RPG Body Language

[BabyGirl]

[color=purple]I know I just posted...but I wanted to write more, hee ^_^! (Especially with two of the people gone on vacation.)

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[i]She had delighted in taking a bath, a rare treat nowadays. As Dria struggled into her black stiletto boots, Luyii watched with interest, a faint smile tugging ever so slightly at the corner of her mouth,[/i] "How's the job for Genocide going?"

"Only as well as the swim through a sea of junkies can go."

[i]Luyii crinkled her nose[/i], "Sounds exciting."

[i]Dria gave a satisfied grunt as she pulled the last of the boot over her heel, zipping them up mid-calf,[/i] "The price we pay for beauty, Lu."

"It's worth it. You're so beautiful, Dria."

[i]Something about Luyii's tone was different,[/i] "And you're the gorgeous temptress."

[i]Luyii was thrilled by the label, and she threw back her head and laughed.[/i]

"Well you are." [i]Dria crossed to her and placed both hands on her arms,[/i] "Why else would you be ******* the boss? You're simply irresistable to men, darling."

[i]And not just them, Luyii thought, but just smiled and kept her thoughts to herself.[/i]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[i]The gun was her only company as Dria started to retrace yesterday's path, unless, of course, she counted the pouch that now resided uncomfortably on the inside of her boot. She might as well think of it as a companion, for its discomfort kept [that's a weird word...] reminding her that it was most certainly still there.

She would revisit Keith today with a gift; an offering, a peace trade, a little something to bargain with. A little part of her wished that Apocalypse would follow her again, strictly for the fact that she had no other way of contacting him. She wasn't going to mention anything to Luyii about the offer, and she most definitely didn't want to contact Genocide. She'd have to let Apocolpyse come to her, and Dria was certain that he would once the time was right.[/i]

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[i]Her hair was stick-straight today, glimmering with flecks of deep, deep red, and it fell to the middle of her back, longer than he remembered it. Her black shirt was tight and fringed with revealing lace, but somehow she still looked classy, even with jeans that skimmed low on her waist. Her hipbones always flirted with him...[/i] "Dria. Back again."

"I've come bearing gifts." [i]When he merely raised an eyebrow at her, Dria gave him a cheesy, childish grin,[/i] "Please?"

[i]Keith sighed. He had always been in love with her, even when he hated her, it was too hard to refuse her. He liked having her around his place, made it a little more homey...as opposed to the shithole junk house it had become as of late.[/i] "Ok, ok. Damn you, Dria."

[i]Success! She had him now, she could see it in his eyes!

She locked the door behind her and casually closed the blinds.[/i] "I have a business proposition for you, darlin'."

"What kind of business is it, Dria?" [i]Her voice, her everything, aroused him.[/i]

"Street business, Keith. Don't get any ideas of foul play..." [i]She shot him a warning gaze, held his eyes until he understood.[/i]

"I still need information. No, wait, before you say anything, I will give you this," [i]She pulled the pouch out of her boot[/i], "?free."

[i]Keith's eyes widened[/i], "Free?"

"Or as my payment for your information, rather. I assure you this is prime, and I believe you have done business with the man I bought it from. That's who I need information about."

[i]Keith knew exactly who, and he hated the idea of Dria meddling with the man,[/i] "H."

"Yes, Mr. H. He's one slimy mother fucker, and nobody can seem to grasp onto his whereabouts."

"Then what makes you think I can, Dria?"

"Because I know what you're capable of, because I know [i]you[/i], Keith."

[i]And their deal was sealed, right then and there.[/i][/color]

[Charles]

He sits down on the edge of the roof ledge. His mind refuses to get off its kick of reminiscing. Like how many times some cat's come up to him with his old man's watch or sister's coat to swap for a three-cent bag. A three-cent bag--like a grain of rice crushed to powder, that's how much it is for a cost of three dollars, and you couldn't beat down that hell-like look as the begging took place in exchange for that super-tranquilizing ***** powder. He sniffs back a tear that comes out of his nose.

There are so many people with no pride at all--people that know without a doubt in the world that the only thing that will get them warm again so they can care about being cold is the connecting--the blending of their vein's blood and the drug.

The city below is a sick murder scene. A junkie's jungle where the circle of life is unforgiving. Death always comes quickly for those who never live to begin with. If they don't get gypped out of their stuff, they get beat on some weak, cut-down *****. If they don't get dead on an overdose, they'll get deader on a long strung-out kick. Everything in the world depends on heroin. They'll go to bed thinking about it. Love and life take second place to it and nothing matters except where, and how soon. It's like their whole puking system has copped a mind bigger then the one in their heads.

