Namely. . . he knew WHERE the Kirin had run off to but not exactly why. Though he intended to question Seidei anyway, an attempt was still made on another playing field. Mental communication.
Why have you left my side? We both know that my enemies could take advantage of this separation. . .
Luka's companion would soon find the Dhampire standing before him stoically. Perhaps he intended to help corner him for Valentine? That scenario seemed highly unlikely given his general disposition.
". . . . . . . "
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Post by Luka on Jun 20, 2009 4:39:43 GMT -5
Even though the boy had pretty much been running as fast as he could, he was forced to skid to a stop when Adrian practically appeared out of thin air in front of him. He reeled back, holding up one hand as if to stop the Half-breed from striking him. ”Wh-what do you want NOW?” He sniffled a few times, his bottom lip quivering.
And…were those…actual tears?
It was a valid question to ask, since when they first met, Sei was known to carry a small spritzer bottle of water to work on Luka’s conscience. It only worked a handful of times before she caught him at it.
Now, the bushy-haired boy cowered before Adrian, ”Lemme guess…you’re lookin’ for your BUDDY BOY, huh!? Well…I…don’t know where he is! When we left that first time, we were only together long enough to get some damn ice cream….THEN HE SPLIT!”
He threw his arms up in the air, ”SUDDENLY, BILLS TO PAY, THOUSANDS OF THEM!” Apparently, Sei had been expecting Liam to foot the bill. Too bad the Kirin had been expecting the boy to do the same.
”See, we was eatin’…” the boy began in a tone that he probably wished could beckon the wavy distortion that usually happened on television every time someone remembered something important.
”We was eatin’ and swappin’ fish tales. I was tryin’ to find out more about him, see? On account of being so worried about you picking up strangers and bringing them in…” Now he tried to turn it around to make it look bad on Adrian, a small frown furrowing his young features.
”It was all jolly times until he gets this weird look on his face. I tell you, I ain’t seen nothing like it before. All the sudden he starts squirming around…then asks ME if I have some smokes! Can you believe it?” He waved his hands dismissively as he hashed out the rest of the details.
”I start eyein’ him…thinkin’ to myself, ‘What the hell. What. The. Hell.’ I start thinking that maybe you’ve got yourself a real nutcase. Maybe you got followed home by some real weirdo, and you being the…” Sei hesitated for a moment, the words seeming to struggle between wanting to come out and wanting to morph into something else entirely. ”Nice… guy that you are, just couldn’t turn him away. Still though, there was something familiar about that look, but I just couldn’t place it. For some reason, I kind of felt bad for the guy.”
“But just when I was about to lay into him to get him to snap out of it, this real classy dame strolled by…and then I knew.” The boy waved his hands in front of him in a smooth motion, as if pushing aside two clouds. ”So anyway, he fidgets some more but by this point I really don’t care anymore. I mean, he could have Tourrets, right? But all the sudden it’s like he undergoes this TRANSFORMATION right in front of me! I mean not literal, but still…He goes from this skinny twitchy dog to the smoothest cat around. I thought he was going to come back…but he split. Him and the bird…they left…”
The boy’s tone seemed to change then, his voice getting quieter to the point where someone with normal hearing would have a hard time. His gaze dropped down to the ground as he shifted, looking more like a little boy than he usually did.
”I stayed and finished eating then I went home.” He shrugged his small shoulders, ”I went home to wait for her. He did come back later though. He found me somehow. Your buddy boy looked pretty worse for wear, but he was back to his abnormal self. He was kind of twitchy, so I tried to offer him some smokes I had stashed in the survival kit, cuz you know they come in handy for removing leeches if you’re in the jungle, but he turned them down. For all the fuss he was making over wanting smokes, he didn’t even smell like them. What a weirdo. But anyway…the moment Luka got back, he left. Pushed out the door right past her in a real big hurry.”
But at any rate, what Adrian seemed to recieve was the mental equivalent of an answering machine. Nothing seemed to be the matter, it was just that the person couldn't reach the phone right now. They were just an abstract concept rather than a corporeal being.
Or happened to be screening their calls.
Where the call was picked up though, seemed not to be very far away at all. The Kirin seemed to be lingering in the thicker, denser trees of Hyde Park.
But if Seidei's story was indeed true, 'Poor Liam' didn't seem to be very poor at all.
