Topic: RPG - Supernatural: Vampire vs Werewolf

Fort had a solemn run back to the motel. The memories of his father were hard to qwell, but he managed to shake them off and get ready to enter the fray at the Murk Motel.

He hadn't told Daphne about the Balor Lord just yet, she had enough problems on her hands. He'd call her after he cleared the scum that were at the Murk now, he might even have to find a new place.

Fort arrived at the motel and took out his .44magnum. He came around the left side and saw what was going on. Crispin and the dragon were tearing apart a car load of vampires, the Asian vamp was still pretty wounded and was looking after the white haired one who had apparently gotten plastered by Griggs in the semi, therenwas a slayer being held at...guitar point? by another vampire, and lastly there was Loxley and two other lycans (Paul and Nikoli) tearing up some other vamps.....in other words, complete chaos.

Fort didn't know what to do at first, his room was empty and undamaged, so his crate full of supplies was ok. He doubted anyone needed that stuff but him anyways. So he ran after Griggs in the semi, who seemed to be turning around for another run. Fort waved him down and ran across the battlefield, dodging a shot here and there. He hopped into the passenger seat of the semi and adjusted Nasher on his back so it wasnt so uncomfortable.

"Griggs! What HELL is going on?!" Fort asked Griggs, who had a smile on his face after splattering the white haired vamp.

(John had a kinda alternating setup here. every other shot in this clip is kinda a weird aniti vapmipre round, injects a small amount of holywater into the subject.)

John was on the ground, with his hands up, he held his gun in one of those hands. "Drop it. Now" the vampire with the guntar said. John slowly began to lower the gun to the ground. Before he let the gun go, he quickly rolled pointed his gun shot and hoped that he hit something. He was rewarded by the vampires scream as his knee-cap shatered and the holywater that had been inside the round began to eat through his flesh. In the moment of intense pain the vampire had done something very stupid. He had dropped his weapon. John quickly picked it up, and not knowing how to shoot the thing, smashed the vampire in the face with it, apparently knocking him out.

John looked to see if Audrey was ok, she was, but she was staring at the vampire with a look that clearly said "What the hell just happend?" John walked over and helped her up, noticing that her thigh was still bleeding.
"I think it would be a good idea to leave." he said.

As Paul saw the other vampire fall to the ground he looked in the car and saw another vampire.  But this vamp was heavily bruised and appeared to be in a lot of pain.  It looked as if every bone in his body was broken.  Paul thought about this and grabbed the man and a moan escaped his lips.  Paul hauled him out and draped him over his shoulder.  Ignoring the man's pain he sprinted back to Clara who was surpirisingly still waiting in the car. 

"I found myself some vamp.  Quick let's get him back to the conclave.  He should be healed up soon.  DO we still have those UV spotlights back there?"

D was asleep this time, and he awoke when a servant showed up.

"Milord, your daily meal."

"Ah, quite right on time. Thanks, Savage. You may go now."

The tray held a glass and a bottle. The bottle began to pour red liquid into the glass by itself; D was clearly using his mind powers to do so. He took a sip.

"Ah, humans. Never knew their kind tasted so well."

Daphne washed her hand under the cool water and examined the wound. It was already healing. Daphne then checked her leg and saw that the wound was almost healed.  She decided to check on Nick before she took a shower. She found him awake and nursing his head. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

“I think a bus ran over me and backed up a few times.” Nick told.

Daphne chuckled, “No quite but I you were certainly in a bad way.”

“So what did you find out from the half-wolf?” Nick asked as he’d been unable to hear their conversation clearly.

“Not a lot,” Daphne answered then remembered that she forgot to ask him if he’d gotten the results on Tiffany’s body. “Why don’t you have a sleep? I’m going to have a shower then we can head back to the conclave.”

Nick gave a nod, “Okay but wouldn’t we be safer staying put for now? The half-wolf knows are scent and could follow us home.”

Daphne realised that Nick had a point. “Okay we can stay here.”

-

Loxley came out gun blazing and started taking shots at the vampires in the car. The others were already attacking it but Loxley didn’t want to miss out on the action. She shot one of the gunners in the head and heard a satisfying scream from one of the others. It wouldn’t kill the vampire but it’d sure hurt.

Loxley was about to shoot another when Zan decided that the car need a little charcoal finishing. Loxley got out of the way and decided it was best if he get out of the direct line of sight for the slayers. They may have been intent on killing vampires but there was nothing to say they wouldn’t take pot shots at a werewolf.

Loxley made his way back and decided to check on Daphne and Nick. As he returned to their last hiding place he found they were gone. He followed the trail and found the room they’d sheltered in. Loxley’s ire rose as he smelt Daphne’s blood. He also smelt the Halfling’s scent in the room. Loxley decided to follow the trail.

-

Clara looked to Paul, “Is it a good idea to take this piece of filth back to the conclave? If he escaped he could lead the others to our home.”

Paul scratched his head. “I suppose there’s that possibility.” Before he could say much more Joo-Eun was firing at them. Her body was bloody but she was still determined to cover her partner in crime.

((Amended as pointed out by Valthonin))

Valiant was in a great deal of pain but he could already feel his body healing, the bones shifting back into place and mending while his muscles reattached putting everything back where it should be. His organs were healing also.

As Valiant lay on his back he realised that it hurt to even blink. However if the two wolves took him back to their conclave he’d probably be in a lot more pain. However if he could escape he’d issue them with a lot of pain in turn. But then Valiant didn’t have to worry. Joo-Eun was coming to his rescue.

The two wolves immediately went for cover as silver bullets smashed through the windscreen. Valiant was able to turn his eyes enough to see it was Clara and Paul in the car. Apparently they hadn’t killed the pair, what a shame.

