When goods and services need to be taken care of beyond the veil of the law and out of site of the humans, the supernatural world has their Families. These families operate in much the same way their 'normal' counterparts do, with the single difference of who they are.

Two rival families are deeply entrenched in the underground trading and services of the supernatural. The Clan, old and seated and The Flock, shifty and flighty. They historically offered slightly different services, but with recent changes in The Clan some boundaries are to be crossed. The Flock isn't going to sit this out, but they are about to see some changes of their own.

Join a side, or stay in the middle. Things are going to happen, and when they do it will be big. Secrets run deep. Money runs thick. Drama abounds.


OOC over here

The Flock
The core family are Raven-shifters; but many different races are welcome to join the family. Jack Corvid, the head of his family and head of the Flock is nearing the end of his years. His immediate family knows this and they are trying to work things out with the Flock's future.
Mostly deals in contraband items; illegal magic, substance, weapons. Trafficking items is down to an art among these shifters.
Often contracted for assassinations and theft of intellectual or high value items. Has turned down many of these types of offers in the past.
Can actually function pretty well in plain sight of humans, often taking more natural forms when needed.
Has a shifty reputation in supernatural circles, due to the mysterious, and well shifting, nature of the members.

The Clan.
The head family consists of vampiric demons that can change into a certain type of cat, which depends on the person on what type of cat they change into. There are seven brothers all together that make it, Cain being the youngest out of them all. He was chosen to be the leader when his father was on his death bed, the reason why was because he listened and he knew The Clan's operations inside and out and then everyone else. The Clan maybe mostly be full of Cain and his brothers, there are also underlings under each brother, all of different races, which make it easier since they are divided under six people who were under the youngest brother.
Operations: Assassination, theft of intelligence, art and other valuable things. Exotic "medications", pets, slave trade, weapons, money laundering, and counterfeiting.
They keep their business on the down low, they tend to work behind various family owned businesses, the main one, the head business at the moment is Cain's costume shop. They don't always do illegal things, though the can move about among the humans quit well.
In the supernatural circles, you can't really call them shifty since they don't hide in the circles but they are rather mysterious and secretive in both worlds so it makes it hard for people to get close to The Clan to become apart of them, even then a background check is done on them before they are full accepted.

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THE FLOCKX

Username:~LONGCAT~
Character: Jack Corvid
Race: Raven-shifter
Age: 22 (appears mid 50's)
Picture or description:

Aligned with: The Flock
Job: Don/ Flock Father
Anything else you want to put in: The Flock is a corner stone in the supernatural black markets. Because of their unique make up they are able to transport questionable goods quickly and mostly undetected. Jack helped build up the current clientele base and is ruthless when it comes to business deals. He is not one to cross and will protect those of The Flock as if they were all of his feathers.

Username:~LONGCAT~
Character: Jacquelin (Jacky) Corvid
Race: Raven-shifter
Age: 6 (appears 20's)
Picture or description:

Aligned with: The Flock
Job: Mob Princess/ The face /information specialist
Anything else you want to put in: Complete daddy's girl, she has him wrapped around her finger. Snobbish, super flirty, and more of a socialite, she takes any invitation The Flock receives to balls, galas, and parties. She has a mind like a steal trap and hoards information away to later have it transcribed into notes.

Username: maidenroseheart
Character: Revy
Race: Demi-Lycan
Age: 25
Picture or description:

Aligned with: The Flock
Job: Infiltrator/spy
Anything else you want to put in: Likes to fight. Good with blades. Can partially shift into a direwolf, but since she is only halfblood she can't shift all the way. Usually just her nails and teeth which she wields as well as her blades. Prefers to work at night since her vision is better than a humans. Has a dislike of loud noises, can't handle a gun to save her life, and can get confused easily in large crowds.

Username: drakina
Character: Pre'ach'an (goes by Brendan) Corvid
Race: Albino Raven Shifter
Age: 5 (looks roughly 20 in human form)
Picture or description: Pre'ach'an's raven form is albino, almost pure white but with green eyes. When human, he has white hair and pale skin, with a scattering of freckled on his nose and cheeks. His eyes are still green, and seem a bit large for his face. He stands on the short end of average, thin as a rail, and wears baggy jeans and tees most times.
Aligned with: The Flock
Job: Information and Reconnaissance.
Anything else you want to put in: Pre'ach'an is well used to people being unable to properly pronounce his name, so will supply the English version, Brendan, when he introduces himself. He's also rather skittish, and has almost no combat skills, though he can shoot a gun if needed.

>.< He wasn't originally white, but somewhere along the way he got bleached by pure magic... So I just made him a kind-of albino. And I really don't want to give him pink eyes, they've always been green.

[quote

Originally Posted by Ascadellia

Username: ascadellia
Character: Sunita Wilkens
Race: Sugar glider shifter
Age: 25
Picture or description:
Aligned with: The Flock
Job: Delivery/errand girl
Anything else you want to put in: Sunita's basically one of those flexible kind of girls, able to do any odd jobs that the higher ups want. She's good at getting information, delivering packages, and other odd jobs. She can't just stick to one thing, due to there being a demand for other things. Normally though, she just makes sure to deliver the goods to their clients. She's usually one of the lesser known members, due to keeping her profile on the down-low. Sunita's a sugar glider shifter, her form giving her a perfect chance to sneak into areas and catch people off-guard. No one expects a tiny little thing to be a threat.

