The sky had darkened and it was storming. Virsat had slept for a while, though he was uncertain for how long. He was hesitant in opening his eyes, so he laid there a bit, awake as Jaden rubbed against him. Virsat knew it was Jaden, he recognized the scent almost immediately still, he waited a while longer before letting those crimson eyes slip open with an almost lazy yawn. He blinked a few times, reaching over to pick up the cat as he moved to sit up. His back propped against the head board, another lazy yawn and then gently he had placed Jaden in his lap.

Virsat's eyes rested on EJ, just watching the man. His hands though, were busy. Gently running along Jaden's furry body and stroking the cat softly. With a gentle touch his fingers glided over that soft fur easily. Virsat really liked cats.

Watching her run for the stairs after pushing his knife aside Yuuichi sighs and shakes his head. A lively, yet untrustworthy, girl indeed. Oh how should I bother with this one. Hr grumbles a bit, annoyed at the woman as he starts walking down the stairs, using his knowledge of every inch of the tavern to force the front door to suddenly vanish and be replaced by a stone wall. "Child....learn who in which you deal with before deciding to try and skip out on things. Or, better yet, don't skip out at all. Give up the life of thievery, you know as well as I, it isn't worth it." He steps down off the final stair and raises his right hand, this time, instead of one throwing knife, he now holds four, one between each knuckle. "I ask that you stand down peacefully, I would hate to have to scar your pretty little face."

Kiya woke after she didn't know how many hours of sleep, oddly it was still raining so she had an inkling she hadn't been asleep as long as she thought, pushing off the blanket she stood up looking around at the now familiar room that was Noaki's. Getting to her feet she carefully and neatly folded the blanket and set it down on the bed. From the sound of it the rain was starting to ease up at least she didn't hear anymore of the wretched thunder that was a relief. Bare feet making no noise on the wood flooring she left the bedroom and headed down the hall towards the common room. A strange seen greeted her, Yuu-kun was at a little standoff with one of his customers what on earth?, she stayed silent but a sneeze gave her away

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs she headed for the door. She stopped short, it was gone... She turned around to see Yuuichi with four knives. Past him stood Kiya. She looked around, there was no way out. This had happened to her before, before she was captured and beaten. Her heart started beating quickly, her palms getting sweaty. What should she do? She was clearly no match for Yuuichi, but she hadn't been successful in conning anyone in days, she had no money. I can't pay you now, but I will... Tomorrow... she said nervously.

Grinning from ear to ear at her, Yuuichi places the knives back into his pouch and points to a seat at the bar. "Go, sit, we have things to discuss. Maybe we can come to a little 'arrangement.'" Glancing over his shoulder at Kiya, Yuuichi bounces his head back and forth playfully at her, sticking his tongue out. "Watch this, love, you should find it a wee bit humouress." He heads over to the bar, and stands on the other side of it from the chair he pointed at for Vex to sit in.

Vex, embarrassed, takes a seat at the bar. How she wished she hadn't lost her cool. Did he notice? Had they seen through her act and realized she was weak? No... she could play this off. She smiles at Yuuichi, What kind of arrangement did you have in mind? She asked, winking.

She was confused as to what was going on but she couldn't help but smile at Yuu-kun's silly antics shifting into her fox form she followed after him what will I find funny? she wondered hopping up onto the bar she sat on the end watching the pair. "Yuu-kun what's going on?" she asked him cocking her head to the side as she watched them. She did a double take, the door was gone! "Yuu-kun what happened to the door?"

Watching her and assessing her in moments Yuuichi rolls his eyes at her wink. "Oh where shall we start child? Oh I know, we will start at the moment you tried to leave, after all that was your intention wasn't it? To skip out on paying for your room. I have sad news for you girl, I'm not the most patient of men with people that try to cheat others, but I can be forgiving. I am willing to give you a chance, if you swear to me on your life, that you will leave your past of theft and seduction behind you. Being a thief will ultimately get you killed if you do not learn to assess your targets a bit better. So here is my end of the bargain. I will allow you to stay under this room, in a better room than the one I told Desmond to put you in, under the condition you control your urge to steal from me. When I believe you are capable of walking the path without stealing, the doors and windows to this place will reopen to you, until then, you are stuck here. Do I make myself quite clear to you?" He reaches under the counter and produces three glasses, water filling each of them. He places one before the young woman, one before himself, and one to his right, for Kiya, if she wishes to join them. "What is your name, human?"