Valiant was surprised when he felt someone latch onto his foot and drag him away. He gritted his teeth as he felt his body bounce along the ground. Next he was tossed into another car. Joo-Eun jumped into the driver’s seat and managed to start the car, “We’re outta here,” she told as she floored it.

Valiant thumped into the front seats with a thump, he let out a groan and wished he hadn’t as his face hurt.

“God damn it,” Joo-Eun snarled “That damn truck is following us.”

***

Audrey compressed her leg to stop the bleeding. But as she did so she got the impression that it wasn’t necessary. The pain was beginning to ease. She looked at John, “Can we get out of here?”

He shook his head, “We’re pinned down for now.”

“Can you make an exit?” she asked.

"If you can keep your head down and try not to get shot again." John said. "Wait here for a second." He ran over to his car, and opend the passenger side door. He ran back got Audrey and got her to the car. Hee got in started the car, and drove past a car with a very angry werewolf on it. He took a series of random turns, getting to a safer area. "Where to?" He asked.

(just a quick question - Shouldn't I be able to influence the mind of Young Vampires as well?)

((I guess so))

Daphne had just stepped out of the bathroom when Loxley showed up. She only wore a robe as she opened the door for him. She didn’t miss the look he gave her.

“Are you okay?” he asked looking around her small apartment.

“Yeah, just cleaning my wounds,” Daphne told.

“Wounds? I thought you’d only been hit once.” Loxley said as he looked at her with concern.

“I got hit in the hand, it’s almost healed.” She said as she showed him her right hand.

Loxley took her hand in his to examine it. He lifted her knuckles to his lips and gave her a gentle kiss. Daphne immediately pulled her hand from his grasp and hissed as it hurt.

Nick opened the door to his room and leant on the doorframe. “Did you get them Loxley?”

“They got backup, I left it to the slayers, Crispin and Zan. They were having lots of fun.” Loxley replied, “We should get you back to the conclave,” Loxley said as he looked at Daphne.

She shook her head, “It’s not safe, we could be traced back. We should stay here.”

Loxley didn’t look happy, “I say we finish off those vampires and go home.”

"Always, my freind" Said Zan right before he let a mighty burst of Dragon fire that roasted the remaining Vampires in the car. Reducing them to ash. "Where to next?" Asked Zan. Crispin pointed to a big black wolf mauling a vampire. "We will approach that mighty Werewolf. Said Crispin.

Paul looked down ashamed.  Not only had he let the vampires escape but he lost Clara's car.  He hung his head in shame.  Clara noticed this and slipped her hand into his.  He blushed.  He watched Zan toast a car full a vampires to a crsip within a span of 5 seconds.  THat looked like all of the vampires in the area.  For now.  But he still felt exremely stupid for what he had done. 

"I'm sorry.  I was stupid.  I wasn't really thinking."

"It's okay Paul. Forget about out it."

Paul averted his eyes and made his way to Crispin and the others who were approaching a new were he did not recognize the scent of.

Nikoli stood, blood dripping from his snout, and snarled at the newcomers. He made to run off, but paused. There was a dragon among them.

It has been three days since I had ventured into the cave with Ezekiel and his men. We had crossed paths in a small village, I had come because I had heard of something slughtering livestock, and Ezekiel was simply passing through. We had been told where the beast was supposed to reside. We had ventured there. It was a cave on the nearby mountain, the mountain was cold, though in the village below it was warm. We walked through snow that was sometimes knee-deep. Ezekiel's band consited of himself, his brother (whose name I had not learned) and three other men. Ezikiel carried two scimitars and a sheild, his brother had a large bow, and the other men caried two odd spears each. We stepped into the cave and saw the creature. It was small for a dragon, but it was still larger then a man. Ezekiel's brother shot the creature, and the Dragon rushed forward. I soon learned the purpose of the spears odd design. The men pulled one from their backs and stabbed the dragon in the chest. The quickly pulled back, the top of the spears coming off, still lodged in the dragon's chest. They then stabbed the dragon once more, pushing the spears in deep. Ezekiel then rushed forward and I followed he slashed and hacked at the dragon. He weilded his scimitars with great skill. The dragon seemed hurt, the wounds were taking effect. I raised by sword, and swung downward quickly. The creatures head fell from its neck, we had killed a dragon.

Daphne glared at Loxley, “Both Nick and I have already been shot. We’d prefer to heal. Besides how did you manage to avoid getting shot?”

“The slayers ran interference and had most of the fun,” Loxley said grudgingly.

“I’m going to have a sleep, and then I’ll consider kicking some vampire butt.” Nick told going back into the spare room and closing the door.

That left Daphne and Loxley alone in the living area. “I'm going to get dressed,” Daphne said keen to get away from Loxley while she was minimally dressed.

“Wait,” Loxley said taking a step forward. She stopped and looked over her shoulder. “I’m sorry about the way I’ve been behaving. I know I’ve been rather over the top. I-I think it’s probably due to the Luna Eclipse. Also it’s because Thomas asked me to protect you if anything happened to him.”

Daphne froze at the mention of Thomas. Daphne had been deeply in love with him, as he had been with her. But Thomas had been killed 8 months ago when he’d been looking for his sister, Tina, who had gone missing. Thomas had been the first body found mummified and with blood red eyes. Daphne shuddered as she remembered. Thomas’ beautiful blue eyes had been replaced with ones from a horror movie.

Thomas and Loxley had been good friends. Even then Daphne had known that Loxley had been envious of his friend’s relationship with her.  “When did Thomas ask you that?” she found herself saying.

“I tried to go with him when he went to look for Tina but he was determined to go alone. He told me he wanted me to stay behind in case something happened to him and that he wanted me to look after you if he didn’t come back.” Loxley told as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a jewellery box, “He told me to hold onto this for him. He was going to give it to you when he came back.”