His world for the taking all right. But, why should he want it? Maybe he's a junkie of a different kind. Yeah, that's it.

He walks towards the roof landing, and thinks to himself, "I ain't no ****in' junkie."

The cars below wail some sad song and he wails along in a soft hum. Then some kinda time started to go by. And then Judgement Day sets in....

He's not sure how many times he's stood on a rooftop and yelled out to nobody:

"I'm here and I want recognition, whatever the ****in' word means!"

Only the heartbeat of the city answers back. A dull "[i]tha-thump, tha-thump, tha-thump[/i]." And he can't help but to be a little envious.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Luyii and Juu waited patiently. They could hear the movement. Feel the breath on the wind.

Nothing else. They knew what Dria was up to. More or less. To find anything more could be....not so good.[/i]

"......patience."

"I know. I just don't like her leaving. And then knowing she couldn't come back."

"......relax yourself. Don't let it get to you."

[i]The eldest patted Juu's arm comfortingly and the two leaned out on the balconey. Absorbing the scents of the night.[/i][/COLOR]

[BabyGirl]

[color=purple][size=1]Charles- Thanks for posting :toothy:[/size]

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[quote]"It should be like this forever, Dria." Keith turned his lips to her hair and kissed it, tightening his arms around her in a possesive embrace.

She found comfort in his strength, his warmth, and merely sighed as if his comment wasn't true, "It will be."

Keith closed his eyes and ran a hand along the curve of her hip, savoring it as he would a high. "No, Dria, the end of things has come." His body shuddered away from hers.

Pulled out of her lucid state, Dria looked up at Keith to find his body quickly slipping away from her, violent spasms shaking the bed. She tried to reach out to him, to take his hand and pull him back, but she recoiled in fear as his eyes rolled too far back into his head.

Keith fell limp onto the floor. His skin had a pale sheen from a thin layer of sweat, and red liquid pooled on the wood beneath him. As Dria called his name, her voice became warped and unrecognizable. Her words seemed but a whisper, as if she were submerged into a hazy red ocean.

A figure materealized behind Keith's body, stepping out of the endless black shadows, weilding a knife dripping with bood. The blade, nearling as long as her forearm, threw specular glints of light around the room; they were absoltuely blinding.

Dria's vision cleared. H stood before her, a smirk contorting his sickly face. She tried to move, to run, to get away, but as she stayed rooted, H approached with frightening quickness. She gasped, then tried to squirm as he pressed the blade against her throat. Dria felt it bite across her neck, a small gash, a tease.

Mr. H laughed, and the sound of it was deafening. He pressed harder into her skin, and there was no mistaking the warmth of her own blood trailing over her collarbone. Dria choked, a struggle made into a sob, and knew that the end of things really had arrived.

H dragged the blade across the entre length of her throat.[/quote]

[i]Dria's tea cup shook in her hands the next morning. The dream of Keith and Mr. H had unnerved her...what exactly had she gotten herself into? Juu noticed her trembling hands and covered them with her own.[/i]

"I'm glad you got home all right last night, sis."

[i]Dria gave Juu a small smile, a small laugh, and then brought the cup to her lips as a distraction, hoping that she could calm down,[/i] "Thanks, Juu. I found out what I needed to know, it was a successful evening."

"Does the whole puzzle fit together yet?"

"No." [i]Dria shook her head and felt like chills were pacing her spine,[/i] "But it will soon."

"Just be careful. I've never seen something get to you like this before."

[i]God, Dria loved Juu to bits,[/i] "Don't worry, darling. Even a tough girl like me gets her bruises."[/color]

[The Vampire: Ed]

Apocalypse's night consisted of darkness, and silence. He sat in the darkness of his house in silence staring at Dria's picture all night, he couldn't seem to stop looking at it, not even to sleep. Soon he became tired of just staring at the picture, when he knew the real thing was so close by. Apocalypse stuffed the picture into his coat pocket, and left his house. He walked the streets until he came to Dria, Luyii, and Juu's apartment complex. He stayed hidden across the street watching, and catching glimpses of the three women occasionally as they passed by the windows, but he was only looking for one.

Dria stood in front of a window for a moment looking at the dark and cloudy sky, it was a gloomy morning that looked as if rain could come pouring down at any moment. Apocalypse could see that Dria had been rattled by something, she looked a bit pale. He looked angered thinking that someone might have done something to her, but quickly dismissed it as he just suddenly felt delighted to see her beautiful face. Suddenly, he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. Apocalypse turned to face whomever it was, only to find a cop staring at him attempting to look intimidating.

