The Marauders: Battle at Buckley's

[Watchtower]

<< Simon, Cassandra, Vivica and Brenthon made their way from the Catacombs of The Hawthorne Hotel to Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf in the Heart of the City. Rebecca had stayed behind to recover from the battle as well as to assess the damage done to her hotel.>>

<< Though the Wharf was a Tourist Trap and normally FILLED with people running up and down the boardwalks, shopping and enjoying the many attractions available..Pier 39 was somewhat off the beaten path, and would offer the group some much needed privacy as they waited for Vivica's friend. >>

<< The group would have a little time to talk before the arrival of this unknown person. >>

<< And So...We Watch. >>

 

[Recall]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

- Vivica fired off a text message before putting her phone back into her purse. She let out a relegated sigh before hopping up on one of the railings that overlooked the ocean, the cold bay breeze sending chills through her body as it blew by. -

"Our girl should be here any minute.. I asked her to bring us some battle gear.."

- She turned over to Cassandra and nudged her a little bit. -

"I wanted to say...sorry I was a bitch earlier. I'm just use to hating most people that I meet.. remnants of my time in New York City..."

- Vivica turned her head and looked out over the water as she spoke. -

"But you did a great job there.. we really work together. I gotta say..those powers of yours are pretty cool...I've always wanted some killer fire power. I mean, God blessed with me a KILLER brain and looks to die for...I guess it's gotta balance it out somehow...."

- She laughed and looked over to Simon. -

"You're not so bad either kid..tell me..what is your little ability you got going on over there? I couldn't tell..."

 

[Ruby]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

:: Cassandra was doubly grateful that Rebecca had changed her outfit when she did. That little black dress she had on earlier would not have been appropriate right now. She was grateful her new outfit gave her warmth against the cool breeze coming off the water. ::

Ordinarily, this entire section would be CROWDED with tourists. But now...it seems quiet and vacant. Kind of like the calm before the storm.

:: She walked to the railing and stared out on the water. She was feeling much better than she had in the catacombs. The ride from the hotel to the pier gave her time process SOME of the events that had transpired. ::

If Sharon could see me now...

:: She felt a nudge and looked up at Vivica. ::

"I wanted to say...sorry I was a bitch earlier. I'm just use to hating most people that I meet.. remnants of my time in New York City..."

- Vivica turned her head and looked out over the water as she spoke. -

"But you did a great job there.. we really work together. I gotta say..those powers of yours are pretty cool...I've always wanted some killer fire power. I mean, God blessed with me a KILLER brain and looks to die for...I guess it's gotta balance it out somehow...."

:: Cass smiled weakly. ::

"No, I'M sorry. I shouldn't have gone off on you like that." *sighs*: "Tensions were high and I had just survived the hellion invasion... It wasn't your fault, after all. I've had a pretty brutal last few weeks, so it didn't help when the hellions showed up."

:: She shrugged when Vivica mentioned her powers. ::

"We ALL did the best we could. But thank you. You weren't bad yourself."

:: She looked back at the water. ::

"I'm pretty distrustful myself. It comes with the territory, I think."

:: She looked back at Vivica and smiled. ::

"A friend of mine back in Los Angeles always says that my...neighbours were not my enemy; that I could trust them. I DO have trust issues because of something that had happened in my past, but I'm trying to work on it, and even though we don't trust each other FULLY, we ARE a team and we need to stop this demon witch TOGETHER. It's the only way we will survive."

 

[Starfire]

Pier 39

Asuna pulled the black Navigator up to the rendezvous point at Fisherman’s Wharf, carefully parking next to where Vivica and her party stood. It was a little bit out in the open for the predicament she and her friends were in, but Asuna had learned that Vivica generally knew what she was doing, so she didn’t question her. Normally she would have had a driver, but this situation called for privacy and heck, if she could drive on the Autobahn, she could drive in San Francisco.

“Hey, Miss Viv!”

Her long loose reddish blonde hair swung as she slipped out of the SUV with a broad smile and air kissed Vivica on both cheeks before pulling her into a cheerful hug.

“A little bit different than the last time we were together, eh?”

The others would notice the slightest hint of an accent, but would have difficulty placing it. She turned to Vivica’s companions: two hot guys and a pretty brunette. Her smile didn’t diminish as she introduced herself and extended a graceful hand to each of them in turn.

“Asuna Hunyadi de Mortain. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Turning back to Vivica, she crooked her finger.

“I have the party favors you asked for.”

She opened the back end of the Navigator, pulling out four black backpacks and tossing one to each of the other four.

“Z12 model armor, for those of you who want it. Kevlar outer layer. Bulletproof. Acid resistant. Flame resistant. Waterproof. Etcetera, etcetera.”

Stepping aside, she indicated the back of the Navigator, which had had its seats removed to become a mobile Armory.

“Any weapons that you require, please help yourself. And Mr. Pratt, I have something special for you.”

Asuna had looked Simon and Cassandra up in her Order’s database before she arrived. Vivica hadn’t known the identity of their fourth, so he was still a mystery to her. Chances are these folks didn’t really NEED weapons, but it didn’t hurt to be prepared. Reaching into the SUV, she pulled out a blade not unlike the rapier she herself wore at her hip, and handed it to him with two hands, reverentially.