Daphne took the jewellery box and opened it. She bit her knuckle to stop from crying, it was an engagement ring. She lifted it out of the box to examine it, inside was inscribed To Daphne, Love Thomas.

Loxley took a step forward, “I should have given it to you sooner, but I had been waiting for the right moment.”

Daphne sat down on the lounge with the ring in her hand staring at it in shock. Loxley sat beside her watching her intently. He lifted his hand to brush a tear from her cheek with his finger. She turned to look at Loxley, “Why did he have to go?”

Loxley didn’t know what to say, “No one could stop him, not even me.” Loxley said as he recalled actually punching Thomas in an effort to knock some sense in him. They all knew that Tina was dead, a slayer by the name of John who was said to be a vampire human hybrid had gloated about taking her out.

Daphne felt her lip quiver but she’d already cried many tears over Thomas, she didn’t want to cry anymore. Loxley touched her shoulder and watched her. “Thank you Loxley,” she said quietly, “it gives me something to remember him by.” She stood up and left Loxley on the lounge while she went to get dressed.

Loxley sat on his own knowing he’d done the right thing but he didn’t feel any better for it. He knocked on Nick’s door and opened it, “You sure you don’t want to go hunting?”

John had been driving for a while, he checked his watch. 4:00. (is that ok?) That meant he had about two to three hours to get Aurdey somewhere before the sun came up.  Audrey wasn't realy sure where to go.  Well, she isnt with the coven. He thought. John turned sharply. "Where are we going?" Audrey asked. "My appartment near here. I can block out all the sunlight."

Griggs slowed down just enough for Fort to jump in the truck, then floored it again.

"I ran out of bulllets..." Griggs replied calmly. "...so I improvised."

"Damnit, that's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

After all the vamps in the car were defeated, Crispin approached the dark-furred stranger.

"You fight with the strength of wolf eons old, friend." Crispin said to the newcomer. "Tell me, do you belong to any pack? And if you do not, would you like be part of mine? We could use someone like you..." Crispin waited to hear the response for pressing further.

"I meant where in the Hell did all of those vamps come out of....but too late now. Looks like that little dragon there fried them to a crisp." Fort replied

"Yea now the remaining werewolves are talking with the big black werewolf. From what I've seen, I dont think he's a part of their coven."

"No, I didn't think so either. Lets stay here and watch what happens, at the moment I cant let Crispin die. So if the other black wolf does something drastic then so will we." Fort said as he crossed his arms and put his feet on the dash board.

Nikoli was unsure of what to do. For now, if he joined them, he could outlive Crispin, he would be the oldest in the pack. If he attacked, there was a dragon nearby, and there may be others aswell. He spoke "I will join you."

Daphne got dressed in a pair of jeans, a black button up blouse and a pair of ankle length leather boots. She walked to the dresser and picked up the small jewellery box. She took out a gold necklace. She threaded the engagement ring onto it and placed the necklace around her neck. It didn’t seem appropriate to wear the engagement ring as on her finger, Thomas had never actually given it to her and he was no longer alive to do so.

As Daphne walked out of the bedroom she noticed that Loxley was gone. She knocked on Nick’s door before opening it and found that he was also gone. It didn’t take a genius to figure out where they were going. Daphne grabbed her keys, a shotgun and some ammo before leaving the unit.

After a brisk walk Daphne arrived back at the Murk Motel. She spotted Zan and waved to him, she’d always liked the dragon. As she continued on she spotted members of her conclave surrounding an unknown wolf. For a moment she wondered if Nathaniel had transformed but then decided it was unlikely as he had seemed reluctant to let the animal side of himself loose.

Daphne cocked the shotgun as she walked. She scanned her surroundings and noticed Nathaniel and the other slayer in a truck watching the other werewolves. She decided not to wave.

Loxley and Nick were with Crispin, Clara and Paul. Crispin was trying to have a conversation with the unknown wolf but Daphne was pretty certain that this wolf was not friendly.

As Daphne began to approach the others a familiar scent touched her nose. At first she thought it was Nathaniel then she realised it was Anita. She was here somewhere. Daphne discretely lifted her nose and trace the direction. She spotted Anita in the park opposite, the other she-wolf locked eyes with her and ran. Daphne immediate darted after her. She threw the shotgun to Nick, “Hold that for me, would ya?” she said as she raced after Anita.

Daphne ducked and weaved through the park as she chased Anita. Thankfully Anita didn’t change to wolf form. Daphne chased her for three blocks before she caught up. She latched onto Anita’s hair and brought her to a halt. Anita turned and hit Daphne in the face. Daphne managed to move slightly and only caught the blow on the chin. She yanked Anita’s hair harder which resulted in a high pitched scream. “I just want to talk to you,” Daphne told.

Anita stopped struggling, “Let go of me.”

In an act of good faith Daphne did let go. Anita quickly straightened her dishevelled hair and glared at her. “Why can’t you leave me alone?”

“Because your son wants to talk to you and he asked me to find you.” Daphne said and watched as Anita’s eyes grew sad.

“He’s better off not knowing me,” Anita said quietly.

“Don’t you think that’s his choice?” Daphne said feeling angry. Why couldn’t Anita talk to her son?

"Thank you." Crispin said to the wolf. "Tell me, friend, what is your name?"

"Nikoli."

"Nikoli. Fantastic. A strong name. A warrior's name." Suddenly Crispin caught the scent of his daughter.

"Zan, if you'll take Nikoli to our conclave, I'm afraid I have some business to attend to elsewhere." With that, Crispin sprinted off into the direction of his daughter.

D was bored. He hadn't heard anything from Ashryn, it usually didn't take him this long to find someone. He called in one of his servants.

"Striker, go and find Ashryn, find out what's taking him so long."

"Milord, couldn't you just call him?"

"I've lost my phone, now go."