"What do you think you're doing?" The cop said as he looked up seeing Dria in the window. "Are you some sort of peeping tom? Did you know what you're doing is illegal?"

Apocalypse tilted his head slightly, and grinned. "What's it to you?"

"What's it to me?' Well, you're on my turf, and you're breaking the law here. Your smart mouth isn't going do nothing but dig you into a deep hole. I've seen your type before. You're some punk who want's people to believe you're some sort of bad ***, walking around wearing all that black, the trench coat, and the long hair. You think I'm afraid of you, boy?" The cop said as he clenched the handle of his gun.

"Heh-No, I don't think you're afraid of me. You're too stupid. But you say I'm trying to act like a bad *** by looking the way I do, but what about you? What about you and your stupid little uniform, and your nice shinny badge? Oh, and what about you and your little gun there?" Apocalypse said with a smirk on his face. "Do you think [b]I'm[/b] afraid of you? If you weren't a cop, if you didn't have a gun, and a whole police force to back you up-yeah, I'd say there's a damn good chance you'd be afraid. I'm busy now, piss off, pig."

Apocalypse turned his back to the cop and look towards the window against seeing that Dria had walked away, he became angry at the cop for interrupting him, then it got worse when the cop grabbed his arm and tried to pull against the wall of the building next to them. Apocalypse sneered as his hit the brick wall, and quickly spun around throwing the cop off and to the ground. The cop tried to go for his gun, but only received a broken hand as Apocalypse stomped his hand and grinds it against the rough cement. Apocalypse then kicked the cop in the face as he tried to yell, his jaw was immediately shattered by the impact and the force of the kick cause him to bite off part of his tongue.

"You! I missed her because of [b]you[/b]! Time to die, piggy!" Apocalypse grabbed the cop by the legs and drug him down the nearest alley, he pull him up and tossed him head first into the wall. Apocalypse tore his belt off with his holstered gun, and tossed it away, then ripped his badge off. "Do you want my respect or something? Huh? Where the f**k were you when they took my family from me? You cops are just as bad as they are, I'm not blind. All of you are crooked, and just as bad a the people you put in jail."

Apocalypse stared into the cops eyes as he attempted to say something, but only managed to spit blood and pieces of tongue. Apocalypse shoved his back to the wall, and look down see his leg leaning a bit, so he stomped on both of his knee caps breaking his legs. Muffled screams, and groans escape the cops mouth but no one is around to hear it. Apocalypse looks over at a dumpster, and gets an idea, he tosses the cop inside and slams the lid shut. The cop attempts to push the lid open is only knocked back down when Apocalypse slams it on his head.

The cop stays down this time, and give Apocalypse time to retrieve his belt. He removes the handcuffs from the belt, and cuffs them to the dumpster in such a way that the lid is unable to be opened. Apocalypse leaves the alley, and approaches the cop car and takes the keys and opens the trunk to look for something. Apocalypse find a gas can, it's filled luckily for him, because it was a crucial part of his plan. Apocalypse makes his way back to the dumpster hearing the cop attempt to call for help, Apocalypse forgot to remove his radio. The cops muffled calls for help fell upon deaf ears though, the dumpster interfered in transmission, and even if they did hear him they would be able to understand much.

"How are you doing in there?" Apocalypse said as he pounded on the lid, and laugh. "You know what, little pig? I've always wanted to attend a louow."

Apocalypse snickered sadistically as he began to pour the gasoline into the dumpster through the small space he was able to open the lid. Soon the whole gas can was empty, and the cop's screams grew, but Apocalypse ignored him as he threw the gas can away and grabbed some paper littering the alley.

"Time to roast the pig." Apocalypse muttered to himself as he lit the paper in his hand, and tossed it into the dumpster. Apocalypse watched as the fire began to grow, it's smoke pouring out of the cracks of the dumpster, flames escaping through as well. The smell of burning flesh, and frantic screaming fill the air as a twisted smile crossed Apocalypse's face.

Apocalypse walked out of the alley, and found another place to wait for Dria to leave, and follow her. His actions only prove how obsessed he is becoming with Dria.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]The sounds of sirens filled the air and Juu rose from bed. She crawled into the one place where she felt so completely safe. Luyii's bed. Warm and comforting, filled with soft futon mattresses, and with the heated bulk of Butch at the foot. She curled up, knowing that Luyii would protect her from the bad dreams.