“Antique, of course.”

Asuna crossed her arms and leaned her hip against the side of the truck, forming a long line with her body. Smiling over at Vivica, she winked.

"Impressed?"

 

[Longshot]

Pier 39

< To say that Simon was glad to get out of the catacombs of The Hawthorne Hotel was a GROSS understatement. If he never went back there it would be too soon. The carnage, the loss of so many lives, though his eyes did not tell any tales, he was reeling a little bit from what he had just experienced. >

< Thankfully they had switched locations to a far more open, expansive and beautiful location. He took a moment to take in the beautiful view of the moon against the bay. In times like these, it was important to take all of the good moment as they came. >

< He was lost in thought until Vivica snapped him back into reality. >

"You're not so bad either kid...tell me.. what is your little ability you go going on over there? I couldn't tell..."

< Simon laughed for a moment. >

"Well..i've been in the same predicament for much of my life.. It's subtle, but i'm getting control over it.. learning to express it in different ways..I'm TOLD.. from what i've RESEARCHED.. I can manipulate probability fields. Good luck..bad luck...that sort of thing..."

< He had to admit, he felt somewhat like a novice among the women, a feeling that Simon ABSOLUTELY despised. Simon had always been good at EVERYTHING he had ever tried..but finding out about his abilities and learning to control them had left him with the concern that all of his life, he had been completely "ordinary" and the only reason he had amounted to ANY kind of success was because of a genetic predisposition. But that was for another time. >

< Thankfully a hot red head with weapons showed up. She greeted Vivica and it became clear that the two were friends and that THIS was the contact that they were waiting for. She adressed everyone like she knew them already. >

"Asuna Hunyadi de Mortain. It is a pleasure to meet you."

< Now THAT was a name he could respect. The kind of long, pretentious name he had been used to hearing his entire life. Could she really be a blue blood like himself? >

"Mr Pratt, I have something special for you

< Hot. Long Name. AND she came bearing gifts? Yes, he was quite sure that he had found a new best friend.. and her name was Asuna. >

< From inside her SUV she pulled out a thing of true beauty. >

"Antique, of course. Impressed?"

< His eyes widened, snapping for the rapier just like a child at Christmas. >

"Antique? That is a 16th Century Two Handed Landsknecht German Swiss Rapier BROAD Sword! I'm not impressed...I'm amazed!"

< Simon began to use the sword with great accuracy, feeling it in his hands. He shot the woman a smile. >

"Don't take this the wrong way...but.. will you MARRY me?"

< Peering at Cass >

"Sorry, Cassandra...but she has TOYS!"

 

[Recall]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

- Vivica listened as Cassandra spoke..and as much as she appreciated her words, she was a little longwinded. Thankfully, Pollyana was interrupted by the arrival of a black Navigator pulling into view. As the strawberry blonde woman approached the group, Vivica ran up to her friend and embraced her into a big hug. -

Asuna: Hey, Miss Viv!!

[hugging her warmly]

"Una! My girl! And yes! Last time was MUCH different. I STILL don't think i've recovered from my hangover. People in Normandy know how to drink!"

- It was very good to see her and she wished that circumstances had been far different. Still, she was here and that was all that mattered. -

"Z12 Model Armor, for those of you who want it. Kevlar outer layer. Bulletproof. Acid Resistant. Flame Resistant. Waterproof. Etcetera, Etcetera."

- Vivica shot a look over to Simon and Cassandra. -

"Both of you put them on and don't complain. They can ONLY help us.."

- Looking at Brenthon for a moment. -

"You.. Something tells me you can handle your own.. still..I think I might like to see that body in that suit!"

- She watched as Asuna and Simon seemed to take to each other almost immediately. Bonding over their shared loved of weaponry. -

"Alright Simon...down boy. You suit up! Brenthon? Get over here and let the woman see the Athame..."

- Brenthon begrudgingly walked over and brandished the athame -

"The Athame of Almora..Supposedly there is a Witch around town trying to enact a certain curse.. You have any info that might be helpful?"

 

[Starfire]

Pier 39

" Last time was MUCH different. I STILL don't think I’ve recovered from my hangover. People in Normandy know how to drink!"

Asuna leaned in towards Vivica as she whispered conspiratorially.

“They put wine in our baby bottles.”

She laughed and smiled broadly at her friend.

Simon, meanwhile, was appreciative, to say the least of the special item she had brought for him.

"Antique? That is a 16th Century Two Handed Landsknecht German Swiss Rapier BROAD Sword! I'm not impressed...I'm amazed! Don't take this the wrong way...but…will you MARRY me?"

Asuna smiled graciously.

“We shall see. You will have to speak with my father first.”

She had grown up being taught that politeness mattered in all situations. Vivica, bossy lady she could be, ordered the others to put on the suits she had brought them. Except for the handsome mystery man – Brenthon.

"You…Something tells me you can handle your own…still...I think I might like to see that body in that suit!"

Asuna blushed. She wondered exactly how powerful this one was – for he must be VERY powerful – that would negate the usefulness of the body armor in Vivica’s eyes. The girl’s picture was next to “overprepared” in the dictionary. Viv called him over. He held a beautiful athame out to her.