Vex looks down at the water in front of her. She couldn't leave? She needed to leave, she needed to be working towards finding her parents... She had no other choice in the matter though, she would have to stay until Yuuichi let her out. He was right, she really needed to judge her targets better. Unfortunately for her she had been judging the bartender, not Yuuichi. Her heart rate had calmed after speaking with Yuuichi, she knew was no match for him, and that he hated her, but he was genuine and something about him made her feel like she really could give up her wicked ways. She knew that wasn't true though, it was all she knew how to do. But she would try until she was permitted to leave. She looked up at him, he asked what her name was. She stared blankly at him, if she told him her name he might recognize her as the fugitive she was and turn her in for a grand reward... She looked at the wall where the door used to be. Damnit, what have I gotten myself into?! She spoke slowly guaging his reaction, I'm Vexaline Maichetta.

As she speaks her name Yuuichi smiles and pulls out a book he had tucked away in a corner of the bar. "Vexaline Maichetta.....hmm, lets see. Ah, here you are." He places the book down in front of her, opened to the page showing her picture, name, and the bounty on her head. "But no worries, turning you in would make me a hypocrite. Once you are finished admiring your picture and the bounty on your head, flip to the page that has the bottom corner bent in. On that page you will find why you had such a hard time sneaking out on me." Yuuichi grins at her and winks jokingly at her, mocking her for when she winked at him earlier. "Oh, and before you get any funny ideas on trying to fool me, I will explain the same thing to you as I did to Miss Kiya over there. One of the special things about the clan of Kitsune that I hail from, we have this special little ability that allows us to look into a person's heart and see if their actions are true. We can also use that to locate where they are by their surroundings." He stretches a bit, enjoying toying with this girl before taking a drink of his water. Glancing at Kiya out of the corner of his eye he finally decides to answer her. "The door is still there love, I merely made it appear not to be. After all, I would hate to read about this poor lass getting captured for trying to pickpocket the wrong person." He sticks his tongue out at her along with his telepathic message to her.

Seeing no real reason to shift back into her human form Kiya sticks with the fox form, she planned on staying out of the conversation for the most part anyway. A glass full of water obviously meant for her sat not to far away reminding her of just how thirsty she was, would it be to rude to stay a fox and lap up the water? Or would it be better to shift back into her human form, probably the second one, sighing she hopped off the bar and shifted back into her human form taking a seat at the bar near the woman Vexaline. Picking up the glass she downed it quickly before setting it down and wiping her lips. "You shouldn't do that Yuu-kun it's very disconcerting, but I guess I can see why you did it. So this woman is a thief of some sort?" she really needed to keep up with human matters more.

Angil nodded her head. Yes I will be fine. Dont worry about me. She said with a big smile. They are treating you like you are some kind of hatchling. Are you really going to let them do that? A voice called to her in her head. Angil looked around confused about the origin of the voice. Who was that? she said out loud but quietly.


EJ dismissed the presence of the cat for now. Virsat was now awake. A bright smile crossed his face. Good Morning, My Prince. Well rather good evening. Are you in need of anything? He said gently. He stood up and walked over to the bed, sitting onto the end of the bed. EJ still kept his eyes on the cat the whole time.

Vex stared at Yuuichi, her face hot. She took a deep breath to soak up what was happening. She couldn't believe, in all the years she had been living this way, nights spent sleeping in alleys, days spent in jail, beatings... that tonight would be the night she finally met her match. It was too much. She picked up her water and sipped it. She felt she needed something much stronger than water. And this guy, this Kitsune was a part of a clan? She shuddered at the thought of more of them out there. She looked at Yuuichi. I need to leave here, I'm looking for... someone. So I will do as you wish... Until I get out of this prison, she thought.

"While you may be looking for someone, what good would it be to them if you are arrested or killed before finding them? Is the pain that would be caused to them worth the trouble of stealing?" He tilts his head a little bit to the side, grinning at her, enjoying himself wholeheartedly. "After all, there are things in the world that are much, much, more valuable than money. You merely have to find and learn what they are. And no offense, but I don't believe you when you tell me you will do my bidding. I wasn't born yesterday child. And I am no one's fool. So I suggest the next time you try to tell me something of that manner, you best be more convincing."

Virsat continued to pet Jaden gently as he watched EJ, shaking his head some. "No...I don't need anything...and please...I am a prince of nothing. Such a word is to proud and noble to be used on someone like me." He had glanced away for a moment. At least, all the tension from earlier was gone and Virsat felt more like himself. A little less timid, there was no one around that he should hide from. Well..Except maybe EJ, but he had already agreed to EJ's price.