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Post by Adrian on Jun 23, 2009 22:30:46 GMT -5
Adrian did not let his expression give an inch to Sei for all the tears and pantomime gestures that went on during the explanation. Striking down the green-haired kid did not seem likely right now in one sense. . . despite the fact his aura seemed to make anything possible. Even his ears might have given off the vibe they were sifting around for something specific. Key phrases that the younger might not realize would give away the truth he needed to know right now.
". . . Describe the woman."
If Liam could hear or see everything that went on right now, perhaps Tepes wanted a certain type of situation to play out. A scenario to enact certain possibilities while a certain someone tried to out smart the opposition which a high probability of being at work. Whether Seidei would go along with it no matter what he did remained to be seen. The Half-breed's mind remained utterly shut away from even his ally. Only during the one night with Valentine might have any restraints loosened up. But not for very long at all. Enemies looking to pry might have found out only a tidbit or two such as his location at the time or the fact he could love beneath the exterior he wore for the world.
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Post by Luka on Jun 24, 2009 6:18:57 GMT -5
The little boy looked up at Adrian with an expression that one might associate with a rabbit looking up at a hungry fox. He shrank away from the man's heavy aura, his fingers twisting together as he dared to take time and weigh the possibilities. Now might have not been the BEST of times to adopt a 'No Snitching' attitude.
"I...erm...I...she was..."
In the scientific community, there was a certain mystery surrounding a trait that rodents and other small critters possessed. Namely, the ability to spontaniously die when faced with danger. Whether or not it was because of a sheer fear overload or just some sort of 'lucky' strike to prevent them from feeling any pain as they were devoured remains a mystery.
With the rate that Sei's heart was pounding in his chest, he was about to prove that little boys could spontaniously die as well.
At least, until a particular voice decided to kick in. The voice was quiet and somewhat meek in tone, like another bad kid getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"She was just a girl..." the voice mumbled. The Kirin stood off in the trees, his form barely visible through the vegetation. It was almost as if he were trying to hide from the Half Breed.
Actually, that was exactly what he was trying to do.
Why he had shown up at this moment though, was unclear. Perhaps he was afraid for the boy. He was pretty certain that Adrian really wouldn't do anything to him...maybe. Although he wouldn't admit it, he and Sei had gotten along pretty well during their time together.
Like two peas in a deranged pod.
"She was just a girl who...who..." Did his voice just break? "Who just wanted someone on the side--!" Yep, it broke. The words came out in a squeak, the Kirin's hand moving up to cover his face.
His glasses had been swapped for shades to conceal his red, tear-swollen eyes. Too bad for him, his night didn't really end all that well. Poor Liam actually WAS Poor Liam.
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Post by Adrian on Jun 24, 2009 10:23:27 GMT -5
Would Seidei even notice the sudden change around him as the air seemed to become less heavy? It just might make Sei dizzy enough to have that heart of his calm down without even realizing until it already happened. Meanwhile down at his feet a single gold coin the size of an apple rested, collected during the raid on a certain castle, perhaps to ensure Sei's food bills were paid in the future. All of this occured the moment Liam decided to not-so-willingly make himself known. Despite Tepes having gone back to his original appearance. . . one might say the aura of his newest one still remained. Or did it have to do with the fact he had recently drank of Valentine's blood?
Speaking of Luka, what did she have to say about the way Adrian had questioned her friend just now? Perhaps the anger at his taunting her would smooth over just how much fear he had inspired in the boy. Romance had a way of getting one to overlook a few things they normally would pay more attention. It was clear how much she loved him and how he loved her in return.
". . . . . ."
Directed at Liam now, the utter silence of his attention descended while making a few decisions. Ones regarding the Kirin's behaviour from what was currently being said. Might Tepes have doubted their words as a plot to get an imposter closer to him? Even more likely was a marrionetted original. Four or more options existed as to how he might prove these matters true or false and lay any possible suspicions to rest. Such as stabbing the 'Kirin' to see if it would make himself bleed. But that was if, with his thoughts drenched in black ichor, any suspicion existed in the first place for his ally.
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Post by Luka on Jun 25, 2009 5:35:38 GMT -5
Any second later and money the size of an apple might not be what Sei would have needed. He’d need an apple that could PUT THE SOUL BACK INTO HIS BODY. It did bring up an interesting point though. . .How exactly did Luka and Seidei support themselves? In the past the girl had operated as a thief, but had that carried over into the present? IT WAS A MYSTERY.