"The Athame of Almora…Supposedly there is a Witch around town trying to enact a certain curse… You have any info that might be helpful?"

“The Athame of Almora…it’s much more magnificent in person…”

Asuna gingerly reached out to touch it, but Brenthon looked like he might bite her hand off if she did, so she pulled it back. She gave Vivica a good-natured smirk.

“And when have you ever known me to NOT have helpful information? I heard through the Order that the Cigány Rózsa had been taken from Almora’s tomb. That’s not an object you want floating around out in the world [eyeing Vivica disapprovingly] (or at an auction house), and I was nearby, relatively speaking, so I looked into it. It was clear that it wasn’t just some grave robber – the person who took the amulet knew of its true power. She goes by the name of ‘Witchfire’. I followed her, here, and I’ve been watching her. Until you called, of course.”

She smiled, but it quickly faded as she continued.

“This witch is a real lunatic. She’s planning to perform the ritual with the items in the lower levels of Alcatraz.”

She turned sadly to Brenthon.

“And I’m sorry, my friend. Part of the ritual requires the spilling of gypsy blood. YOUR blood. I didn’t realize until I saw you. Witchfire planned to lure a powerful gypsy magick user here – she could only have meant you.”

 

[Ruby]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

:: She could see from Vivica's expression that maybe she was talking a little too much so she stopped talking. And maybe Sharon WASN'T right at all on the trust thing. So Cass did what she was best at: she shut down. She had learned to turn 'off' her heart and feelings when she was just ten years old and still in the research facility. She was surrounded by death and torture back then, and she was losing MANY of her fellow inmates. She had become friendly with many of them and after crying for the sixteenth day in a row because her 'friends' were dying, she made a decision: TRUST brings about hurt. TRUST brings about pain. TRUST will leave you crying because somebody had left you. TRUST will only stab you in the back.

:: She looked back out at the water. She had been fooled AGAIN. Suddenly she wanted to just go back to the hotel and pack her things so she could hightail it out of there. She sighed inwardly. ::

I HATE this!

:: She was pulled from her thoughts when a black car pulled into view. ::

Okay, buisness time now.

:: She straightened up and pushed her emotions down below deep inside. She was all business now. ::

Asuna pulled the black Navigator up to the rendezvous point at Fisherman’s Wharf, carefully parking next to where Vivica and her party stood. It was a little bit out in the open for the predicament she and her friends were in, but Asuna had learned that Vivica generally knew what she was doing, so she didn’t question her. Normally she would have had a driver, but this situation called for privacy and heck, if she could drive on the Autobahn, she could drive in San Francisco.

“Hey, Miss Viv!”

Her long loose reddish blonde hair swung as she slipped out of the SUV with a broad smile and air kissed Vivica on both cheeks before pulling her into a cheerful hug.

“A little bit different than the last time we were together, eh?”

The others would notice the slightest hint of an accent, but would have difficulty placing it. She turned to Vivica’s companions: two hot guys and a pretty brunette. Her smile didn’t diminish as she introduced herself and extended a graceful hand to each of them in turn.

“Asuna Hunyadi de Mortain. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Turning back to Vivica, she crooked her finger.

“I have the party favors you asked for.”

She opened the back end of the Navigator, pulling out four black backpacks and tossing one to each of the other four.

“Z12 model armor, for those of you who want it. Kevlar outer layer. Bulletproof. Acid resistant. Flame resistant. Waterproof. Etcetera, etcetera.”

Stepping aside, she indicated the back of the Navigator, which had had its seats removed to become a mobile Armory.

“Any weapons that you require, please help yourself. And Mr. Pratt, I have something special for you.”

:: Cass shook her hand politely and sized her up. She was very pretty, much like a supermodel. She caught the backpack Asuna had thrown to her. She nodded in acknowledgement to her weapons quarry. ::

:: When Asuna pulled out the sword for Simon, Cass immediately knew he would change sides. ::

"Don't take this the wrong way...but.. will you MARRY me?"

< Peering at Cass >

"Sorry, Cassandra...but she has TOYS!

*sarcastically*: Gee, thanks.

:: She shrugged. ::

"You have the freedom to do whatever you want."

:: But Cass had had a feeling that Simon was a playboy. Good thing she found out before things had gone farther. After all, this was all pretend for her. Well, not the part with the insane demon witch but everything else. It was all pretend. Los Angeles was REAL life for her. ::

Business. Nothing more, nothing less.

:: At Vivica's advice, she put suited up and stood waiting. Asuna told Brenthon that Witchfire was going to spill gypsy blood. Of course she was. She was insane, after all. But she had a feeling the mystery guy would NOT sit this one out. ::

*brusquely*: "So what's the plan NOW?"