"Yes, milord."

Zan nodded his head to Crispin and turned his head to the black wolf. "After you." Said Zan. Pointing with a claw, so the wolf would know the way to go.

Ashryn awoke in pain, feeling the burning in his leg just as strong as when he'd first been shot.
<Holy water...> he hissed in pain as he grabbed a discarded knife and pried the bullet from his smoking, festering leg wound. He allowed himself to scream. Soon the burning dulled to allow him enough anger to clear his thoughts.

He rose slowly, and lifted his shattered weapon. The reinforced guitar frame was unsalvagable, but the weapon itself was perfectly intact. <Well done, Slayer. I owe you one.> Ashryn extended his senses to pick up on the scents of the female and the halfling slayer. He still felt a bit slow, maybe the effects of his body purging the traces of holy water from his system.

<Sun will be up soon, must hurry.>

He forced as much of his unnatural ability, honed to peak condition over his two centuries as a vampire. and burst from the motel at top speed, in pursuit of the woman. He picked up her scent quickly, mingled with the slayer's and the smell of rubber and gasoline. <A car, they're on the move and desperate. I smell her fear.>

At top speed, he'd managed to catch up with them quickly enough. They were speeding ahead, and the slayer was turning a corner. Ashryn slowed enough to aim and lifted his weapon and shot at the vehicle's rear tire on the inside of its turn. He was rewarded with a satisfying explosion of rubber and metal sparks as the car veered into its turn, tipping wildly as it threatened to flip on its side. Ashryn decided to take no chances and shot through the driver's side. <The bullets may only be silver, meant for werewolves, but that should keep him busy.> He sped for the passenger side at full vampire speed and tore through its rooftop, grabbing the vampire female. <Not much time...must hurry.>

He and his prey were gone from the scene, leaving the slayer in the side-flipped vehicle...

John pulled himself out of the car. He pointed his gun at the fleeing vampire, his finger tightend on the trigger, but he lowered his gun. He couldent shoot,  he could just as easily hit Audrey. Time no longer being a concern, he began to follow them.

______________________________________________________________

Nikoli began to move in the direction indicated, turning from his half-wolf form to that of a full wolf.He walked along, beside the dragon, tail wagging slightly as he licked the blood from his snout.

As soon as Paul walked up to the group Paul's haclkes rose  This new wolf almost made him growl outright but he held it in.  Something was wrong.  There was an air of deceit around him.  But no one else would care what he thought.  He walked over to Clara.

"I don't like him.  HIs scent seems... wrong."

She sniffed the air.  "Paul you worry too much.  I think he's kind of cute."

Paul's eye's flashed.  Clara casually punched Paul.  "I'm just teasing you.  Don't turn into a Loxley on me.""

Paul smiled but was still tense.  "You're probably right.  I guess as an Omega I'm weary of everyone."

Fort saw the black wolf agree to join Crispin's coven. He didnt really feel anything about that. No difference to him.

Then he saw Daphne running into the wooded park across the street. He narrowed his eyes in confusion and looked in the direction she was running, there was a woman she was running after......"Interesting..." He thought

THen he saw Crispin run after Daphne. "Hmmm......Could it be?" he thought again

Fort decided to follow them and opened the door to the car. Griggs grabbed his shoulder.

"Whoa whoa, where you going?" Griggs said

"After those two lycans there."

"Why? What did they do? Dont you have like a truce with them?"

"I do, thats why im going after them. Its about my mother." At this Griggs released Fort's shoulder and nodded at him.

Fort took off after Crispin.

“He doesn’t know the circumstances and that’s how it should stay,” Anita told already looking for the exit.

“Everyone has a right to know their parents,” Daphne said in reply.

Anita let out a sigh and then looked up to see Crispin running their way. “My other problem is him, he never would accept a Halfling.”

“Anita, Crispin loves you. He worries about you and now he also suspects he has a grandson. Don’t they both deserve to know the truth?” Daphne said getting ready to tackle Anita if she planned to run.

Anita looked at the ground and let out an even deeper sigh. “I suppose so. The truth is that I’ve been keeping track of Nathaniel for years. It’s why I disappear from the pack so often.”

Crispin stepped up and heard her, “You should have told me.”

Anita glared at him, “You could never accept that I loved a human. How could I believe that you wouldn’t kill your own grandson when you found out he was half human?”

“Blood is blood, family is family. I stick by my own. I wouldn’t have been happy but I would have gotten over it.” Crispin said gruffly.

At that moment Nathaniel caught up and Anita looked at him like she was seeing a ghost. For once she didn’t run as her son was looking at her directly. As a child he had grown at the normal pace of a human but Anita suspected that now he was an adult the werewolf aging process would kick in and give him a longer life. She was amazed to know that this man was her son but part of her was deeply disappointed that he hunted his own kind. He saw the animal side of himself as a weakness and Anita was deeply regretful of that. She should have been with him when he was a child. She should have taught him to embrace what he was. But instead she had stood back and let his father do it.

Elric had been the love of her life. But Anita wasn’t stupid, she knew that they could not grow old together like other couples. Elric would have wasted away before her while she’d stayed young. She’d left when she realised it could never work, as much as she’d loved him.

She looked at Nathaniel and smiled sadly at him, “Hello son.”

This had been the first time he saw his mother, other than in her wolf form. He was quite shocked.

"Hello...mother." He said hesitantly, this was a new concept for him.

Anita's sad smile became wet with tears as they slid down her face. She walked up to her son, and hugged him. THis had been the first time she touched him since he was born.

-

After the birth, Anita and Elric decided that Elric should raise the child. Anita did not trust that Crispin would be happy with Anita bringing in a halfling into the coven. She thought he would kill Nathaniel on the spot. She told Elric about how she had to leave and return to her coven and her family. It was for the best.

