-Of Sinners and Saints-

[kai the pkk]

Kazuto: yeah and risk another dragon thrashing my bike...no thanks I'm not gonna let Reis gift get wrcked by a crazy dragon of this goes south which with my luck it probablly will so better we take your car ( he follows after him)

[SakuraAlkaid]

Jason laughed and led the way out to his Jeep, making sure to lock the door behind them. "Good thing that I have my car just short of being a tank, then," he said as he crawled into the driver's seat, laughing more. He tossed the rifle in the back seat and started the car while Kazuto got into the passenger's seat. As soon as he was in, they left, heading towards what was hopefully Cole Delano's brothel. "So, what makes you think that this meeting's going to head south already? Rei was the main reason we were so hesitant about this earlier, and she's not with us so all should go well. At least better than it would have, because she can claim to play nice all day long, but once you cross her... Well, it's done at that point. 'Hell hath no fury' as they say," he added with a chuckle. "You might want to remember that, by the way."

[kai the pkk]

Kazuto: thanks yeah I'll keep that in mind especially cause I know she can probablly beat me down if I pissed her off enough and I just get this feeling I'm really unlucky when it comes to these situations it's just a hunch but still

[SakuraAlkaid]

Jason took a hand off of the steering wheel and patted Kazuto on the shoulder, his grin wide. "You're a smart man to be scared of her, but you'll be fine as long as you don't do anything too stupid. Look at me for instance. You saw how pissed off she got this morning, yet when I came back she couldn't help but forgive me. You'll be fine," he said as he took his hand back, replacing it on the steering wheel.

"I'd be more scared of her than this man that we're going to meet now, but it probably won't hurt for either of us to go in with a little caution. I don't know how much you know about dragons, but they can be pretty intimidating if they want to. Plus, he rubbed Rei the wrong way with one meeting. Something tells me he's going to be a little... proud, so try not to let anything he may or may not say get to you if at all possible."

[GamerKale]

Ember finally took note of Asher staring at her when she got pawed by her familiar. She looked down at it and then at Asher and smiled, "Asher, if my presence is just too intoxicating for you to focus I can leave." "I don't know if I would call you intoxicating, Ms. Darklight." Came a voice that was so over the top it sounded like it belonged to a supervillain echoed from several directions at once. "I must admit that I am somewhat disappointed in the resourcefulness of our city's finest, and my daughter's best friend too, although it did take her some time to figure it out." A tall somewhat gangly figure dressed in an orange and black suit landed on the ground next to the group. Ember didn't need to turn around, hard to forget that voice. "Larfleeze. Finally being a good father and showing some concern after you threw her to the wolves last night?" "While I appreciate the concern you have for my daughter. Believe me, I hurt her much worse than she hurt me, but she is still alive unlike how they would have left her had I not done what I did." Ember finally turned around and was shocked to notice Larfleeze standing with a cane. He held it with his well practiced self-superior swagger but he was actually putting weight on it. He tossed a peach at Ember. She caught it, much to her own surprise and turned it over a couple of times confused before Robin took a bite out of it, sending the tender peach's juices everywhere.

"Eww, peaches." Jess moaned and opened a green eye and a moment of searching passed until she settled on Ember. "Hey there, you look tired. Did Asher keep you up all day "working a case"?" Ember went cherry red and hit one of Jessabell's bruises. "Jess! Shut up!" Ember fumbled with the wristbands and held them in front of the dragon, focusing her full attention on not looking at Asher. "These, how do they work?!" Jessabell blinked in confusion a couple of times and then held out a wrist. "Slap it on, like how magicians always combine their magic circles." Ember looked at her, unconvinced, but did as instructed and surprisingly it seemed to snap into place and she started shrinking. Ember did the same with the second and then threw the blanket over her friend. When Jess popped her head back out the transformation was complete and she scooted up to the back of the cab to get a good wide angle view of everybody. "Two questions. Did you all have a slumber party at my place? And why would anybody eat a peach?"

[SakuraAlkaid]

Rei and Asher had both tensed as soon as Jess's father had arrived, both realizing his powers instantly. They both managed not to go for their guns, although both considered it for a split second. "Are you alright, Jess?" Asher asked, looking her way but making sure it didn't come off as him "trying to sneak a peak" or anything. From what he could see of her out of the blanket, she had a few bruises but nothing looked too serious.