 

[Brenthon]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

<< Brenthon was slowly beginning to regret his decision to let this wayward group of mutants accompany him on his mission to kill the witch and return his mentor's items back to their proper resting place. Two of them were minutes away from braiding each other's hair, and the little boy that was following them around looked as if he were about fifty pounds, soaking wet. >>

<< However, Vivica had some information that would prove useful to him. So he would suffer the group to live...FOR NOW. As the humans entertained their desperate struggle to connect with one another, a Black Navigator pulled up and from it came a rather astonishingly beautiful maiden named Asuna. Now THAT was a name that made sense. During his time in the realm of Earth he had encountered FAR to many 'Britneys' or 'Ashleys'. It comforted him to meet a young woman with an old name. >>

<< He also could gather that this was a Knight of The Order. This somehow put him at ease. The Knights protected many objects of a mystical nature and were incredibly ferocious in battle. Vivica's guest had turned into about the only person that Brenthon might consider an ally. She moved around them, delivering weapons and armor as Vivica halphazardly ordered many of them to go ahead and accept the gifts without question. >>

"You.. Something tells me you can handle your own...still..I think I might like to see that body in that suit..."

<< Brenthon rolled his eyes for a moment, before smiling..deciding to ATTEMPT to humor Vivica. >>

"I wear..what I wear. Worst case scenario, I'll shed my clothes completely and give you more than enough material for a lonely night..."

<< Upon her request, Brenthon walked over to Asuna and brandished the athame with a careful and strong grasp upon it. >>

Asuna gingerly reached out to touch it, but Brenthon looked like he might bite her hand off if she did, so she pulled it back. She gave Vivica a good-natured smirk.

“And when have you ever known me to NOT have helpful information? I heard through the Order that the Cigány Rózsa had been taken from Almora’s tomb. That’s not an object you want floating around out in the world [eyeing Vivica disapprovingly] (or at an auction house), and I was nearby, relatively speaking, so I looked into it. It was clear that it wasn’t just some grave robber – the person who took the amulet knew of its true power. She goes by the name of ‘Witchfire’. I followed her, here, and I’ve been watching her. Until you called, of course.”

She smiled, but it quickly faded as she continued.

“This witch is a real lunatic. She’s planning to perform the ritual with the items in the lower levels of Alcatraz.”

She turned sadly to Brenthon.

“And I’m sorry, my friend. Part of the ritual requires the spilling of gypsy blood. YOUR blood. I didn’t realize until I saw you. Witchfire planned to lure a powerful gypsy magick user here – she could only have meant you.”

<< Brenthon's gaze remained cold. >>

"Thankfully for our stupid witch.. She may have realized all too late that while the essence of the curse IS in the Cigány Rózsa, she would need all the altar tools to complete the ritual...Vivica here, while stupid enough to carry it around with her, DID buy us some valuable time. As long as we have it, she won't be able to complete the ritual..."

<< On the subject of his blood. >>

"It makes sense..If the witch is worth her salt at ALL, she would know that I studied under Almora..she was my mentor and the only 'mother' figure I ever had. When the villagers KIDNAPPED her and BURNED her at the stake.. I left on my journey...planning to return once I had the power to exact my own 'brand' of revenge..and I DID...."

<< A small hungarian village in a state of RUIN as flames cascaded the trees, the tents and the gypsy wagons all around. >>

<< Brenthon stood in the center of the village, BRUTALLY murdering the residents as they attempted to flee. A look a deep seated hatred in his eyes. >>

"I murdered every single one of them...Man. Woman. Child. I've heard that even now, that day is remembered as a Day of Silence for those who perished..."

<< The gypsy seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, before snapping back into reality. >>

"So you can see... Revenge has already been sought and attained. To release her curse now, would simply add insult to injury.. My 'mother' deserves to rest in peace..."

<< He could tell that this revelation would send shockwaves through those who were listening, but Brenthon could really not be bothered with the coil of humanity. He had shed that LONG ago. >>

"As for my blood...I am really one of her only options. The Gypsies have been PERSECUTED for centuries.. and the 'Chovani', the gypsy witches? They experienced a persecution that trumped even THAT. Being on Earth in the short time I have been back.. I can discern that there are only three bloodlines left of Gypsy Witch..and NONE of them are strong enough to have their blood due any good in a spell crafted by MY mentor..."

<< He turned away from Asuna and Vivica and looked towards Cassandra and Simon. >>

Cassandra: So what's the plan Now?

"The plan NOW, my little 'Wandering Jew' is to HEAD to this Buckley's...We've got no time to waste..."

<< Turning to Vivica and Asuna >>

"I hope we aren't too far away.. If so, I can carry us through the Shadows..."

 

[Ruby]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

"Thankfully for our stupid witch.. She may have realized all too late that while the essence of the curse IS in the Cigány Rózsa, she would need all the altar tools to complete the ritual...Vivica here, while stupid enough to carry it around with her, DID buy us some valuable time. As long as we have it, she won't be able to complete the ritual..."

<< On the subject of his blood. >>

"It makes sense..If the witch is worth her salt at ALL, she would know that I studied under Almora..she was my mentor and the only 'mother' figure I ever had. When the villagers KIDNAPPED her and BURNED her at the stake.. I left on my journey...planning to return once I had the power to exact my own 'brand' of revenge..and I DID...."

"I murdered every single one of them...Man. Woman. Child. I've heard that even now, that day is remembered as a Day of Silence for those who perished..."