Elric, overwhelmed by Anita's decision to leave, took Nathaniel to the Silver Knights of St. Michael. At first, the Knights were shocked by the abomination that Elric had brought into the order. Yet Elric was the Commander, and had the final say in everything. Eventually everyone accepted Nathaniel. However, Elric chose to raise Nathaniel as a human, not a werewolf hybrid. Nathaniel knew what he was, yet he didnt know why his father had mated with his mother if werewolves were to be killed. Elric never explained this to Nathaniel.

Elric knew that Anita was one of the few werewolves that had humanity left in her. He did not want to risk Nathaniel growing up and thinking that all werewoles had compassion. Then he might be tricked and killed by them. Elric didn't like it, but he knew it had to be done to make sure Nathaniel didnt get himself killed by thinking he should be merciful on a werewolf, and be decieved by it.

Eventually, Nathaniel learned to control his Lycanthropy. Elric fell in love with Sophia del Carmen, married her, and had another son...Daniel. Nathaniel lived with them until he joined the Knights.

-

Nathaniel looked down at his mother, and slowly put his arms around her and hugged her back. This was somewhat difficult for Nathaniel. He did love his unknown mother on some level, yet he was a little disappointed at how she never communicated with him.

He eased her off and looked in her teary eyes.

"Why mother?" He asked, she knew what he meant.

"How could I Nathaniel? After how your father raised you, after you lived with slayers... How did I know you wouldn't try to kill me on the spot?" She replied

"You could have tried! I thought you were just another malicious lycan, angered by the fact that you have a halfling son and you discarded me."

"Of course not! But after Elric disappeared I knew you would kill me on sight because of how angry you were at the world."

Fort looked at Anita intently.

"How did you know he disappeared?" He asked

"Well, besides the fact that i've been keeping tabs on you for years.........I was on the mission that went into Lord Zizzoroth's castle."

Fort took a step back, shocked.

"What? How did yo- When could yo-"

"I found out that he was going one of the times I went to go see you at Elric and Sophia's house. I met up with him in Norway. The elite slayers allowed me on the team after Elric told them that I was the werewolf who was Nathaniel's mother. As you no doubt heard however...none of us was able to save him..."

"He's not dead! He's still out there! They haven't found his body yet! There's still the mirror, he's in there! I know it! Dad would never let Zizzoroth get the best of him!" Fort yelled as tears erupted from his eyes. Anita sped forward and took him in her arms again. Fort cried into her shoulder.

"It's alright my son..." She said to him comfortingly. Fort hugged his mother back and looked at the stars. He would find his father, him and Daniel would do it together. He would find his father if it took him to the goddamn ends of the Earth to do so......

Daphne watched the exchange between Anita and Nathaniel. Crispin was watching them while he awaiting his turn to talk to his family. Daphne felt rather out of place. She had served her purpose.

Daphne stepped away from the others. They needed time to talk. They had a lot of catching up to do. Daphne backed away subtly and walked down the street with her hands in her pockets

-

Clara smiled at Paul but she didn’t miss the look in his eyes. He didn’t trust the newcomer.

Clara wasn’t so sure herself. She was glad to have a new werewolf around as they’d lost so many of their own of late. She wondered if he’d know more about the thing that was hunting them and killing them.

Clara moved close to Paul, “Why are you concerned about him?”

Striker ran bursting into the throne room, panting a bit too.

"Milord, Ashryn is on his way back. He says he has the woman, but is being pursued as we speak."

"Damn, he usually makes a clean getaway. See to it he makes it home. Take out whoever is following him."

"Yes, milord."

And Striker was off to fight whoever was following his vampire comrade.

"Haven't you ever got a feeling about someone?  Some felling that you can't really describe but it still sends shivers down your spine every time you think about it?  He seems to have an aura of fear around him.  But it doesn't look like it affects any of you so I must be-"

The wolf turned it's bloodied snout to Paul as he walked by.  For a moment Paul could do nothing as he was pulled into the gaze from those grey eyes.  They say the eyes were the windows to the soul.  Paul was sure his soul was now frozen solid.  For wat seemed like an eternity they held eye-contact.  Which could be viewed as bad.  Some wolves took more after their wolf personalities and took direct eye contact as a threat.  The new wolf broke eye contact an turned back observing the others.  Paul shuddered visably. 

"What's wrong with you Paul?"

"You don't feel anything at all?"

"No."

"Then I must be imagining it."  Determined to shake off this mood her told her something.  "Let's follow them back.  I have something to show you once we get back."

Clara and Paul followed the others at a distant pace. Nick and Loxley led the new wolf to their home and Clara started to get the feeling that Paul might be right.

Clara took Paul’s hand, initially he stiffened at her touch then relaxed. “I think we should get away from the others.” Clara said starting to feel uncomfortable.

-

Daphne stopped when she came to a shop window that displayed various photos by a professional photographer. There were beautiful photos of sunsets over water, forest floors lit with a few bright beams of sunlight and then there were the family portraits. Daphne touched the window and was reminded of the death of her own mother. Like her brothers, Daphne’s mother had been killed by slayers. Her father was hunting down the one who had done it. He’d been gone for over a year. Daphne knew he was still alive as he rang her every few days.

Daphne sighed, she was so alone now. The oncoming Luna Eclipse was making her feel even more lonely. She looked at Nathaniel with his mother and grandfather. He should be thankful to have family even if he didn’t really know them. She knew she must have been staring at them like a sad puppy but she couldn’t help it.

Nikoli quickly reached his new home. As a wolf, he couldent help lifting his head and sniffing, but that quickly changed as he turned back to a half wolf.  He ran off to get his possesions, leaving Loxley, Nick and Zan alone. When he reached the small cave he turned back to his normal self, dressed, grabbed his sword placing it on his back, and headed back.