Luyii stared at the ceiling, vision bluring. It was another night. No phone calls, no communication, only a soft echoing void. She put her arms around Juu gently and rocked back and forth. Soon, the youngest of the three was fast asleep once more. Luyii tilted her neck back and sighed softly.

The warmth spread over her body and she relaxed. Butch snorted and whinned in his sleep, then turned and curled into a tighter ball.

Comfortable.[/i]

"...come home Dria."[/COLOR]

[BabyGirl]

[color=purple]Raiha, she already is home, so I'm just going to continue as if your post happened before she got home anyway ^_^

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[i]The sky let loose. Sheets of rain fell upon the city, blurring the edges of vision and turning everything into a chilly, grey wonderland. All three of the Sisters' moods were dampened, perhaps because the weather was such a perfect epilogue to their worry the night before.

Dria confided in both Luyii and Juu, explaining her dream as they sat safe and warm in their living room[/i], "Should it worry me so much?"

[i]Luyii absently scratched Butch's ears,[/i] "I think you're just a little uneasy still because the dream happened last night. The shock of it will probably fade before tomorrow."

[i]Dria sighed, she knew that Luyii was most likely right,[/i] "I just hope it isn't some stupid 'sign'."

[i]Juu laughed at the comment, finding the ridiculousness of it amusing, [/i]"Since when did you start receiving signs, Dria?"

[i]Dria glanced over at her in surprise,[/i] "Well you're absolutely right, but I still don't think it's funny."

"Ri," [i]Juu's voice quieted the way it did before she wanted to be taken seriously,[/i] "go with your gut instinct. It's never failed you before, and you've [i]never[/i] looked to outside signs to guide your decisions. Believe me, if you could make decisions for the whole planet, you would." [i]Juu directed her gaze to Luyii,[/i] "Dria doesn't need [i]signs[/i]."

[i]Luyii then focused her eyes on Dria's,[/i] "No, she doesn't. Do what the little darling says, she's right, you know."

[i]Dria stayed quiet, thinking it over[/i], "Always getting put in my place by the 14 year old, huh?" [i]She grinned[/i], "Maybe I never grew a day past 13."

"I think most men would beg to differ." [i]Luyii looked amused with her own comment, which earned a quick roll of the eyes from Dria.[/i] "Well, I have some matters which I must attend to."

[i]As Luyii rose from the couch, Dria stuck her tongue out at the weather,[/i] "Bleh. Can I have the car?"

[i]Luyii didn't think that she'd venture out into the rain,[/i] "More work today?" [i]She asked in surprise[/i].

"Hell no, not in this rain. I'm going shopping."

[i]All three of them laughed genuine laughs and agreed that Dria could indeed use the car.[/i]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[i]Apocalypse watched as the lights in their apartment went out. It was the type of day where any amount of shine was bright enough to be seen as easily as though it were night.

He figured that they'd have to take the car, or at least catch a taxi, because he doubted that any of them were too keen on getting soaked when they didn't have to. He just hoped that he could find Dria alone, even if just to speak with her briefly.

Apocaplypse weighted two places to stand watch, and decided that he'd stay hidden by the entrance to the underground parking garage. Their sporty red car was certainly not an easy thing to miss.

[i]For the first time since she'd lived here, Dria hurried through the parking garage with a new-found urgency to get safely inside the car. She'd once had a guy attempt to rob her here, but even he had been easily disposed of and didn't worry her in the least. Were her Sisters right? She she NOT let the dream worry her?

She mulled over the question as she tore through the garage, constantly shifting between second and third gear. As she rounded the corner by the exit, Dria sped up. So what if the rain was a little thick today?

The next moment happened as only an 'Oh S**t' moment can. The man's edges were indeed blurred by the rain, making him a massive, imposing beast that stepped into the path of her car. Dria's reactions were frantic. Like her dream....so like her dream....But instinct had her slamming on the brakes and the car skidded to a halt directly in front of the man,[/i] "S**t!" [i]Her heart raced the way it does after unexpected driving flukes,[/i] "Apocalypse?"

[i]He approached her window, which she rolled down enough to speak with him. Her outburst didn't surprise him,[/i] "You're ****ing crazy! Do you have no idea about how fast and reckless I drive?" [i]She took a breath as Apocalypse merely looked down at her with a ghost of a grin on his face,[/i] "Dammit. Here, um, get in."