<< The gypsy seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, before snapping back into reality. >>

"So you can see... Revenge has already been sought and attained. To release her curse now, would simply add insult to injury.. My 'mother' deserves to rest in peace..."

<< He could tell that this revelation would send shockwaves through those who were listening, but Brenthon could really not be bothered with the coil of humanity. He had shed that LONG ago. >>

"As for my blood...I am really one of her only options. The Gypsies have been PERSECUTED for centuries.. and the 'Chovani', the gypsy witches? They experienced a persecution that trumped even THAT. Being on Earth in the short time I have been back.. I can discern that there are only three bloodlines left of Gypsy Witch..and NONE of them are strong enough to have their blood due any good in a spell crafted by MY mentor..."

:: Cass was agitated listening to him describe his revenge on those who had killed his 'mama', especially those innocent children. ::

Why, he's nothing more than a NAZI!

:: She asked what the plan was. ::

"The plan NOW, my little 'Wandering Jew' is to HEAD to this Buckley's...We've got no time to waste..."

:: She GLARED at him when he called her that. She WAS a Jew, but he didn't have to say it so condescendingly and offensively. She couldn't help what she was BORN into, after all. She shut herself down even further. ::

*bluntly*: "By all means, let us go then..."

:: She slipped the pack onto her shoulders and stood waiting. She was ready for battle and it was CLEAR she had no intention of striking up personal relationships/friendships even further at this point. She was just there to WIN. Oh, she'd look out for her 'teammates' and protect them if she needed to, but that was it. ::

 

[Recall]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

- Vivica listened as Brenthon spoke of his background with Almora. It was intriguing to say the least. As far as tall, dark and handsome? Brenthon seemed to have that down PAT! And the way that he just mentioned dismembering an entire village in an act of revenge made Vivica truly realize that although he was allowing them to go with HIM, he was most certainly not interested in making any new friends. -

"Well..it' all come full circle then, hasn't it? The Prodigal Son returns.."

- She winked at him for a moment before looking towards the others. -

"Once everyone is suited up we can head to Buckley's. I just called ahead and it apears that Almora's items should be on their way of the storage cells in the basement of the facility, which is heavily guarded..."

- Vivica rubbed her hands together. -

"The fact that security has answered me is a good sign. It's means that Witchfire and her brood haven't arrived.. based on what her debut at The Hawthorne Hotel..it's obvious that she doesn't show up quietly.. My guess is her appearance will be WELL KNOWN..."

- She moved over towards Simon and Cassandra. -

"When we get there, we need to have all of our bases covered. Brenthon and I will make our way down to the bottom basement floor... there are four basement levels...Cassandra, Simon and Asuna.. you will take counterpoint..if anything tries to get UP those basement levels...you will TAKE THEM OUT.. and if there is TROUBLE.. you let us KNOW... Everybody good?"

 

[Longshot]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

< Simon was so concerned with his new toy that he almost didn't even HEAR Asuna. >

Asuna: "We shall see. You will have to speak with my father first."

< Laughing loudly. >

"Hah! A girl with values...You don't see that everyday! I like it..."

< He continued to giggle until Cassandra responded. >

"You have the freedom to do whatever you want."

< Quietly. >

"Famous last words!"

< Soon, Brenthon, Vivica and Asuna were gathered around as he listened to Brenthon explain his backstory to the situation at hand, and Simon was astonished to say the least. How long had this man been... "around" and just what were his true intentions.. Was that story true or was he HIMSELF planning on using the tools to get revenge for his "mentor." He was astonished at how ready these women were to believe him. Simon interjected for a moment. >

"Look..maybe it's because i'm not interested in taking a dip in the "man" pond..but am I the only one that find this all a littl odd? I mean, no offense, Brenthon..but you show up, saving the woman who has the athame...are wanting her to LEAD you to the rest of the items...and you have quite a DEEP emotional bond to the WOMAN who CREATED the curse..."

< He stepped forward for a moment. >

"I don't want any trouble..but it seems like we are LEADING the wolf to the chicken coop..."

 

[Starfire]

Pier 39

Cassandra seemed to be getting antsy.

"So what's the plan NOW?"

Asuna put a sisterly arm around her shoulders, smiling down at her warmly.

“Patience. The battle will come soon enough.”

She gave Cassandra a last pat on the shoulder before turning to Brenthon. He agreed with her supposition that Witchfire had lured him to use in her ritual, and confirmed that she would need the athame to complete it. He spoke about how the villagers had burned Almora at the stake. She looked at him sympathetically.

“How terrible that must have been for you.”

She knew he was trying to shock them by telling them of his revenge. Shock or instill fear in them. Asuna felt neither. She pitied him. Brenthon was gruff, it was true - like many European men, but that was a secondary concern to the real problem at hand, so Asuna wasn't going to worry about the gypsy's demeanor.

Vivica laid out her plan for taking the auction house. Asuna wasn’t one to question a sound plan, so she nodded and began making preparations. But Simon had some concerns…

"Look..maybe it's because i'm not interested in taking a dip in the "man" pond..but am I the only one that find this all a little odd? I mean, no offense, Brenthon..but you show up, saving the woman who has the athame...are wanting her to LEAD you to the rest of the items...and you have quite a DEEP emotional bond to the WOMAN who CREATED the curse...I don't want any trouble..but it seems like we are LEADING the wolf to the chicken coop..."