'I don't like this guy at all... Everything about him just screams arrogant, but he's clearly very powerful. I certainly don't want to mess with him if at all possible, but if he's back to hurt Jess or anyone else... Well, I'm glad I came a little prepared...' Rei thought to herself as she grit her teeth, her gaze never once leaving Jess's father. Someone had to watch him just in case.

[GamerKale]

"Of course I'm fine. I've still got all my fingers and toes, don't I. Wait I do don't I?" Jess pulled at the bottom of the blanket... twice to reveal her wiggling toes. "There, y'see. It's no worse than that time this thing tried to kill me." Jess pat the bed of the truck. "It's a little worse, come on, let's get you inside where you can change into a dress." "Well, what do you call this?" "My blanket." Ember sighed and helped Jess to her feet. "I assume you're not.going anywhere, Larfleeze." The lack of a response from him was all the answer she needed. "I will admit it seemed a little on the big side and it's not really my color, but I thought I could make it work." An azure tail swished this way and that forcing Asher to look away as she skipped up the steps.

"Would you like me to shout boo and get it over with Hunter Delacroix?" Larfleeze asked once the others had retreated up the steps. He turned his inhuman gaze upon Asher, and focused his full attention upon scrutinizing him. "Your discretion is to be commended, Detective Delacroix. Even knowing what she is and having seen her in all of her majesty few of you, I believe the term I heard most recently was God's only true children, would have behaved as appropriately as you just did. That speaks volumes for your character. If I knew nothing else about you, that would be enough for me to approve your courting of Ms. Darklight. And I would give a positive endorsement to her parents the very next time I had the pleasure of their company. However, I do know more about you." He took several long slow confident strides towards Asher. "Have you ever considered campaigning for police commissioner, Detective?" When Ember said the word it had awed respect in it, when Larfleeze said it. It sounded like a taunt. "I'm certain, quite certain, that you would stand a very good chance of reaching such lofty heights and serving in such a position more than adequately, with the right backing." He stopped just far enough away to make Asher look slightly upwards to match Larfleeze's glare, an apparently well practiced maneuver.

[SakuraAlkaid]

Rei kept her composure as he stepped closer, taunting them both, but Asher didn't keep his own as well. He stepped a step closer toward his sister, proving the point that he could be in the way if Larfreeze decided to play foul. Rei silently gritted her teeth at the motion, as she knew she could handle herself should a fight occur, but she stayed silent. She apparently didn't get along very well with any dragon other than Jess, so she didn't want to push their luck. Jason would be proud when she could tell him about it later.

"My parents were around long enough to raise me correctly, Mr. Larfreeze, so I assure you that you have nothing to worry about on that topic from me with anyone. As for my choice in careers, I like what I do and have no desire to change it, but I do thank you for your compliment about my capabilities.." he said with a smile that held a hint of a taunt in it as well, though it wasn't nearly as obvious as Larfreeze's own. He had been around enough people who acted as high and mighty as Larfreeze apparently felt he was to feel confident in making his own small jabs here and there.

[kai the pkk]

Kazuto: yeah I know im not going to go around pissing her off especially if she has an affinity for my kind even so I care to much about her to screw things up accidentally over a argument if it ever happened so he's proud oh god don't spry about me I can deal with it I've dealt with a few prideful vampires trust me it's bad I say we ask nicely but I hope we don't piss him off

[GamerKale]

He let out a chilling laugh, "Please don't try lying to me like that again. Everybody here knows that you hate sending Hunter Delacroix out on dangerous assignments. Isn't that right, Hunter?" Larfleeze turned his predatory gaze up slightly to look at Rei and then settled them back on Asher. "You also don't enjoy hunting us "neogenes" as the politicians put it, instead you are more interested in protecting people. And that is why you would be perfect for the job."

"Dad, stop messing with them. They don't know you're just trying to have a bit of fun." Jessabell stated as she walked down the steps, tail gone, dress on, and with fewer apparent injuries. Larfleeze turned and he bared his fangs at her. "On the contrary, my little blueberry, I am quite serious." Jessabell stood at his feet, her neck craned back all the way to glare at him. It would have been a funny picture. "You did the boo thing, didn't you? Father, what have I told you about that?" "I would never do that to your friends, again. I have been on my best behavior and said nothing that was not complimentary of them." "I see everybody is still alive." Ember said as she stepped next to Asher. "You two okay?"