Seidei’s mouth turned downward, his eyes squinting as his bottom lip trembled. He glared up at Adrian, his fists shaking with anger. His gaze accused the man of cruelty…even as his foot slowly inched forward and his toes wrapped around the coin to pull it back to him.
”I…I…I HATE YOU!” the little boy cried out as he turned tail in the exact same direction he had come from, the same glittering stream of tears following behind him. As he whipped around, he kicked his foot and flung the coin up into the air, snatching it up with a hand.
As for Liam...WELL THANKS TO ADRIAN HE WAS ABOUT TO FAINT AS WELL. No doubt the Kirin was thinking over the exact same options. But his Master really wouldn’t cut him down just to make him prove his loyalty, would he?
”Y-you wouldn’t hit a man with glasses, w-would you!?” he squeaked out. THE ETERNAL QUESTION.
Never mind all the heartbreak and tears, Liam didn’t feel like it was his time. Not just yet!
As for Luka, she had been left behind. Standing. Alone. *cue lonely wind sounds*
She hadn’t been particularly worried at all about Seidei’s dramatic display. By now she was used to it. When he flipped his melodrama switch, Luka flipped her selective hearing switch. She had a palm pressed to her face as he ran off wailing into the trees like a little banshee and didn’t notice Adrian giving chase until it was too late and they had disappeared from view.
The young woman had remained standing in the exact same spot for a few moments, a stoic expression on her face. Maybe she was picking up a few of Adrian’s mannerisms now. It wasn’t until an unexplained chill crept up her spine that she decided to follow after them.
She moved through the trees, pushing aside branches or ducking when the need arose. A grumble escaped her off and on when she fell into a RANDOM BATTLE with a thorny bush or gross-looking slug.
SUDDENLY. . . something rustled in the bushes. "!" Luka froze like a doe facing off with Godzilla, her gaze snapping toward the source of the noise. She took a careful step, silently debating whether or not to high-tail it or have a face-off with whatever it was.
’Heads I stay, Tails I run…and if it lands on its side I scream for help.’
Unfortunately, she didn’t even have time to get out a coin.
The thing burst out of the trees like an alien baby from Mr. Glass’ chest cavity. It struck her head on, knocking her completely off her feet. She landed on her back on the earth with a heavy thud and a whoosh as the breath was totally knocked out of her.
As Luka and the UFO (Unidentified Flying OHSHI--) lay tangled together on the ground, a golden coin flipped through the air in slow motion. Her blurry eyes watched as it turned and turned, taunting her with its beautiful color…She continued to watch it as it landed…on its side.
Too bad she couldn’t even breathe at the moment.
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Post by Adrian on Jun 25, 2009 17:23:50 GMT -5
Adrian watched the melodrama that was Seidei unfold with very little outward reaction. It would not be the first time someone declared their hatred for him. Plenty of villagers had not back centuries ago after the death of his mother. To this day it remained a mystery to all but himself and his father how he survived the mob which killed Elisabeth. For that reason among others he didn't even appear to acknowledge what went on around him. Liam still remained the obvious focus of his attention for now.
". . . Take them off."
Tepes wasn't showing any signs of hesitation.
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Post by Luka on Jun 26, 2009 4:26:03 GMT -5
This most likely wasn’t be the first time the boy said something of the sort to Adrian. Despite the fact that he was SUPPOSED to be some kind of ‘higher’ life-form…he really behaved like nothing more than a spoiled child.
At the moment from where Adrian currently stood, the sound of Luka and Sei squabbling could be heard. Turns out it wasn’t Godzilla hiding in the bushes, it was a Seizilla.
Liam stepped a bit more into view, looking at the Half-Breed with a hesitant expression.
”But, Master…it’s me. Liam?” He waved a hand in Adrian’s direction as if to wake him up. The Kirin’s right hand moved behind his head as he ruffled his own already-unkempt hair. His mouth worked as if to try and form some words, but his voice failed him and he reached up, his fingertips resting on the frames of his glasses.
He hesitated, a faint color rising in his face, "You meant these, right?" Liam slowly slipped them off, carefully folding them together before slipping them into his breastpocket.
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