Asuna was checking the tightness of her scabbard around her waist, glancing at Simon as she did.

“A valid question. However, from Brenthon’s perspective, we are in fact leading the sheep to the wolf. For all he knows, we could be working with Witchfire.”

Satisfied with the fit of her belt, she walked a few steps closer to Simon.

“Look, I’ve been watching her. The three of you are not powerful enough as a group to take her on alone.”

She looked over at Brenthon.

“You need him. So we all have to trust a little, no?”

 

[Brenthon]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

<< Brenthon listened to Asuna's words and smiled. >>

"How quickly people bite the hand that feeds them...Excuse me."

<< Brenthon turned from Asuna and Vivica and before Cassandra KNEW it, she was THROWN up against the railing, her back digging into it as Brenthon restrained her against it..the smell of leather would fill her nose as his arm rested against the pretty little succubus' throat. >>

"If you had ANY idea of what I am capable of doing to you? You'd understand why NAZI is a WEAK comparison..."

<< For Brenthon to be able to HEAR her thoughts, it meant that he would have to possess CONSIDERABLE power. Lucky for her.. He did. Brenthon continued. Gritting his teeth and bracing his words as he went, speaking VERY abruptly to Cassandra. >>

"I would THINK that a woman smart enough..and presumably POWERFUL enough to survive the HORRORS of The HOLOCAUST would be a little more careful about the way she LOOKS at people..."

<< He jammed his arm into her throat once more. >>

"You don't AGREE with the way I sought my VENGEANCE? And yet.. when I look into that 'sweet' little mind of yours.. Why.. I see PLENTY of cases of you DRAINING men of their LIVES... Nazi's or not.. Bryda.. those men surely had famlies...wives and children.. or did you not consider THAT when you were FEEDING on their husbands and fathers??"

<< Brenthon LET up on his grip, before THROWING the woman to the ground. >>

"Save your CONTEMPT and JUDGEMENT and put it towards something useful..like using your BRAIN..."

<< He SPAT on the ground beside him, an old Gypsy way to show disgust. >>

"Young as you LOOK..use your DECADES worth of Life Experience and REALIZE when you are outclassed..."

<< Without so much as an inclination he SWOOPED upon Simon, swinging his arm around behind him and kneeing him in the back. As Simon winced in pain and dropped his rapier, Brenthon grabbed it and brought it as close to Simon's CHEST as he could. >>

"I'm assuming, what with your apparent lack of concern for really anybody outside of yourself, that PRESERVATION will tell you that based on what you just saw, MESSING with ME will most CERTAINLY not aid in KEEPING you ALIVE..."

<< Simon was pale white as his head nodded up and down. >>

"Good boy..."

<< Brenthon let go of his hold on Simon as he TOO fell to the ground. He placed the sword, end point to the ground and began to lean on the hilt, looking at Asuna and Vivica with somewhat of a devilish smirk. >>

"Anybody else have any concerns they would like to adress? Or are they ready to listen to the word of the Knight and the Gypsy?"

 

[Ruby]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

:: Before Cass even knew what was happening, she was SLAMMED into the railing by Brenthon and held there with his arm pressing into her throat. She gasped for breath. ::

"If you had ANY idea of what I am capable of doing to you? You'd understand why NAZI is a WEAK comparison... I would THINK that a woman smart enough..and presumably POWERFUL enough to survive the HORRORS of The HOLOCAUST would be a little more careful about the way she LOOKS at people..."

:: He jammed his arm into her throat again, causing her to choke and gasp for breath. ::

"You don't AGREE with the way I sought my VENGEANCE? And yet.. when I look into that 'sweet' little mind of yours.. Why.. I see PLENTY of cases of you DRAINING men of their LIVES... Nazi's or not.. Bryda.. those men surely had famlies...wives and children.. or did you not consider THAT when you were FEEDING on their husbands and fathers??"

:: He let up on his grip and then THREW her on the ground where she stayed, coughing and choking. So. THIS is how it was going to be. AND he called her by birth name. Fabulous. She laid there, glaring at the gypsy. He voice haven't come back to her yet, it would still be so hoarse, so she STARED into the face of the man. ::

*angrily*: I may have killed their fathers and husbands, and I may have done it with a song in my heart, but I have NEVER, I HAVE NEVER, touched one hair on the heads of the wives and children. Say what you want about me, but those women and children were innocent in all of...that. Yes, I may have took their precious husbands and fathers away, but I did it to exact my revenge on what happened to MY loved ones. Taking them away was the best thing I could do for them. They would no longer be BRAINWASHED into thinking that it was OKAY to SHED INNOCENT BLOOD for the sake of 'purifying' the human race! They would no longer be BOUND by the doctrines of the NAZIS thinking that, just like YOU, they were BETTER than everyone else! I SAVED them!

:: She sat up and leaned against the railings, her entire body shaking in anger. ::

"Save your CONTEMPT and JUDGEMENT and put it towards something useful..like using your BRAIN..."