THE CLANX

Username: Kilia
Character: Cain Costella
Race: A vampiric demon with the ability to take the form of a cat.
Age: 25
Picture or description:
Aligned with: The Clan
Job: Head of the Costella mob
Anything else you want to put in: Does not talk, he can just prefers not to do so.

Username:Lady Chello
Character: Madam Sauda
Race:Demon/Vampire (She can transform into three forms to suit her needs. Dragon, Black mist,and Panther.)
Age: Far to old to count in human years.
Picture:
Aligned with: The Clan
Job: Healer, Spy, and weapons dealer
Anything else you want to put in: Madam Sauda is a little into everything. She has been with the clan for as long as anyone can remember. Of the members she is one of the most revered and mysterious. If there is a dealing that is under the table and a little taboo you can believe that she's in it. She has a ability to make any her friend. Helping her to get any information she wants or needs. Besides if that ability doesn't work she is quite handy with weapons and drugs. When you've been around as long as she has you learn a few tricks and trades. Others can say what they want about her and her dealings. As far as this old bat is concerned she's earned the right over the years to be as bad or as good as she wants to be. Word of advice to any who cross her path. Call her Madam or face her wrath. You'll be lucky if it's only your head you lose.

Username: KageShio
Character: Samhain [Sow-aine] Wuya
Race: Metis Were-Tiger, white. (Metis means he is the unlawful offspring of two therians, one human-born, one wild-born)
Age: 13 (looks to be in his late twenties or early thirties)
Picture or description: His features are a blend of Chinese and Native American- Smooth tanned skin, high, sharp cheek bones, a shallow, rounded nose and clear-cut jawline all giving him a pleasant appearance, if it were not for the startling amber color of his angled, almond-shaped eyes, which retain their feline appearance in all of his forms. His ebony hair is smooth, though rather unkempt, the rough-cut layers falling in front of his face with the slightest tilt of his head- a measured movement intended to hide his odd eyes and disguise unbidden emotion. His 5'8" frame is lean and lithe, giving him agility in place of raw strength.

His clothing is rather nondescript- dark, simple slacks and slim-fitting shirts make up his typical attire, with sturdy leather boots and a long leather trench coat completing the look. He also wears leather bracers under his clothing that sheathe twin daggers- one of a high silver alloy, the other gold. The only other weapon he uses is a custom semi-automatic pistol, holstered at the small of his back.
Aligned with: The Clan
Job: Hitman/ Assassin.
Anything else you want to put in: Samhain is a runt among tigers, considered weak and unworthy to the tradition-bound Chinese Therians, a view not helped by his "defects"- Small stature, orange feline eyes in all forms, a marred fur pattern in his animal forms (his front left paw up to the elbow is solid black, as is the last third of his tail), and his allergy to pure gold rather than silver.

Username: Q U E E N
Character: Saizo (Sai) Costella
Race: A Demon/Vampire, who also holds the ability to shape-shift into either a tiger or a white cat. The cat is much more conspicuous and can squeeze into small nooks and crannies, but the tiger is more for combat, hunting or killing.
Age: 26
Picture or description:
Aligned with: The Clan
Job: Counterfeiting and Assassination
Anything else you want to put in: As the second-youngest of the Clan, Sai was often overlooked in his childhood. In order to stand out from the rest of the sons and be noticed, Sai often ran around causing more trouble than the rest of the boys put together. Very untrustworthy, this little trickster has numerous tricks up his sleeve. Sai has gotten into trouble with his elders more times than one can count...and he isn't on particularly good terms with Madam Sauda (If it were up to her, she'd probably cast him out). Not to mention, he's probably the only one who doesn't listen to Cain all the time. Of course, Sai does follow the Don's directions and takes his words seriously, but he still likes to mess with Cain. A bit of a player, let's just say that Sai likes to play with his food before he eats it. He's not very picky though, and flirts with just about anyone. He also has a talent for art and crafts. He has remarkably nimble fingers and an ability to replicate/counterfeit just about everything. Sai never really takes anything seriously, and likes to taunt and tease people.

UNALIGNEDX

Username: Mythos
Character: Riley Fisher
Race: Human
Age: 19
Picture:

Aligned with: Everyone
Job: Informant
Anything else you want to put in: Riley is not quite able to change his form yet partly because he hasn't decided which form he'd like to take... or if he'd like one at all. He knows it's risky being in such situations and keeps his activities with rival groups away from one another in hopes that his multiple allegiances remain undetected. -- His access to shape-shifting is (when he finally gets it right) through complex magic... and with how frustrating it has been, Fisher is pretty sure it will be the last spell he ever uses.

Username:PapillonCameo
Character:Palea Fettucini
Race:llama shifter
Age:20
Picture or description: Palea has pale skin, and curly, fluffy, hair. She's petite, a little on the plump side, with big round glasses that make her grey eyes stand out, and freckles on her nose and cheeks. She usually wears loose clothing, like overly big sweaters and a pair of jeans. Sneakers adorn her feet more often then not.
Aligned with: No one and everyone
Job:Informant
Anything else you want to put in: She hasn't chosen a side yet because she feels safer in the middle of things, but if there ever comes a time to choose, she will do so with thoughtful deliberation.