[SakuraAlkaid]

"You'll be fine, then. At least with Rei. As for this dragon... Well, we'll just have to wait and see how he decides to act, now won't we? I might not even be alright with him," Jason said with a laugh. They were close enough to the brothel for him to faintly tense up now, and as he parked, he couldn't help but sigh. "Alright, so quick lesson about dragons, just in case you're not familiar with them. Try not to insult them, make them feel threatened, or pull a weapon on them in general unless provoked. Oh! And they've usually prideful beyond belief, so let anything he may say that's a tad... uppity, I guess we'll call it, go if you can. That should be enough to get us through this meeting anyway." He reached down and felt his lower legs, nodding as he did. Everything was in order. "Any questions?"

---------------------------------------------

"We're fine, Ember. Just getting introduced to Mr. Larfreeze is all," Asher replied with a genuine smile as she stepped closer to him. Rei looked over at Jess, her gaze falling away from Larfreeze for the first time since he appeared, and immediately felt a small weight lift from her chest. She looked a lot better than she had when she was unconscious. Then again, it was easier to look her over now than it had been before.

"Are you alright, Jess?" she asked, stepping away from Asher just enough to get herself out of his shadow. She hated when he did that, but now wasn't the time to bring it up. Maybe after Larfreeze left.

[GamerKale]

Jess looked over at Rei and blinked a couple of times, "Yeah, why does everybody keep asking me that? "Because I beat you half to death last night." "Oh, right. That reminds me." Jess looked back up at Larfleeze, "How's your leg?" "It's healed. I've just discovered that I like the cane." He spun the item in question jauntily. "Oh, and Detective, it is just Larfleeze. No Mr. no sir, no Dr., no first name, nor a last one, just the one name." He bent over and picked something up that he held like one might hold a babe. "Little Robin, I see you've grown a little." "Wait, you can see her?" Ember looked at Larfleeze with a new light. She never thought for a second that he might be able to see her familiar. "Of course I can see her, I named her. Oh yes, before I go. Hunter Delacroix, you have to fight my kind on occasion. I offer you this so that those few who honor the old ways may decide to surrender rather than be annihilated." Larfleeze tossed a wrapped box towards Rei and disappeared in the instant everybody's eyes were off of him. The box contains a golden torque designed after a many tusked dragon with a long snout, Larfleeze. An older symbol of being owned by and thus under the protection of Larfleeze.

[kai the pkk]

Kazuto: allright let's go ( he hops out of the car as he streches to wake himself up) allright so what do we do just knock? And okay so ground rules don't piss of the dragon don't insult the dragon and don't draw weapons on the dragon?

[SakuraAlkaid]

"This means what I think it does, doesn't it Jess?" Rei asked slowly as soon as she opened the box. She didn't even wait for a reply. She knew she was correct. "What a smartas-"

"Rei, at least he's gone now," Asher interrupted with a sigh. "And he left rather peacefully."

"Ash, you don't know what he's implying with this, do you?" she asked, her tone clearly a little annoyed. His expression told her than he may, but it wasn't a decisive look. She sighed and returned the golden torque to the box, letting the lid cover it once more. "He got the last laugh, Ash. This shows what you're thinking, that I have his 'protection,' but it also implies that in repayment for said protection, I am somewhat 'owned' by him. At least that's how the 'few who honor the old ways' he mentioned will see it." Rei mentally noted that he could also be implying that she needed extra protection because Asher wasn't enough, but she kept that to herself. The last thing they needed right now was Asher starting a state-wide search for Jess's father.

"Well, that doesn't really matter right now. Like I said, he's gone so we can get back to the reason we're here." Asher turned his attention to Jess and Ember and asked, "Is everything alright now?"

-----------------------------------------------------

"Basically," Jason replied with a grin. He followed Kazuto out of the car and they walked across the street to the brothel's doorway. He reached up and knocked three times, lowering his hand to his side afterword. They wanted to look as non-threatening as possible, after all. 'Here goes nothing,' he thought with a mental laugh.

[kai the pkk]

Kazuto: soo ( he stands there relaxed) how long does this usually take and what are the odds of us being allowed in a brothel ( he sniffs the air) god the overwhelming aroma of sweat and shame.....