<< He SPAT on the ground beside him, an old Gypsy way to show disgust. >>

"Young as you LOOK..use your DECADES worth of Life Experience and REALIZE when you are outclassed..."

*hoarsely*: "Screw you."

:: She watched him attack Simon. THAT was not okay. She slowly stood up and looked Brenthon STRAIGHT in the eye. ::

"SCREW YOU! Is there ANYTHING ELSE in my mind you'd like to share with the class? Or MAYBE you'd like to attack Vivica or Asuna now, huh? Why should WE help YOU?"

 

[Brenthon]

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

<< Brenthon stared at the woman. If he FELT like responding he would have pointed out that EVERYBODY who seeks revenge believes they are right in doing so...and that if one is going to committ murder, it was better that they didn't JUDGE others for it, other wise they would look like a hypocrite. >>

<< He might ALSO ask if she would CARE if somebody had a GOOD reason for murdering her parents and brother? Would it MATTER if they were bad people to others. Those men may have been Nazi's but they might have also tucked their children in bed at night, read them stories, brought their wives' flowers when they got home. THOSE children and THOSE wives' would be HEARTBROKEN and devestated JUST as Cassandra was about the loss of her family and the people around her. Would they then be justified in killing HER? >>

<< All of this he would say...that is IF he felt like responding. >>

"Cassandra...my CHILD...head down. It's quiet time..."

<< Squinting his eyes for a moment, Cassandra was telekinetically HURLED off her feet in a jagged motion as her HEAD slammed into the BUMPER of the Navigator, knocking her out cold. Brenthon looked up at Vivica and Asuna, his accent thick as he spoke. >>

"Put her in the back of the car... she should wake up by the time we get there.. and if she wakes up and still feels the need to act like a child...she can sit and pout there as well..or LEAVE. It is of no consequence to me..."

<< Brenthon expected them to act FAST. They had places to go, and his interactions with the people around him only served to PROVE to him that he NO LONGER belonged...on Earth. >>

 

[Watchtower]

From The Pier to The Auction House

<< And with that... What COULD have been a friendly encounter turned VIOLENT as Brenthon made it CLEAR that he was not to be trifled with...and Cassandra may have learned a thing or two about judging the gypsy anytime soon.

The group of Marauders piled into the Navigator with Cassandra in the very back. They were all suited and well prepared for battle as they drove off into the night, heading towards The Mission District and the prestigious Buckley's Auction House. >>

<< Vivica had called ahead and EVERYTHING seemed to be fine when she was on the phone, but as the Navigator slowly pulled into the parking lot, the group would soon find that JUST the opposite.

While in the Navigator, Cassandra began to stir, she would have to decide whether to continue on with the group, or to be left in the parking lot in a neighborhood she was unfamiliar with where a Demon Witch was on the loose. Simon, Brenthon, Vivica and Asuna exited the car and when they ran closer to the building, noticing that all the front glass windows had been SHATTERED, and upon closer inspection... The Security Gard Jeff from before, had been BRUTALLY murdered. And yet? The Security Alarm System had not gone off.. leading them to believe that whoever Jeff saw before he died.. SHUT OFF the system for him. >>

<< Vivica burst into action. She quickly divided the group. Part of her was afraid that the items did NOT get moved from her office, so she sent Cassandra, Asuna and Simon to head towards the top floors, specifically the 10th floor. As the group entered the completely dark auction house, they realized that the power had been cut off to the building, and unfortunately...the elevator would not be working. They would have to navigate the dark stairwell themselves. >>

<< Meanwhile, Vivica and Brenthon would head down towards the basement levels to check out whether or not the items were in the storage cell that Vivica had wanted the items to be moved to. Asuna would take the lead with Simon and Cassandra as she had been to Buckley's before and could more easily navigate the dark floor plan. >>

<< With the groups divided and blackness all around, the groups would have to move slowly and carefully.. especially when they had NO IDEA what may lay ahead of them. >>

<< And So..We Watch. As the Eye In The Sky. >>

 

[Starfire]

Pier 39 to Buckley's Auction House

Asuna’s sharp eyes watched Brenthon closely as he had his “encounter” with Simon and Cassandra. Her hand held the hilt of her sword, the blade partially exposed and tinged with the blue of her energy signature. It became apparent that no harm was going to come to her new companions, so she let the blade slide back into its sheath.

She picked up Cass and gently lay her in the backmost seat. Sliding back into the driver’s seat, Brenthon took his place in the front passenger side of the Navigator. As they drove to Buckley’s, she interjected matter-of-factly into the silence of the SUV, never taking her eyes off the road.

“Don’t raise your hand to them unprovoked again.”

She knew he could read her thoughts and didn’t feel the need to say more.

Asuna recognized the need to stop the petty squabbling and focus on the mission at hand – and these people were not her friends in a way that would require her to stand forward for them. But she would also not stand aside and watch someone harm them, either. Unless they tried to kill him, in which case it was Brenthon’s right to try and kill them right back. Like it or not, they were in this together, at least for the time being, and they needed to stop fighting with each other and start thinking about the fight they were about to have.