Username: Wyrmskyld
Character: Max 'Oosa-gooboy' Russell
Race: Russell Terrier... under a gypsy curse
Age: 4 (Appears about 25 in human form)
Picture or description: Short and athletic, with brown hair, bright brown eyes and a perpetually alert expression, Max is actually fairly attractive... until he opens his mouth.
Aligned with: No one, yet. He's still getting used to this whole 'human' thing, and has only recently found out there are other shifters.
Job: Bodyguard
Anything else you want to put in: Up until a year ago, Max's job was chasing squirrels, cats, bugs, burglars, leaves, snow, aaand anything else that showed up in his owners' yard. Until the gypsy moved in next door. After 3 solid days of sleeplessness from the barking, she lost her temper and cursed him that he could only be a dog for an hour at a time. As he stumbled through the city in his new form, bewildered and confused, he met up with a wizard who deals with both the Flock and the Clan. The wizard helped him understand what was happening, and made Max his bodyguard. Several rival magic workers have learned to their dismay that a terrier is fearless, tenacious, and while he can't kill a demon, he can at least distract it long enough for his employer to handle it. Unfortunately the wizard is quite old, and bodyguards can't protect against death, so Max may soon be looking for other employment.

Character: Tarashi Antimar
Race: Daemonis Caedis (A species that has the ability to influence the emotions and urges of those around them. They also have the ability to tap into a creature's life energy. Though they typically they are harmless, they can drain a living creature to the point of death.)
Age: 66, but does not look a day over 25.
Picture or description: Tarashi is a near perfect blend of feminine and masculine features- androgynous with taught muscles and beautiful curves, graceful and strong. Most every one of his physical traits seem to be an illusion, his true gender as questionable as his motives until he unveils the truth.

His clothing varies greatly depending on the role he is portraying at the time. He has been known to wear everything from a sharp men’s business suit to an elaborate silk evening gown. His most frequent style, however, is a blend of woman’s slacks, men’s silk dress shirts and perfectly tailored waist cinchers that accent both his masculine chest and feminine hips.
Aligned with: Both the Clan and the Flock, as well as anyone willing to pay the price for his services. The Clan knows him as Tarashi, where he acts/dresses more masculine and the Flock knows him as Ashatrix, or Asha, where he is much more feminine, dressing as a woman nearly all the time.
Job: Spy, informant and saboteur.
Anything else you want to put in: He is a consummate actor and while confident, is cautious- he does not slip up easily and can hold his multiple alliances with ease. It would take quite a bit to break the strings that bind the clans to him.

Username: MaxxR
Character: Jason Rooker
Race: Human
Age: 12
Aligned with: Neutral
Job: None
Anything else you want to put in: Having recently run away from home, Jason wears cat ears and a tail attached to his jeans to trick people into thinking he's possibly a member of one of the mafia clans. This way he can avoid trouble on the streets. Jason wasn't witness to the recent clan war, but he's heard a lot of rumors about it. He thinks it would be cool to be a member of one of the clan's, like a kid who wants to play a professional sport, but he doesn't know which one he likes better (or even how to go about joining one anyway).

Picture or description:

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"Jacqueline! Jacqueline!!!" The coarse voice of Jack Corvid bellowed out from inside his office. Smaller creatures skittered out in fear from the dark room.
"Coming!!" A lighter, feminine voice called out. Bounding down the hall towards came a short girl in her early twenties, stark black hair bouncing off her shoulders. Boldly pushing the door open to the room she made her way in. "Yes dad?" She peered across the room, it was dark and cluttered. You could hardly tell it was midday outside. Sighing she walked past the piled desk where the imposing figure sat and pulled open the curtains. Light poured in, blinding the other figure, who recoiled at the sudden change in the room.
"Damn it Jacky, it was a long night." he sighed, reflecting on the job he had overseen go through. Another shipment cleared and delivered.
“You need to be taking it easier, and you know it!” the small woman berated her father. His graying hair and sagging features gave away at his age. He was no longer a young chick, bright in feathers.
“I know. And that's why I have you, my chicky girl.” His eyes glittered at his daughter, despite the difficulties of raising her himself, she was the best part of his life. “You have to be ready to take The Flock when I can't anymore. You're the next Corvid in line and you need to start acting like it. Speaking of, I want you to take this contract out to the assassin, we can't keep passing these up.” He frowned as he pushed his glasses up his sharp nose. The folded and sealed paper was quickly snatched up with a gleeful cackle.
“Oh you mean down to that fine piece of lycan? I wouldn't mind getting to know how she works a bit closer, if you catch my drift.” her eyebrows wiggled at her own words.
“Stop that! I am your father! And I am the Don of this family! You will quit trying to play grab-ass with the other Flock members.” Jack shouted, calming as he spoke. “Now get going. I'm gonna try to smooth some things over.” He finished, rubbing his temples, speaking to a now empty room.