(he is wearing uh.....its like theres an anticreative thingy in my brain.....so i'll think of what hes wearing laterz)

Crispin meerly stood and watched the scene unfold. It was really too much for him to go an hug Fort...they all understood.

Fort released his mother and wiped his tears. He brushed himself off and took a deep breath.

"Alright...Dad is.... for another day. Now...we have the situation with the weird deaths of vampires and lycans all over the place." Fort said to Crispin and Anita

"Yes, i've been meaning to address that with you. Have you discovered anything worthwhile? I heard you came here to investigate it..." Crispin said

"Yea I did find out alot. Daphne should hear this though." Fort called out to Daphne who was looked at them with a strange look on her face.

Loxley didn’t like the new werewolf but then Loxley didn’t tend to like any new additions to their pack. You never knew what traits they’d bring with them. Plus the pack would need to work out where the new wolf fit into the pecking order. Right now Loxley couldn’t be bothered. He decided to leave Nick, Zan and the growing crowd with the newcomer.

“Where are you going?” The newcomer asked.

“None of your damn business,” Loxley replied as he stalked off. In his haste Loxley almost bowled over Karen.

Karen was a younger wolf who had just come of age. She was a distant cousin of Daphne’s and Loxley found he was surprised by just how similar Karen looked to Daphne. She had a different face shape and her hair was lighter but Karen had the same eyes, similar shaped nose and lips to Daphne. For once Loxley actually considered seeking out someone other than Daphne.

“Excuse me, Karen,” he said as he stepped around her.

“Hi Loxley, that’s okay.” Karen replied and looked at him with a small smile.

Loxley watched her pass. Then he resumed his task. He needed to check that Daphne was okay, if not for himself then for Thomas’ memory.

-

Daphne was startled when Nathaniel called out to her. She made her way back to the group wondering why she was being called over.

“I found out what is hunting us,” Nathaniel told.

Daphne stood taller, her previous mood forgotten. “What is it?”

"Alright well I analized the body of Tiffany and ran various tests on it. I sent the results to HQ and they told me its a... Balor Lord."

Crispin's head sank into his hands. Anita eyes grew wide and her hand covered her mouth. Daphne looked at the faces of the three, yet didnt completely understand.

"Soooo im guessing this is really bad?" She said to Fort. He simply nodded at her. Crispin spoke from within his hands.

"And I suppose you, as a slayer, know how to kill it Nathaniel?"

"Yes. Complete decapitation." Fort replied.

"That sounds simple enough." Daphne said

"No, it isn't. First of all, you need to get past the Balor Lord immense size and fine tuned reflexes. For its size it has great speed, which is one of the things that separates it from a regular Balor. Then, the Balor Lord can also cast a number of spells. Some of which include fireballs-" Fort said befor ehe was cut off

"Wait, spells? As in magic?" Daphne asked skeptically

"Yes....magic. Anyways, some of which include fireballs, flamethrower, and invisibility. There are definitly more, but no one's lived to tell of them naturally. And the invisibility is probably how he's been getting around so well. Now, if you do manage to dodge his spells too he has his giant fire sword and fire whip. Which are probably his most deadly weapons. Then, if by some grace of God you manage to get past all of that...theres the fact that his hide is stronger then the bark of a sequoia the size of a house. His whole body is surrounded by an aura of fire, and since the only way to kill him is by decapitation the rest of his body regenerates. You cant impale his heart because its encased in unbelievably tough bone casing. His head isnt really that much of a head... its more of just his horned skull. Oh and did I meantion he has wings? Yea he flies..."

Link may not work right, if it shows you some stupid little message from Tripod then copy and past it into the address bar
http://nidastar.tripod.com/nwn/images/nwnbalor005.jpg
(But with more fire :) )

After taking the new member of the pack to the den, Zan rejoined the Crispin and the others in time for him to hear Fort talking about a Balor Lord. Zan stiffened in surprise. "A Balor Lord?" he asked. "Here?" Fort nodded. Zan only snorted in frustration, exhaling smoke as he did so. Makeing a few of the people there cough. "What would a Balor want here?" Asked Zan, after a moment.

"It doesn't matter what the Balor wants. All that matters is that it's killing our kind." Crispin said, raising his head from his hands, a look of solemn determination covering his face.

"We're going to need some of my strongest fighters. I say we put otgether a team, we find it, kill it, and rip its damn heart out." Crispin looked at his friends and family all around him.

"Who'se with me?"

When they arrived at the conclave Paul led Clara to his hovel.  For it couldn't be called anything but.  It was pretty much a shed.

"Wait outside."  Paul went inside and began rummaging around.  He threw some magazines to the side and found what he was looking for.  Opening the small case he looked at the object and smiled.  It was perfect.  He made his way outside and began explaining.

"Well I've really been thinking long and hard about this.  I have decided to give you this."  He opened the case and inside was a ring.  Clara's jaw dropped and her eyes grew wide.

'Is that for me?"

"Yes.  It is precious to me.  It belonged to my mother.  She had been killed by a werewolf and she gave it to me before she died.  I went out to fight the werewolf being a brash teenager struck with grief.  I was nearly killed.  The wolf bit me in the process.  Thus began my life as a were.  But in a mad rage I killed him with a silver cane that had belonged to my father.  I didn't keep the cane because I never had fond memories of my father but my mother was always special to me.  So I'd like you to have the ring."

(That sounds like Nikoli's kind of plan right there)

The other was rude and arrogant, but no matter, he would learn his place soon enough. A female passed by she remotely resembled a woman he had known before he was turned. She had been killed by creatures, it had upset him greatly, he had cared for her. He had had his revenge in time however. He walked up to a man and asked him where he should go to aquire a living area.