Pulling up to the auction house all seemed quiet. Upon closer inspection it was clear that their adversaries had arrived before them. Glass was everywhere…as was the body of the security guard Vivica had been talking to on the phone. Asuna looked gravely over at her friend.

“No alarm.”

They continued inside, where Vivica gave them their assignments: Asuna was to go with Simon and Cassandra to the 10th floor and check Viv’s office for the items, while she and Brenthon went down to storage. Asuna’s mouth turned up into a small smile. Vivica was smart, separating Brenthon from the others. Her face turned serious – it was time to go to work.

“Alright, power’s out, so stairs it is. Looks like we’ll be getting our exercise.”

Asuna walked to the stairwell, drawing her sword as she did. Slowly and carefully she opened the door. She peered inside, and not seeing anything in the immediate vicinity, motioned the others to follow her.

Turning back to Vivica, she nodded to her and smiled one last time.

“Good hunting.”

Once they were inside the stairwell with the door closed behind them, 10 floors of the unknown stood between them and (possibly) the items they were looking for. Asuna sent some of her stored energy down into her sword, causing it to glow a soft blue color, lighting their way a bit.

They started climbing.

Asuna was a bit worried about Cassandra. She was probably embarrassed over what had happened, so Asuna tried to reassure her.

“Don’t worry about Brenthon. I have encountered soldiers like him many times. Let him be useful to our purpose – and then we need have no more contact with him.”

 

[Longshot]

Buckley's Auction House - Stairwell

< Simon was VERY quiet on the car ride to Buckley's. After Cassandra and him were threatened by Brenthon, he found that he didn't have much else to say. Or rather, he didn't DARE say anything else. Still...Simon was an opportunist, and if there WAS a gypsy hellbent on releasing a curse upon the world that would destroy millions, he would take his chances by being on the side that seemed to have a LOT of firepower. Plus, Simon's ancestors were English and French, so it was safe to say that HE would safe, along with the rest of his family. >

< Also, seeing Cassandra get knocked out completely promptly alerted him to keep his mouth shut. >

< As the group entered the parking lot of Buckley's, they began to unpack out of the car, as he shook Cassandra who was still a little bit out of it ever since her HEAD met the bumper of an SUV. He whispered softly to her. >

"Hey Cassandra...get up...time to fight for our lives again..."

< Immediately the group could tell that WHATEVER was going to break in Buckley's to steal the rest of the items was in fact already THERE. Broken glass and the body of a Security Guard were the calling card. Vivica broke into action, dividing the group so that Cassandra, Asuna and himself would be out of the line of fire from Brenthon. She told them to reach the 10th floor and search in Vivica's Office. OF COURSE the power was out so they had to traverse the long, cold and echoing starewell to search. Great. More confined and creepy spaces. >

< The groups parted way and with his new teammates they began to enter the stairwell, and walk up. >

"Don't worry about Brenthon. I have encounterd soldiers like him many times. Let him be useful to our purpose - and then we need have no more contact with him."

< Simon smirked >

"Tongue lashing and head bashing aside...I have to say.. I kind of like the guy. Tall, dark, dashingly handsome...He just OOZES with power and intrigue. I'd like some of that to rub off on me..."

< Longshot's sword remained at his side, though somehow now in comparison the light glowing Blue of Asuna's, it didn't seem as cool as before. >

"You think we're screwed...I mean.. It's awfully quiet around here?"

 

[Ruby]

Buckley's Auction House - Stairwell

:: Cass became vaguely aware of a voice saying something about raising hands...or something to that effect. She let out a low groan and opened her eyes, but then closed them again when the light hurt her head. She moved her legs a bit but she still did not sit up. The slight rocking of the moving vehicle made her slightly nauseated. ::

"Ugh...."

:: Blissfully, the car stopped. She felt somebody shake her gently. ::

"Hey Cassandra...get up...time to fight for our lives again..."

"Mmmphfmmm..."

:: Simon gently helped the petite succubus out of the car, taking great care to keep her away from Brenthon. He held her at his side as they entered the auction house. Vivica split them up: she with Brenthon, and everybody else on their own. She would be fine, the headache has long since dissipated due to her higher than high pain tolerance. She needed to get more psychic energy into her and she would be as good as new. ::

:: Asuna spoke to her. ::

“Don’t worry about Brenthon. I have encountered soldiers like him many times. Let him be useful to our purpose – and then we need have no more contact with him.”

"Like it or not, we are a team and we all share a common goal. But we HAVE to work together and honestly? I don't trust him OR feel safe with him and THAT is potentially dangerous. Where I come from, I am a part of this motley crew of mutants who also happen to be my neighbours. Now, I don't get along with the leader of the pack AT ALL but I KNOW that in situations such as this, she has my back and I definitely have hers."

:: She winced as she shrugged. She let go off Simon and took hold of the railing. ::

"As you said earlier, we need to have a bit of trust with each other. But what happens when you don't trust the leader AT ALL? It's a recipe for disaster. I KNOW I have your back, and Simon's back, and even Vivica's back. And I know you guys have mine. But our fearless leader's back? Hell no. I'd sooner let that bitch of a witch bleed him to death before I trust HIM. And that is not at all good."

:: She stopped talking. She felt safe enough to say what she was feeling freely. ::