Riley fumbled with his keys. The dumpy, cramped apartment would at least be warmer than the air outside. By the looks of it he could probably manage a few hours sleep before heading over to the warehouse district to ask a few select questions...

What have I gotten myself into? He sighed and leaned his forehead against the door for a moment. His body was exhausted having run all over town the night before trying to track down a certain someone who was ducking Cain and the Clan. He had found the guy, sure, but what time was that? 4:17, 5:53? Riley wretched open the door and stepped inside, losing his shoes quickly on his way to his room. No, wait... The black-haired boy returned to the door and put the other locks in place. ...I'm going to end up dead, that's what's going to happen.

Solemnly Riley turned around and drug himself into his bedroom. This was what life was like right now... late hours, paranoia, death looming like a shadow after every thought. It paid the bills, though. That was good. He considered the room and hallway with a disenchanted frown. Yes, he did manage to always stay on top of the rent for his crappy, little apartment. At least that was something. His fingers raked through his hair as he let himself drop backwards onto his bed. As smooth as he felt he was, it was miscalculated and ended with a hard knock on his head. "Son of a--mmmh!!"

He cradled it for a moment before sitting up and pulling off his scarf, his jacket... Oh to Hell with it, I'm sleeping in my clothes. He was certain he'd bust more than his head if he tried getting out of his pants at this hour.

Hours passed while Riley tossed and turned in an uncomfortable sleep. It was almost a relief when he woke up, though the dreams passed so quickly from his mind he hadn't an honest clue why. Sleep was suppose to be his escape from this world he had burrowed into, thanks to some unfortunate choices and quick negotiations earlier in life. With a groan he sat up and checked himself in the dusty mirror across the room. Back on went the jacket, the scarf and then it was out the door with Riley.

The warehouse trip was as quick as it had promised itself to be. Yeah, the goods had made it successfully to their destination. Jack would be glad to hear it, probably. What was concerning was the need for the other group to gently remind Riley that they had guns. Why the hell did I go without someone? Such an idiot... Well it was over-- if they weren't following him, that is-- and he'd just run on back to "the Nest" before he could treat himself to a 3 PM breakfast.

Two taps came at the door of "the Nest", followed by another after a pregnant pause. It was his particular knock the Flock would recognize, or at least he hoped. ...No it's only been a week since I last visited. They wouldn't forget me in a week... right? ...Jesus.

Max looked around alertly as he and the Wizard navigated the city streets. Trips outside the heavily-warded townhouse were nervous things, especially since the Wizard's declining health had confined him to a wheelchair. But leaving the townhouse was a better option than weakening the wards by allowing them to be casually penetrated by members of the two Families. Granted, it would be incredibly stupid to attempt to rob a powerful magician in his own home, but the Wizard's ability to produce valuable and rare magical artifacts almost on demand might be more temptation than a curious cat or covetous corvid could keep in check.

So, deliveries were made by the Wizard himself, who trusted no one else to handle the precious items. And Max, as the bodyguard, was responsible for delivering the Wizard safely to his destination. Today that destination was the home-- or at least the business office-- of the mysterious Clan. The mysterious Clan full of cats he wasn't allowed to chase. Max tensed at the thought, then tensed further as a man suddenly appeared and dropped into step beside him.

The stranger was short, only an inch or two above five feet, wearing a brown flannel shirt that emphasized the lean muscles of a gymnast. Intense deep brown eyes were set in a fine-chiseled face and crowned with sun-streaked brown hair that somehow managed to look scruffy and untidy despite its short length. He looked interesting, and under other circumstances Max might have tried to strike up a friendship, but someone appearing that quickly meant magic, and the Wizard had many enemies. He was opening his mouth to voice a warn-off when the stranger abruptly vanished and was replaced by a wall of sand-colored concrete.

Max stopped short and looked around in confusion for a moment. Understanding dawned as he looked back over his shoulder, realizing that what he had taken for air was a wall of mirrored glass. The Wizard had explained reflections several times, but they still occasionally took the terrier by surprise. Shaking himself, Max began pushing again at the wheeled chair, hoping the pause had gone unnoticed by its occupant.

Whether or not the Wizard had noticed, he said nothing and they proceeded on in silence until they reached the alley that housed the back entrance to the Black Cat Cafe, the headquarters of the Clan. Then the Wizard looked up at Max with a twinkle in his eye. "Remember, Max, if you behave in here there will be a treat when you get home."

"Yessir! I won't forget, sir! Even if they are cats!" The Wizard's look became stern, and Max clamped his mouth shut before the dreaded 'No' could be voiced. Nodding with approval, the Wizard leaned forward in his chair and pushed a button beside the door. An annoyed voice crackled unintelligibly through the speaker, and the Wizard sighed. He pressed the button again, and very clearly enunciated the password. "Nepeta."

The crackling voice said something else in a more approving tone, and the door in front of them swung open smoothly.

Palea leaned against the door of the old warehouse casually, seemingly nothing more then a loiterer. The blonde shifter was quite a bit more then that, despite how very frumpy she appeared to be. Even her last name was prone to lead people to underestimating her abilities. Sharing your name with pasta tended to do that. It was useful in her line of work though.