"I'm always with you, my friend." Said Zack solemnly. Crispon nodded knowingly. "Anyone else?" asked Crispin.

(I just cant shake these short posts, can I?)

Fort looked to Daphne. He didnt want to admit it, yet he expected her....and wanted her ("Damn you Luna Eclipse!!!" he thought to himself).... to join this operation. He could definitely use the help anyways...

"To answer your question...um...dragon...the Balor Lord is probably here preying upon the souls, energy and power of the lycans and vampires around here. He probably sensed the conflict going on here in Murk Valley and thought he could use it as cover. What I dont know... is how he got here, how he was summoned. Doesn't matter now I guess. Anyways...Daphne, m-mom...what say you two?" Fort said

“Count me in,” Anita said immediately. She would take every opportunity to spend time with her son now that he knew who she was. Besides she wasn’t letting him take on this demon alone. She would protect him as best she could.

Daphne was taking in what he said. So it had been a demon who had killed so many. She reached for the ring on the end of her necklace and touched it gently. She would do this for Thomas. “Yes count me in too.”

Nathaniel seemed relieved at her agreement, almost as if he’d hoped she stick around. Daphne found herself smiling at him and then remembered that he was a slayer. There was the possibility that he could decide to take her out at any stage. She’d lost enough of her family to slayers to make the same mistake.

“So what do we do?” Daphne asked.

"We recruit as many trustworthy people as possible. I know Griggs, the other slayer here with me, will be in for sure, and hes perfect for this job. I dont know about you guys. You have to go back to your coven and recruit there i guess. Now, I have to get in contact with a warlock or wizard, most likely a freelancer, so he can come down here and help us out with the Balor Lord's spells. I know a few. I'm going back to the Murk to pick up my stuff and move somewhere else. I have no idea where though... Also, Daphne, Tiffany's body is still in my room if you want it for burial purposes or whatever." Fort said as he adjusted Nasher on his back and turned to walk away.

Griggs waited in the truck untill Fort came back.

"So, how did things go? Was she your mother?"

"Yeah, the mother I never had."

"At least she's alive."

"Yeah, I just didn't know how to react is all..."

"Glad to see that empty space of yours filled, Fort. Now, what's the plan?"

((I can change it if you don't like it.))

Daphne thought about Tiffany’s body for the moment. Although both vampires and werewolves liked to keep their presence a secret from the humans it didn’t mean they neccessarily disposed of the other’s dead. Daphne looked at Crispin, “I guess we should dispose of Tiffany.”

“Leave it to me,” Crispin said as he started walking away, he extended his arm to his daughter and Anita decided to take it.

Daphne turned to go after Nathaniel, she had a solution to his residential issue. She caught up to him as she spoke to the other hunter. Daphne felt herself instinctively recoil. Nathaniel turned to look at her, “Are you okay?”

Daphne gave a wary nod as she took a step backward. “I’m fine. I need to talk to you. Alone preferrably.”

Nathaniel looked intrigued as he parted company with his fellow slayer, “What is it?”

“You said you needed somewhere to stay, you may as well use my apartment. Just don’t get it trashed.” She said as she dug the key out of her pocket, “Don’t go through my stuff either,” Daphne said as an afterthought, even though she have very few personal possessions there.

-

Clara looked at the ring Paul gave her and felt extremely privledged. She almost wanted to give it back to him because it seemed so important to him. But then she saw the look in his eyes and realised how important it was to him for her to have it. “Thank you Paul, I feel so honoured.”

“Something beautiful like that deserves to be worn by someone just as lovely.” Paul said shyly.

Clara smiled at his compliment and leant forward to give him a kiss on the cheek. She stepped back and saw that Paul had closed his eyes to savour her touch. “You spoil me Paul.”

Fort was stunned. This level of trust was serious...

"Can Griggs stay there too?" He asked, he wouldn't leave Griggs just anywhere. Daphne thought for a moment... this was tricky, but she trusted Nathaniel. So she would trust that he would keep Griggs in line if he had any tratorous thoughts.

"Very well." She replied. Fort understood the reluctance in her voice. She trusted him, not Griggs. But if he was with him then it would be ok it seemed.

"Alright well, im guessing this is the safe house we talked in earlier?" He asked her

"Yeah, just down this street, second right. You'll recognize the house."

"Ok, i'll get settled in and contact the warlocks and wizards that can help us. I'll call you afterwards and check on how the recruiting is going."

"Alright." Daphne said back to him. She was already walking away. Her curvy, gorgeous body swaying as she-

"DAMN YOU LUNA ECLIPSE!!!" Fort thought to himself as he made his way to his room at the Murk. He looked up at the stars and sighed. He was beginning to feel more and more at home with these Lycans.

He stepped through the broken glass and chunks of dry wall into his room. He stuffed anything that was loose back into the crate and heaved it onto his shoulder. His above human strength helped. He stopped and looked at the body bag in the corner. Crispin and Anita would come to get it later he guessed.

Fort reached Girggs waiting in the semi.

"Finally! I've been stuck in this thing for too long. So whats up?" Griggs said

"Alright well the lycans are rounding up a team to help our cause. We have a new place to live, Daphne's apartment. When we get there I gotta call some warlocks and wizards to help with the Balor Lord's spells." Fort replied.

"Alrighty then, lead the way." Griggs turned the semi on and it roared to life. Fort was somewhat startled by its power. Griggs smiled at him and floored itand it screeched down the street and to Daphne's apartment.

Daphne was halfway home when she caught Loxley’s scent. “I know you’re there, Loxley.”

Loxley emerged from the foliage. “I was checking you were okay.”

“I think you’ll see that I am.” Daphne said in response.

“I found another one,” Loxley said quietly.

“Another body?” Daphne asked as she stopped.

“Yes, it was the same as the others. “ Loxley said as they resumed walking.