He licked his lips just slightly, to moisten them a bit. "I feel better..." It was true, he did feel much better. Though he still felt as if he needed a bit more sleep. It was his own fault, not sleeping or eating properly. Virsat looked down at the cat in his lap, smiling softly at Jaden before he looked back at EJ, the smile still on his lips. It was nice, just sitting and petting a cat. It made Virsat feel certain that Jaden was his friend, or wanted to be his friend, despite the events that had happened earlier.

Vex crossed her arms onto the bar and layed her head down onto them. What does he know about pain? My parents probably already think I'm dead she thought. If I did die, no one would even know the difference. She said quietly, not really intending to speak it outloud.

EJ leaned over Virsat, one hand on the bed by his hip, the other, holding his chin with his thumb and forefinger, lifting it up slightly. He made sure to keep distance from the cat, unsure of his actions. He leaned in close to his face. But you are my Prince. You have charged me with your protection and I will obey. He smiled smugly. And in time I will collect my payment. He thought directly into Virsat's mind. He loved being able to do that. To him, it was more sensual, more personal way of communication.

When EJ leaned over, lifted his chin, a small shiver. A slight chill raced down his spine, those crimson eyes stared innocently, and maybe a bit timidly at EJ. There was no fear in them though, just quiet acceptance. Virsat had expected EJ to collect then and there, those eyes widening slightly at the mental communication, and he nodded. A very slight, almost imperceptible movement. "..Oh...I see.." He spoke the words quietly. All the while, his hands had not stopped petting Jaden. Fingers rubbing the cat's ears lightly, and gently scratching behind them. Then those fingers had moved to rub under the cat's chin.

EJ laughed lightly. It amused him greatly to tease Virsat in this way. You may believe you know my intentions. But how can you be certain? Have I not surprised you with my actions so far? He leaned towards his neck and took a deep breath. His smell was tantalizing and it dizzied his head. He withdrew and leaned back, returning to his former position at the end of his bed. Just to let you know there are a few new humans among us. However, dont be afraid. I am here with you and they will cause you no harm. One is a male with a kind heart, as far as I can tell. The other on the other hand, the female seems a bit shady. He looks out of the corner of his eye towards the door. He wants to inspect the new arrivals, but also not wanting to leave Virsat alone.

Rolling his eyes, Yuuichi turns to look at Kiya. "Kiya, love, please tell me all humans are not such fools. Why must they all be so convinced life means nothing. They mean nothing." He turns to face Vex, his eyes lit with anger. "Listen here girlie! Before you try preaching to me nobody will care if you die, think about this. If nobody would bloody care whether you live or die, then why am I willing to give you a chance at redeeming yourself? Why haven't I turned you in yet to collect your bounty? You want to know why? Because life is more precious than you pitiful damned humans will ever seem to understand. Some intelligent race you guys turned out to be. The whole damned lot of you are worthless. All you ever think about is 'oh woe is me, poor pitiful me.' Well I got news for ya. You never know how precious life is until it is balanced on a knifes edge. You will never understand the precious thing that life is, until you watch those you love die before your eyes. When you are completely and totally helpless to stop it!" Yuuichi turns and storms off, allowing the illusion that hid the windows and the door to vanish. He stops at the other edge of the bar. "You want to leave so badly? Then go! Get! Go get yourself caught and executed. Be like all of your stupid, impudent, human predecessors!"

Virsat's hands had stopped in their attentive gestures along Jaden's furred body, his lips parted slightly when EJ leaned forward. Virsat expected him to bite, but he didn't. Again Virsat found himself nodding just slightly. His hands resumed in paying attention to the cat in his lap. When EJ continued to speak, Virsat shook his head slightly. "...Why are there so many humans here..?" His brow had furrowed slightly. A human with a kind heart? He didn't think that could be true. But honestly, before today. He'd never actually been near or seen a human...well..since being turned. But even so, Virsat couldn't remember his own life as a human. As far as he was concerned, he had always been a vampire. Even before he was truly a vampire.

Humans were dangerous. They had killed his master. Humans hunted vampires ruthlessly and killed them when they were helpless in the sleep of death during daylight. No, Virsat did not think a human could have a kind heart.