Despite the fact that she straddled the line between two different mobs, Palea was quite content with her life. How it had all come about, well that was a long story, one even she didn't know fully. All the young woman knew was that one day, she'd run across a little raven and helped it out, and then she'd done the same for a cat. From then on the shifter had been helping out both parties, always in a way that she hoped could be seen as neutral. The moment Palea stepped over those boundaries either way, she knew she was in trouble.

For the moment she simply watched as another unaligned individual knocked upon the warehouse's door again. She wondered what business he had there this time. Palea was sure she'd find out eventually, one way or another.

The halls twisted and turned as she made her way through the maze-like Nest. Many of the lower windows were sealed to prevent curious beings from coming in, however the roof was almost always accessible. But in this case she had to make her way down to the lower levels where poisons and magical traps abounded. If it wasn't the assassins themselves making them someone was bringing them down there as part of a trade.

Jacky didn't mind it down there, despite the claustrophobic feeling of being without an aerial escape, it was interesting. Always full of new shiny items and glittering pieces. And not to mention her favorite lycan usually kept down there when she wasn't off working. She fingered the sealing wax as she made her way past one of the many side doors to the outside when she heard the faint knocking. Tap Tap... a delayed pause. Tap. She cocked her head in both directions as her mind whirred through her mental database. Two taps a pause and then a third... Gasping in delight she flung the door open and dragged the human male inside.

"RILEY!!" She squawked in pleasure, "You really do need to stop by more often. I was missing your handsome face around here." Jacky tapped the side of his cheek, "Really, you have been away for longer this time. Did Daddy have you busy with tedious tasks? I could have you busy with much more interesting things if you'd ever take my offer." She practically purred that last part as she moved her hands down the side of his face onto his shoulders. Her half-lidded eyes smoked over and then suddenly lit back up. "But business before pleasure my dove. I need to bring a contract to Revy. Did you want to join us?" pausing she let the male think whatever he wanted to, "Or do you have to report to Jack right away?"

The Black Cat Cafe was chosen as the headquarters for The Clan for the pure fact that it was two places in one. During the day it was a cafe for people to eat and drink at, but during the night it was a rave club with back door dealings going on right underneath everyone's nose. Cats were very often seen around the place but no one really paid them much mind considering they just saw them as strays or pets, though for the bigger more exotic pets they tend to shy away from, even though they know that a rich family owns the place and believe the exotic cats are to attract costumers.

Though on this particular day Cain was there, it was odd for Cain to actually handle the business of The Clan but now that he was the leader he had decided to to be more active in the business and try to improve on it even if that meant crossing The Flocks territory and stealing some of their business since they were taking there assassin contracts.

When the back door of the Black Cat Cafe opened to reveal the wizard and guard a Mouse demon looked at them, nodding his head as he motioned for them to follow after him. He didn't say anything as he lead them through the kitchen, down the hallway, into an elevator to the top floor which was nothing but an office. He knocked on the door a couple of times before opening it, revealing a grand office with a purple haired male sitting down behind the desk.

Cain dismissed the male with a wave at of his hand as he motioned for the dog and wizard to come forward, and have a seat in front of the desk. He looked them over, not saying a word as a serious expression was upon his face, he rarely spoke and when he did speak his words carried weight with them, meaning the room could be loud and crazy and all he would have to say in a calm tone is stop and everyone would hear him and stop what they are doing. That is why he was the leader, because people listened to him even when he doesn't say anything they still listen.

Pre'ach'an sat on a power line, preening his snow-white feathers as he kept an eye on the ground below him. He recognized the man who came to the door, and gave a caw of hello just before he was yanked inside. If he could have grinned, he would, but beaks didn't curve as well as lips did. Oh well, he'd just have to say hi later.

Come to think of it, he should be getting a job, shouldn't he? He sighed inwardly, ruffling his feathers and laying them flat again. Being white made him stick out, but most people didn't seem to notice. Maybe he should get some help dying his feathers black? He thought about it as he took wing, starting to fly around the perimeter of the building below.

Riley jerked his head to the side at the sound of the 'caw' behind him... or was it above? He hadn’t been looking at the door at that moment but instead over at a figure leaning against another building, watching him… or at least he thought they were watching him. He must have been surrounded. He must have been caught. At that moment Riley felt arms wrap around him and pull him into the sudden darkness of the warehouse. He was terrified, but when Jacky's first few words fell onto his ears he was petrified.

“Um…” he managed to stammer as her fingers slide slowly down his neck to rest on his shoulders. So they had noticed his absence and she… still well. She still talked to him in a manner other women didn’t talk to him in. Then again, most other women didn’t turn into ravens or have Dons for fathers. Crap, Jack would kill me if I even THOUGHT about ‘taking her offer’. He offered a shy half-smile “I’m just here to tell Jack about the shipment… and um… see if he needs me for anything else.”

In all honestly, Revy made him nervous. He didn’t like the idea of hanging around con-artists and mobsters but to spend his ‘free’ time around an assassin? Especially to be around one that would very possibly be sent out for him in the near future? But how would you tell Jacky that without, you know, telling her? “Yeah, so… I’m just going to go talk to Jack.”