“It seems we are being hunted by a demon,” Daphne told.

“What? You can’t be serious.” Loxley said in response.

“Nathaniel ran the tests, he confirmed it.” Daphne said as she avoided a fallen branch.

Loxley grabbed her arm, “I don’t like you spending so much time around him.”

“He’s going to help us.” Daphne said in Nathaniel’s defence.

Loxley growled deep in his throat, “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, I don’t like it.”

“You’re imagining things,” Daphne said in response and began to wonder.

“No I’m not. You forget it’s the Luna Eclipse, we’re all hungry for attention from those we’re attracted to.” Loxley said.

Daphne looked at him, “I feel the pull of the Luna Eclipse, Loxley. I know its coming.”

Loxley let out a sigh, “Please consider me.”

“You don’t give up, do you?” Daphne said in response.

He didn’t say anything for a moment. “So what’s the deal with this demon?”

“We need to gather the others. It’s going to take all of us to kill it.” Daphne replied, “Crispin and Anita were coming home to recruit.”

“What took you so long?” Loxley asked.

Daphne hesitated, “I was talking to Nathaniel.”

-

Paul smiled, “You deserve to be spoilt.”

Clara grinned, “Let me get something for you. I’ve got it hidden in the woods.” Clara said as she stripped off. Paul’s jaw dropped.

Clara then turned into her full wolf form and run into the forest leaving Paul to stare opened mouth after her.

Clara knew exactly where she was going. When she had been younger she had a secret hiding place for all her most treasured possessions. She wanted to give Paul something from her childhood, something very special. Eventually she found the spot she was looking for and started to dig. It only took her a few minutes to find what she was looking for. There was a small wooden chest, no bigger than a milk carton. Clara shifted into her humanoid wolf form so she could open the wooden chest. She smiled as she saw a bunch of trinkets she had thought the world of when she was a child. Then she found what she’d been looking for. A small golden knight was sculpted into a proud posture. It had been a gift from her uncle. As Clara buried the chest once again, as she stood up she had the feeling that someone was watching her.

Turning slightly, Clara looked around but could see no one. She raised her nose and sniffed but there was nothing unusual. As she started forward something lashed out and snaked around her leg. It burnt and Clara screamed. She turned to see a burning whip of some sort around her leg. She continued to shriek.

Then something materialised. It was large and disgusting. It was also laughing at her. Clara clawed the ground in an effort to escape but the thing just laughed harder. Suddenly there was immense pain. Clara tried to scream but only a garbled noise came out. She looked at her hands as she tried to scrabble, they were turning back to human and now the skin was drying out. Clara felt parched, she needed to escape but she was so thirsty.

Clara continued to try and claw her way to safety but her movements were becoming slower and her muscles screamed for her to stop. She rolled onto her back to attack but what she saw made her only scream louder...

(Yikes....another on bites the dust. )

After Fort and Griggs had settled in and Fort won the "Choosies" game for the master bedroom, Griggs relaxed if the guestroom. Fort sat his crate in the living room so that both he and Griggs could get supplies from it. The semi was parked next to the building, yet hidden from view.

Fort lay in the bed and looked out the window at the sprawling metropolis that was Murk Valley. At night is when the city really became active... Almost everyone in the city was a night person. And almost everyone in the city was either a vagrant, a cut throat, a bum, a criminal, a vampire or a werewolf. The name fit the city well.

Fort turned to his side and saw his cell phone charging on the nightstand. Thank God he brought his charger with him. He decided it was time to contact a mage or two and picked it up. He called Remy first.

Remy was a reliable, trustworthy, sane, and potent magic user from France. He was adept in the black arts and had combat experience...although his fear turned into cowardice at times. Fort's past missions with him have left Remy somewhat.....displeased, however.

The phone rang.

"....'ello?" Remy's French accent was apparent

"Oh heeeeyyyyy Remy!!!! How are you man? Its me For-"

"Oh jes I know its jou, fool! I have jou on caller ID! I TOUGHT tat I put you on de BLOCKED CALLS LIST!" Remy spat back

"Remy, Remy! WHoa whoa... Lets settle down. Now come on, we may have had some past...bumbs in the road... "

"BOOMPS IN DE ROAD!?!?!? I STIUL CANNOT MOVE TREE FINGERS AND DERE IS NOT ENOUGH FLESH ON MY @$$ FOR ALL THE SKIN GRAFTS DAT I NEED!!!"

Fort cringed... the last mission him and Remy went on didnt go to well for Remy.

"Alright Im sorry Remy! I dont kow how many times Ive said it-"

"SAY EET AGAIN!!!"

"Im sorry Remy. Please, Im sorry. But theres a problem, I really need your help this time-"

"JOO ALWAYS NEED MY ELP!"

"Yes I know, but theres this Balor Lord-"

Remy burst into histerical laughter that hurt Fort's ears. Fort knew he lost him... The laughter continued for 2 minutes...

"Oh joor good, Fortesque, joor bery bery good. HA! and de next tine joo want mee to go wit joo into a decrepit ancient tomb...please let me kno dat there are plasma trowing Hell Knights insiede waiting for us. GOOD BYE FORTESQUE." Remy hung up.

Fort lowerde the phone and sighed... he didnt think that would go well. Remy was really the best choice.

Fort opened the Phonebook application in his phone and began to scroll down for others.

Nick followed Loxley, and heard the conversation with Daphne.  A demon.  Just great. That would cast a bit of a pall over the month, he thought.  Still saying nothing, he followed Daphne and Loxley, until the male left.

"I just wanted to say thank you for helping me out back there.  I'm feeling a lot better, and it's all thanks to you.  You saved my life, Daphne.  Thank you."  He blushed, and then turned, and walked away, heading back to his little den, where he would take a bit of a breather.  And then find something to eat; he was famished.