Surprised by his sudden anger, she couldn't help but agree with him, life was so very precious and humans who didn't even live as long as some of the other races, didn't understand that. How easy they threw away their lives like it was nothing. But still the girl looked so dejected so unhappy her heart went out to her, getting to her feet she placed a comforting hand on the girls shoulder before continuing past her towards Yuu-kun. His eyes shot anger at the woman, and while she could understand it she still didn't like it. "That's just it Naoki they don't understand" she said in a soft voice moving up to his side and wrapping her arm around his waist, it was an attempt to calm him, comfort him. Rubbing his back lightly she fell silent unsure of what to say. [b]"Maybe you shouldn't be so hard on her Yuu-kun I don't think she's had the easiest time"[/b

EJ's gaze returned to Virsat, smiling lightly. I'm sorry to break it to you but Humans are actually the dominating race in this land. They are quite numerous, so it makes sense that more would be here. Frankly I'm surprised there are not more. He looked at the cat once more. Please forgive me, but I would like to get some air. However, first.... EJ took Virsat's hand and lifted it up. He turned it palm up and brought it to his lips. He took a light nip on his middle finger and took a taste of his blood. He licked the small wound and returned Virsat's hand to his lap. He smiled teasingly. Before you get any wrong thoughts, its not what you think. Now, I can find you where ever you are and you can speak to me whenever you need me. Just aim your thoughts to me and I will receive them. He leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. I will be outside. Just call me if you need me. EJ stood and walked out the door.

He wondered down the hall and was able to see the male human as well as the elvin girl he smelled earlier. He continued to the front and waved at Yuuichi as well as checking out the shady human. Now that his curiosity was quenched he wanted to find a nice place to relax. Just after he crossed the threshold, he took off in a full out run, enjoying the air in his hair.

((Off for the night. night guys))

Virsat blinked, a little surprised at this knew knowledge of humans he learned. He had always been told that Vampires were the dominate ones. That humans were vile creatures trying to usurp their dominion. Those crimson eyes blinked in disbelief, but he did believe what EJ told him. He was silent and still when EJ took his hand, when the finger was nipped lightly, Virsat didn't make a noise, well, he squeaked very softly. Human ears wouldn't have heard it. He hadn't moved though, not at all. He just watched. "Oh..I see.." He mummbled quietly, looking at his finger when EJ had released his hand.

At the kiss to his forehead though, he looked up and smiled. "..Right.." Another nod and he watched as EJ left the room. He stared at the door for a few minutes longer, then looked down at the cat in his lap. He resumed his petting of Jaden. It delighted Virsat beyond words whenever the cat purred at him.

(Hey sorry for suddenly disappearing. I usually stay on later in the evenings but my dad told me I had to get off. I would have told y’all if I had the chance but I was a bit pressed for time. So I’m sorry to all the people I left hanging. ^^’’)

Jaden’s eyes met Virsat’s companion’s gaze across the room. One good thing about cats: they always looked cool! Sure they could express emotions like curiosity or confusion but it wasn’t the same with a humans face. As a human one could unconsciously express anything and everything to the world. As a cat Jaden didn’t have to worry about that. Although right now he sure wished he could smirk. It was ironic, clearly this guy wanted something from Virsat and while Jaden didn’t know what that something was he’d bet anything this guy was just itching to get into Virsat’s bed-or pants is more like it-and he’d beaten him to it-the getting into Virsat’s bed part not his pants although that could be interesting…Jaden shook his head in an attempt to keep himself focused as he yawned and stretched lazily peering at E.J. ’I’ll drop my act when you drop yours.’ he thought with another long low yawn and a slow leisurely stretch.

As hard as he tried he just couldn’t dismiss the feeling that Virsat’s friend was up to something. Jaden was trying to piece together what little information he had when he was suddenly picked up a low mew of surprise escaping as he was lifted upwards. Automatically his claws slid out of their sheaths and he tensed expecting to be tossed across the room until he remembered who he was dealing with: Virsat wouldn’t do that. The vampire was just too nice to do that and he clearly adored cats. A loud purr erupted from Jaden as he sprawled out in Virsat’s lap his eyes closed in obvious bliss. OK he’d admit it, he was in kitty cat heaven. Not that he’d ever been there and if he had -he was pretty sure he hadn’t been there- he managed to maintain all nine of his lives. For a long time Jaden laid there his eyes closed as he enjoyed the warm comforting feel of Virsat petting him, it wasn’t until he heard the person in the room speak that his eyes opened into mildly annoyed slits. He’d been enjoying the quiet after the storm and he’d just had to go and ruin that wonderful quiet. Usually he was all for noise and excitement but every now and then he enjoyed a few moments of peace and relaxation the same as any person.