[GamerKale]

"That's the basic of the basics, yeah. But it only matters if you put it on. The fact that it's gold means that you will be representing him. His authority is your authority, your decisions are his decisions, and you share enemies. If somebody so much as calls you a human while you're wearing it you can take umbrage at their remark because they're basically calling Larfleeze a human, which usually ends with them suffering from severe financial difficulties. I can take it back on his behalf if you don't want it. But if you do accept it, I would suggest practicing your backhanded compliments." "And you're I am better than you swagger. Is there a school dragons go to for that?" Jessabell laughed and shook her head. "Is the reason you're both here, just to make sure Jess is okay, or was there something else?" Ember looked at Rei. "I'm not big on coincidence. Did you just happen to be passing by earlier or were you coming to see me?"

[SakuraAlkaid]

"I'll keep it just in case I ever need a favor from him, but I'm not wearing it until then. Also, if I need any help with that swagger you mentioned, Ember, I think I know just the dragon to teach me..." She sighed at the thought of Cole Delano, but it did remind her of why she was here. "I was actually looking for Asher and/or Jess, so I guess this kind of worked out in my favor. I had a question to ask you, but I almost feel bad doing so after all of this..."

"What kind of question, Rei?" Asher asked, his expression growing a little darker. What kind of question would she need to ask Jess and him so out of the blue?

"Well," she began with a sigh. "I've been pulled into a hunt with a friend of mine who thinks we'll need a little extra firepower, and he doesn't take that as a light statement either. He asked if I knew any neogenes that we could trust with our lives to come in and help, but like I said: Now I feel bad asking." She closed her eyes as she directed the rest of her explanation towards Asher, peeking up at him as she continued speaking. "And as for you, Ash, I was going to see if I could get you to okay me some weapons that may or may not be civilian-suitable... Just for a night, of course..." He stared blankly for a split second, but immediately replied.

"What kind of weapons, Rei? And what kind of hunt are you talking about? There's nothing at the office for you to do, and yo- It's that friend of yours, isn't it?"

"Yes... It's him. So either way, I'll have the weapons I'll need, Ash. I just thought I'd ask you so it would be completely legal if I ended up needing them." Asher sighed, massaging his temples rather vigorously with his fingers. There was never just a day where things weren't just boring around here.

"Fine, but you have to fill me in more on this before I give you anything for someone else to use. If it were just you, it would be no problem, but I want to know anyone else involved first."

[GamerKale]

Jessabell raised an eyebrow and sighed, "Thus adding credence to father's argument that you should become the commissioner and start recruiting some neogenes into the hunters." Jess rubbed her temple, "Rei, you know I would love to help, but I'm not a fighter. I don't know how to use a gun and as was made painfully apparent to me last night, I don't know the first thing about martial arts." "Jess, all you'd need to do is grab a car and throw it. Or anything else really. You're kind of an unstoppable force, especially if you take your wrist bands off." "Maybe... I don't know. What would I be fighting?"

[SakuraAlkaid]

Rei was beginning to like Ember a lot. She only hoped that Asher wouldn't drive her off too quickly at this point. "You wouldn't even need to fight too much, if you even agreed to come with us, Jess. My friend, he really just wants to make it look like we're prepared just in case the target has had time to form a... well, a small army of her own..." Asher's gaze was penetrating, and Rei did everything she could to keep her eyes away from him. If looks could kill... "The target's a vampire. She's older, but she's not quite an ancient yet. She had a few with her, though, that were a little younger than her."

"She had a small army of ancients, Rei?" Asher asked, his tone completely flat. "How did he manage to get away, then? I thought you were the only one wit-"

"I'm speaking from experience, if you would let me finish, Asher. Jason was assigned her about a week ago. He struck, she alone escaped, she came here, and I ran into her the other night on a fake hunt of my own. That's how he escaped. She didn't have the ancients until the other night. But, it's strange that she could convince a few ancients to become her whipping boys like she did, so that is why we're trying to have a little extra help. We really just want a scare tactic, just in case. The most fighting you would actually need to do, Jess, is maybe help take out a few newbloods so that we can get to the actual target... Again, if you don't feel up to it, it's fine. I just immediately thought of you when it came to someone I trust, so I said that I would ask if at all possible..."

[GamerKale]

"Well if it's just to be scary, fine." Ember put a comforting arm around Jessabell. "Rei, this friend of yours. How well do you know him? What I mean is. What kind of hunter is he? Will he throw our girl to the wolves?" "Ember, Rei wouldn't ask me to help if she thought he'd do that." Jess said with a smile. Ember was plainly not reassured.