Yeah, he’d go just as soon as the trembling stopped.

Palea grumbled to herself, shifting lightly upon her feet.. Or at least trying to. This was one moment when she cursed her inattention, or rather distraction. Her eyes had been caught up on what was happening on the other side of the street, with Riley and Jacky. That raven woman was quite the handful of feathers, always flirting with anyone.

Her eyes, made larger by big round glasses, had been too caught up on the scene as she moved. With a small sound, Palea found herself upon the ground trying to catch her breath. She kicked at the board she'd tripped upon with a curse. This was why she tried to remain as neutral as possible between the Clan and the Mob. Covert missions just weren't her thing. Palea was more of a messenger then anything else, someone standing between the lines and never crossing them ... At least not on purpose.

Madam Sauda had a air about her that made everyone around her pause and stare. She moved with grace and ease as if she floated instead of merely walked. She was a interesting woman on her own besides her unique attire. She simple was breath taking as she walked into the cafe. She ignored the looks from the mortal men as she slowly made her way towards the back of the cafe. She paused as she turned and looked right at one of the mortal men. The man froze as he turned pale quickly jumping up and taking his dishes with him as he bowed to her cleaning the table off as he watched her take a seat at the table. She gave the man as simple smile as she blew him a kiss. She just smiled as the mortal man threw the dishes on the table and ran off his day was made. She just grinned as she looked to her escorts.

She kept her two beloved escorts with her at all times. Not really that she needed any escorts she just happen to enjoy the company of these two men. She knew it was distasteful to play with mortals as she did. But when you have it why not flaunt it? Was it her fault she could take any mortal's heart with a look and drive them wild? Why not have a little fun. She kept her interactions with humans here simple. She never mixed business with pleasure and certainly not with mortals. They where just for sport once in a while to play with and tease. Her eyes scanned the room as she noted where the other members of the clan where here. She closed her eyes as a waiter brought her the special drink that was made for her when she came. She closed her eyes as she picked up the beautiful ornate tea cup and took a sip of the red liquid. A beautiful smile graced her lips as she sat there enjoying the taste.

She could tell by the uneasiness of the alter staff that Cain was here as he should be. She admired the young Don. She had promised to help him all she could before his father past. She promised to help keep the peace among the other brothers as well. She agreed however with their father. Cain was the best suited for the title and position. He had a strong head on his shoulders and was rather level headed for the most part. He also had a mind for business and the right traits to make a great leader. She wondered how he was holding up. But she would wait till she was summoned to him before she would dare interrupt him. Unlike most here she knew her place and she knew barging in uninvited could get really ugly. Besides it's very disrespectful to the Don and childish. She had her own area to run anyhow besides trying to run him. She gently pulled out a deck of cards from her sleeves as she felt eyes on her. She smiled as she could fell some interest in her cards.

Green eyes glowed lightly in the dark. The sound of a blade being carefully, deliberately sharpened filled the otherwise ensuing silence. Slender fingers, raised the blade up to inspect, filtering light softly following across them. The 24 year old nodded slightly in approval, then placed the blade down. It lay before her on a table with a complimentary collection of other blades. Each were polished and sharpened carefully so as to extend both lifetime and accuracy. Not a single speck of dirt would cause the slightest miscalculation with them.

Standing, Revy walked from her table and across what was for all intents and purposes her suite apartment. The lower levels of stone were home to her here. Silence as she enjoyed best when not on the scent. That or when Jacky wasn't there. The girl was very chipper and... for lack of a kinder way to put it... high pitched. A very outgoing girl who had her priorities in an interesting place. Pulling out a frozen meal and warming it up, Revy swept back her long dark hair and settled down to eat. To wait. And eventually to infiltrate, spy, or do whatever else was tasked from her by her master.

Jacky sighed and let go of him. It didn't look like she was going to get to have any fun playing with the human today. He did seem a little jumpier than usual, the guy was a bundle of nerves she had noted, but today he was a bit twitchier than usual. Still handsome as far as humans go, but a twitchy fellow. She'd have to keep that bit tucked away, she could work it out later. Letting out another loud 'Huff' she pushed him away, “Fine, business before pleasure my dove. See you turned my own words back on me. Well enjoy visiting Jack, he's brooding in his office.”

She still had the contract to deliver, which meant she got to track down Revy. She grinned at the promise of seeing the demi-lycan. The basement levels were dark and confining, not a favorite place of the raven, but she still made the trek down past even darker halls and mysterious doors. If she was anywhere else she would have been more nervous about the shifty movements and noises coming out of the dark recesses. But this was the Nest, and she was Jack's only daughter, nothing would try to hurt her here. A quick turn into a door frame and she was at the final destination. A light mechanical beep as buttons on a microwave were pushed. Jacky leaned into the frame as she watched as the older woman started making her meal, soft motions of someone skilled in silent movement.