[i]Dria unlocked the door to allow him into the car, and had to bite back a grin when she saw how his lumbering frame barely fit in the passenger side. Instead, she laughed nervously,[/i] "Tight fit, huh?"

[i]He turned to look at her, his eyes softening,[/i] "Where were you going so fast?"

"Shopping." [i]And you're interfering with me and my shoes...[/i]

"...Shopping?"

"Yes, shopping. I got good information yesterday, and yes, I'll take you up on that deal. But if you rat me out to Genocide..."

"Dria." [i]He sighed. She was so beautiful, his daughter,[/i] "I won't, I promise. But I have to change the deal a bit."

"Oh?" [i]She drove the car around to the street and parked it close to an alleyway, she didn't exactly want to take him shopping with her...[/i]

"Yes. You find out all the information, but no dirty work. I don't even want you to come face to face with H again."

[i]Wait, how did he know about their recent transaction, [/i] "Again?"

"Yes, he wouldn't have done what he did to your [i]friend[/i] if you hadn't dealt with him before."

[i]But, so unlike his nature, Apocalypse squirmed at his own lie. Something about him was changing, he could feel it, but he couldn't pinpoint it. He glanced at Dria at length, and he felt sudden pity for her trials. [/i][/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Luyii put on her black racerback shirt and dark blue flares. With practiced ease, she snapped the clasp of her beaded choker, and inserted the six silver earings that had become her trademark. With the skill of a fashion goddess, she did up the clasps on her leather boots and headed for the door. Juu engaged the security system behind her and waved.

She took the elevator down and hailed a taxi. The driver gave her the 10 o'clock salute and took her to the destination specified. She got out and slipped a twenty into his shirt pocket. He nearly fainted, and she smirked to herself.

The tall slender female climbed the stairs to the main buildling, entered, and gave the guards the look.

They led her up to his office, opened the door, and ushered her in. He wasn't around, but she knew he would be shortly. Luyii sat herself on his almost empty desktop, removing her shirt, and shoes. Then she rolled over, giving the entire world a lovely view of her black bra and bare feet.

Didn't matter anyways. Did it?[/i][/COLOR]

[Charles]

Okay, I'm finally back after a slight hiatus that can be attributed to AOL. ^_^


The sky is gray, almost like it's painted-on. It's midday and there are no cars in sight. It's one of those days where everything is glass. Glass buildings, glass people, glass dreams, everything glass at the seams. It's all fragile-like, and he feels like a bull in a china shop. Touch something and it's bound to break. That's how it is. It's one of those days, all right--he can see what's coming because it has nothing to hide behind.

Time tends to slow in intense situations--when you're waiting for something to happen--and you know it's just there, but it hasn't happend yet--still coming--but not yet. This one is no different.

And without warning--it?s there. Endless images of his presence roll over in his mind successively. Endless cackling faces, volatile grins, unstable pupils and his massive hulking presence consume his thoughts. Nothing else is there? but HIM. He's never seen him--but he's still there. He's created him. His own version of him. The thoughts won't escape Genocide. He is submersed in them, so much so that he walks like a zombie just to escape them--now unaware of the world around him.

That's when his phantom becomes something different. Something familiar. Something that is [I]true evil.[/I] Adorned in a massive black trenchcoat with a dangling, lush mane of jet black hair hanging down to his shoulders, the breadth of the man is awe-inspiring. He is, to put it quite frankly... enormous.

The figure?s head is turned down and slightly raised to one side as he smirks evilly, before bringing back his hand, connecting with Genocide's jaw. Before cinching his paw around his throat and lifting him high into the air. He notices a miniature metal cross stabbed into his tormentor?s neck before the grip of reality shakes him from another night?s torture.

Genocide had awoken, still laying in the same place he?d been forced to endure HIS presence last time, and although he was alone when he woke, he felt better off getting the hell out of there just as soon as he could. Judging from the absolute void of night, he?d guess it to be about 4am. But that?s not what?s important here, only getting away from this place matters.

Popping his 1984 Grand Marquis into gear, Genocide peels out of the shoulder and onto the road, kicking up an invisible cloud of dust, thanks to the darkness of the night. He peels away into the moonlight, not seeing the miniature metal cross stabbed into the top of his trunk, making some sort of blasphemous insignia for the rear of his car?

Genocide?s hellian driving continues into the night. Flying down the back roads in excess of 75 miles an hour, he?s come near death several times. However, he feels like he?s been assisted by something--a few of those corners, he was sure he?d lost it, but somehow, he came through. He dares not think why that was--he just has to get to his office. His one escape.