He’d just let his eyes drift shut when he felt the bed shift slightly. This faint motion had his eyes opening wide his expression shifting from kitty bliss to major kitty annoyance. Meowing huffily he shifted slightly until he was sitting rather than lying down in Virsat’s lap and pinned E.J with a mild glare his tail slowly twitching from side to side in annoyance. That annoyance quickly morphed into something else altogether when the hybrid male leaned into Virsat’s personal space. That wasn’t even the worst part; the worst part was watching the way this jerk was looking at Virsat. Like he was someone a higher status like he was so much better…Oh he’d give anything to just reach out and smack him down a few notches. Better yet a nice little scratch on his cheek would be somewhat satisfying. Considering this idea, Jaden gently kneaded his claws in Virsat’s lap as he pinned the vampires new friend with a look of pur feline dislike. ’And I thought dogs were bad..It seems I was wrong. At least they smell better…and they’re smarter. They’ve got enough sense not to invade a cat’s territory.’ he thought darkly. He’d just started to rear back for a quick relatively painless strike when the stranger finally returned to his portion of the bad. Only to return moments later to do something else that caused Jaden’s eyes to widen and his furry mouth to drop open in shock. Only his shock didn’t last long. As the scent of Virsat’s blood reached him, he let out a yowl and dug his claws into Virsat’s lap his claws accidentally snicking through the fabric of the others clothes as he stared after E.J’s departing figure. Ok that did it, he couldn’t just sit here and watch! He needed answers! Now!

His need for knowledge was so great he didn’t even bother jumping out of the timid vampires lap before he shifted back unexpectedly. Dimly Jaden was aware that he was sitting in the vampires lap. True to form Jaden even worry about what type of images or thoughts this position would convey before he spoke. ”What the hell was that about?! Why was he looking at you like that? And what was with the whole biting thing?!” he demanded his one good eye lighting up in obvious curiosity as he pelted Virsat with questions.

Rue smiled warmly at the girls offer of a towel and shook her softly her smile taking an impish turn for the better-or worse as some would say. [color=purple][b]”Nah, its fine. I’ll be dry in a little while. Besides I don’t think I’ll melt. Desmond might though.” she teased flipping her still semi-dripping wet hair in direction and spattering him lightly with water. ”Heh, I guess that jus goes to show that sometimes it really is better to be on time…Not that I ever see myself actually arriving on time.” she murmured with a low chuckle. At the question of Angil’s safeness she spoke up again. ”I think she’ll be alright. The worst of the storms already over, all that’s left is the rain and it looks like its about to stop…” she mused glancing out the window in mild distraction before she turned her attention back to Angil a soft frown on her lips as she tried to pinpoint the sound that had brought the girls question on. Vaguely she could hear the familiar tones of her boss speaking to someone else but other than that she didn’t hear anything other than the soft murmurs of the people in the café. ”What are you talking about? I don’t hear anyone besides Yuuichi talking to one of the tenants…want to go eavesdrop and see what’s happening?” she asked with a soft grin. Hey she’d said she was like an older sister figure, she’d never said she was the perfect sister. Like everyone she had her faults and if wanting to know what was going on in work place was a crime then she’d have been charged a long time ago. So far all she’d gotten were a few mild admonishments here and there. Nothing to be afraid of really. Brushing her hair out of her face she looked back and forth between Angil and Desmond to see if either of the pair felt like joining her. She didn’t wait long before she spun around with amazing agility for someone of her size.

Rue was one of those girls that was bigger than average. Not that she ever let that hold her back or keep her from doing what she loved most. She wasn’t a perfect size zero, but she wasn’t so big that she felt ashamed of herself. If anything Rue embraced who and what she was and emphasized what she had to her best abilities. Like her curves, true she wasn’t stick thin but she was soft enough that she had enough curves to get peoples attention and considering where she worked that definitely came in handy. Not that this particular time needed her to draw attention to her curves, there was no denying the soft sway of Rue’s hips was meant to draw attention to some of her better attributes. But the expression of concentration and curiosity on the girls face showed she wasn’t consciously trying to draw attention to herself. It wasn’t long before Rue was hovering near the edge of the stairs her head tilted softly towards the direction of the voices. Couldn’t they speak just a little bit louder? Honestly not everyone in this place was blessed with super sonic hearing or smell, some people were just normal! Not that normal was a word Rue would use to describe herself but that was beside the point. She wanted to know what the heck was going on with Yuuichi and the owner of those other voices.

(Sorry its so long, I exceeded my posting limit. I'll try and limit the posts for each character to two small (or large) paragraphs in the future.)