“Mmm, Revy you making anything good there?” She broke the silence and stepped out of the door frame. She crossed the room with tiny, bouncy steps. Reaching her hand up to brush away a few loose strands of hair that had fallen into Revy's face. Jacky knew she was invading the assassin's personal space and she liked it that way. Waving the sealed mission around she got to the point of her visit. “It seems that Jack accepted a job for your expertise. I have the note right here, still sealed too. Now what are you going to do to get it from me, hmm?”

~~~

Jack sighed as he sorted through personal papers, his affairs needed to be in order, but the life of a Raven came with hoarding tendencies. He had a door-mouse in his earlier years help him organize his office but the sweet thing got caught up by the Clan. Those damn cats kept taking more and more it seemed. Hearing a caw from outside he lifted his head to look out his broad windows. He could see Brendan making his rounds, likely calling out to the human he employed. He was expecting Riley after last night's job.

Pre'ach'an circled a couple of times, gaining a bit of altitude as he watched the ground. There was a sudden movement just on the other side of the street, and he made a sharp turn to look. Fluffy hair, large glasses... Oh! He'd seen her around before. She was a llama, right?

He angled lower, aiming to land on a tree branch not far away from her. Claws gripped the wood, and he folded his wings while staring at Palea with one green eye. He just watched her kick the board, wondering if she was supposed to be here or not. Should he fly off to tell Jack? Or did she want to talk to Jack? He let out a soft chirp, the sound questioning, and hopped further down the branch, closer to the fallen llama. He repeated the chirp, tilting his head the other way.

The blonde let out an annoyed huff as she shoved up her skewed glasses. Chirping reached her ears, making them twitch in a way reminiscent of her shifted form. The young woman tilted her head up as she scrambled into a sitting position. "I'm just watching today because I'm bored, if that's what you're wondering."

She could remember the white bird from other visits. He was always flying around somewhere, and really easy to spot because of his coloring. Shrugging, Paleae shifted to lean her back against the rough building wall with a smile."I just deliver messages, that's all." Her hands moved with the words, dancing softly in the air without thought.

Pre'ach'an made a chortling sound, hopping a little as he did. He knew he'd seen her! Always back and forth, in and out, never staying. He took off, flying up in circles again, giving her a good-bye caw. He had to go around the building before stopping to talk at all. Ooh, Jackie would love to hear that the llama was around again! Come to think of it, maybe he should tell Jack now...

He angled his flight, aiming for the Don's window. Landing right outside, he tapped the glass three times. Hopefully, Jack wouldn't mind too entirely much... But someone standing outside and watching, no matter what they said for, should be told to him, right?

Jack turned at the sound of the triple tap. Seeing the ghost raven on his window sill he opened it allowing the bird in. He was used to Brendan bring in notes directly to him in this manner however he wasn't expecting any at this time. but he always had time for family if Brendan started getting too chatty jack would usually send him to his daughter, the two of them got along famously. He had high hopes for the young male as a result.
"Pre'ach'an come in and rest your wings. I am expecting the human Riley soon for his report about the job last night. You are free to sit in and listen if you wish. I know many of your reports get back to my daughter and all the better for it. She needs to be prepared to take over when the time comes." Jack spoke freely with the white one as he knew that Brendan spoke nothing of the Flock's business to anyone outside of the flock. "Now what is the reason of you visit this afternoon?" He asked before the for seen interruption of his meeting.

Pre'ach'an hoped in, settling on the inside sill with a small flick of his wings. "Oh, I saw Reily come in! Jacky yanked him through the door, I think," he said, caws, chirps, and other sounds all strung together. "But I came to say that the Llama girl is outside. I watched her fall, and she said that she was just bored. I didn't know if she was telling the truth, though, so thought I should tell you." He hopped a little as he said the last part, nervousness showing. He still didn't know if he should have said something, but the Don knowing and not needing to was better than him not knowing and needing to, right?

Max bristled as they went deeper into the lair of the Clan, but managed to control himself by contemplating the treat he had been promised for good behavior. I hope it's steak. Steak is the best. I like steak. Or maybe a ball... I lost my last one, and I'd really like a new one. That's it, yeah, I bet it'll be a ball. I can keep quiet and not chase the cats if there's a ball in it. Or a steak... Maybe both!

It got easier to behave as they left the more populated areas of the cafe, and Max was almost relaxed by the time he wheeled the Wizard into Cain's office. A palsied hand waved imperiously, and Max lifted what looked like a bronze shoebox from the back of the wheelchair. The lavishly-decorated chest was heavy, but he was much stronger than his slender frame implied, and he placed it on the desk with an ease that would have been graceful from someone less full of energy. He opened the box and set free an intoxicating scent and an eerie blue light. The wizard smiled at him approvingly, and Max wished he had a tail to wag.

"Pixie honey," stated the wizard, lifting out one of the tiny glass vials in the box. It held a small drop of something viscous, and sparks of pale blue light dropped off of the container. "Five hundred doses. Highly addictive to humans and fey, incredibly poisonous to demons and the undead. I've never heard of a born shifter taking it, so I don't know the effect on them. It gives magical powers to ordinary human beings, for about a week, and enhances the powers of the fey when they come down from the hallucinations it causes."

The Wizard replaced the vial, and gestured for Max to close the box again. The light and scent were cut off abruptly, and the wizard smiled at Cain, waiting to see what the cat-demon would offer for the valuable new drug-- or new poison, as the situation demanded. "Ah... and I can obtain more at an hour's notice.

Jack sighed heavily, his daughter was going to be the death of him. He really hoped that boy had enough sense in him to keep away from her, for his own sake. Leaning back in his chair he tried to hear the bird out, it was like listening to nonsensical chatter sometimes, the way he jumped from topic to topic at lightning fast speeds. As a bird it made perfect sense but to human ears it was fast.

“Pre'ach'an, slow down. Can you at least stop the hopping so I can follow the head tilts better?” Rubbing the bridge of his nose he could feel a headache coming on, “The llama girl? Oh right, Pasta Spaghetti or something like that. Well I'll see her after this, can't have her snooping for no reason now can we. Thank you.” He pushed papers around on his desk, at closer inspection there were some files on a new drug coming out on the market, police reports, personal files, and a drafted will. They were quickly sorted and stacked together before any details could be gleaned from them. It was clear the Flock father had a lot on his plate as usual and with his aging things weren't coming any easier.

Pacing left didn't help, neither did pacing right. Finally Riley managed to make it to Jack's office door, but hesitated to act any further from there. It was a good, thick door, and didn't lend itself to letting sound pass through it easily so if there were anyone in there with Jack or not Riley would be none-the-wiser until it was fully opened. Watch he's just talking to the guy he's going to hire to hit me... I'm sure they know. I mean they noticed I was gone. Riley knitted his brows together and covered his face with one hand. He would obviously have to go in at some point or Jacky would find him again.

The boy's back hunched through the shudder of thinking about Jack's reaction to that. Right. The sooner the better. She was going down -there- and I bet, er, hope she'll be a while. Maybe I'll even be able to escape this place before she's back upstairs. Riley balled a fist, determined to rap those knuckles against Jack's heavy wooden door but the fist lost all momentum in the mere inches it traveled to it. There could be a murderer in there! How can I just... I have to! I HAVE to do this!

A long moment passed before the winning words pushed the 19 year old into action. Just... think of the waffles. I'll get breakfast after this. It'll be fine. I'm going to get waffles. Two knocks, a pause, then another knock tapped almost confidently on the back of Jack's door.

"Ah that would be Riley now. As I said you are free to stick around and listen, or you may go back to your rounds. Actually I changed my mind; stay here, make your notes, and when this is done you may go back to your rounds. I expect this whole thing to be brought back to Jaquelin." Pushing back on the desk he stood up. He had an imposing figure by human standards, tall height and strong shoulders and dressed impeccably. A fine tailored suit minus the jacket which he had slung over the back of his chair, silk tie, freshly shined shoes. He was the don of his Flock and even if he rarely made appearances out in public in this form, he at least dressed the part. Having retired that task to his daughter who was only too happy to take the place as a socialite.

Walking across the room, his steps were light and barely made a sound despite his apparent weight and the age of the floor. The door was old and heavy but opened with ease at his touch. Looking down his sharp pronounced nose at the young male he nodded before turning back into his office. "I was expecting you sooner Riley, but come in. Come in." Making his way back to his desk he motioned at a one of the chairs seated opposite of his own. The large backed chair came up and around framing the Flock Father, the dark leather contrasting with his silvering hair.

Smoothly strolling into the Black Cat Cafe, Sai caught the eye of a pretty, young mortal woman sitting near the entrance with her boyfriend, and gave her a wink. The girl looked flustered for a moment, and then ignored Sai as he brushed past the table where she was seated with her significant other. The other mortal women and girls turned their attention to the devilishly handsome young man dressed in a preppy outfit consisting of a navy blue sweater over a button-up shirt, along with jeans and brown boots. They watched him and eyed his fine features while they thought his attention was elsewhere, and then turned their gazes away whenever he looked in their direction. Quickly scanning the room a couple of times, he noticed that Madam Sauda was sitting near the back of the cafe and tried his best to hide himself behind a tall plant and avoid her gaze. The old hag, as Sai liked to call her behind her back, was all about being responsible, respectful, blah, blah, blah, whatever. She obviously felt that Cain was the best choice for Don, and disliked Sai for his little tricks and just his general disrespect towards elders.

As much as Sai disliked the old woman, he was still starving, and a nice slice of cake sounded really good just about now. Stepping out of his hiding spot from behind the tree, Sai covered his face with a sheet of paper advertising the Black Cat Cafe that was taped to the wall, and slinked his way across the room to reach an empty seat for two. The waiter came over and after seeing Sai's face, turned around, and came back a few moments later with five different cakes balanced carefully on a plate. The waiter was quite familiar with Sai. On the first day that the waiter came to work, he had witnessed Sai devour six whole cakes on his own, and even then the young man wanted to eat more. He had quite a ravenous appetite and never seemed to be satisfied, no matter how much he ate. The water had always wondered why Sai wasn't obese or even slightly chubby. Perhaps it was his metabolism. Looking up from his little snack, Sai winked at another girl who was caught in the act of staring at his flawless features. He gave her a little smile, and mouthed out his phone number to her while making the telephone gesture with his right hand. As she blushed and looked away, Sai grinned to himself. Now, if only he knew where Cain was so he could get a mission or, well, do something instead of sitting around and messing with mortals, as fun as it was.