[BabyGirl]

[color=purple][i]Frank Jack was a goddamn great policeman. And a goddamn great policeman like him shouldn't be sitting inside a cubicle, scowling at the rain.

Papers were scattered haphazardly across his desk, the spilled contents of a manila folder tattered with age. Jack leaned back and lit his last cigarette, watching the smoke curl and dance toward the ceiling. He took a drag, felt the pleasantly filthy sensation of smoke entering his lungs and exhaled. It was his second smoke of the past ten minutes and his brain began to buzz.

God only knew he needed something to keep him calm...if one could call it that.[/i]

"Jack!" [i]The rookie officer who occupied the cubicle across from him pounded on the wall,[/i] "You know I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. Didn't the chief tell you to not smoke in here?"

[i]Jack sneered through the cubicle wall,[/i] "Didn't I tell you to not talk to me like that, rook?"

[i]That shut him up.

Jack took a final drag and nearly let the burning cherry touch his fingertips before he crushed it out in an overflowing ashtray. Dria's picture stared up at him from his desk, that stupid *****. Jack ground his teeth whenever something irritated him, and lately that girl had been causing him to abuse the very habit.

He was sure he'd change that soon.

Jack picked up a report from two years ago, when Dria 'Star' Reynolds had been 19. [b]August 19, 2001: Criminal charges of breaking and entering. Criminal charges of grand larceny. Estimated loss of property: $750,000. Claim by Lawson & Smith Associates, owner.[/b]

Oh, and she thought she was so sneaky, too. She was never caught for that one, only suspected. Lawson & Smith dropped the charges once someone 'returned their goods', or as Jack so wisely thought, 'presented a large amount of information to use as blackmail'.

This girl really did have people on her side. And as much as he hated to admit it, Jack knew that it was going to be a damn big problem.[/i][/color]

[The Vampire: Ed]

Apocalypse sat in silence as Dria stared at him, and noticed the changes in his personality. Apocalypse looked at Dria and felt a warmth in his heart he hadn't felt in such a long time, and it was then that he stretched his arm out and ran his hand down Dria's cheek. She shuddered under his touch, she was surprised and a little nervous from the strange look in his eyes.

"Beautiful..." Apocalypse muttered under his breath.

"What was that?" Dria asked. Apocalypse slowly pulled his hand away staring into Dria's eyes, he hadn't realized he had said what he did out loud. "Uh--nothing."

Dria actually heard Apocalypse, but it was just a reflex to question it. Apocalypse then reached into his coat, and removed the envelope of money from his pocket. Apocalypse grabbed Dria's hand, turned it over and placed the envelope in it. Dria took it wondering what it was, she opened it finding the cash within that he was going to give to her when she was successful in the mission he had sent her on, then she remembered.

"What's this? I didn't finish the job yet." Dria asked as she attempted to hand the money back, but Apocalypse just pushed it back at her and replied. "No, you keep it. You've done so much all ready, and I know I can trust you. Your face-makes me feel like I've know you for a long time. I feel close to you even though it's quite the opposite."

Dria looked confused, but accepted the money as Apocalypse got out of the car and looked back in the window. "Take care." Apocalypse said before he turned and walked off disappearing in the shadows of the alley.

As she was putting the money away she spotted a slightly tattered photo, it was of her, she picked it up and looked it over. It must have slipped out of Apocalypse's pocket when he took the envelope out. Dria didn't know exactly what to think, or feel about it.

[BabyGirl]

[color=purple][I]After a few baffled seconds, Dria stuffed both the envelope and photo into her shoulder tote, reminding herself to mention the picture to Apocalypse later. She dug out her cell phone and decided that after her shopping she?d have to pay a visit to an old friend.

A rash and irritated voice picked up on the other side of the line,[/I] ?**** off. I?m busy. Call later.?

[I]Before he could hang up, Dria laughed,[/I] ?Franco darling, it?s me.?

[I]There was a pause followed by an triumphant[/I], ?Ahh, Dria! [I]Mi amore![/I] You finally remembered your old friend Franco, [I]si[/I]??

[I]Dria grinned, ?Si, mio amore.[/I]? [i]Franco Viladi was flamboyant and blatantly homosexual, but he was one of her oldest friends.[/i]

?Mm, your Italian still sounds [I]perfetto[/I].?

?[I]Grazie[/I], darling. I only grew up speaking the language in my home?? [I]Dria joked.[/I]

?So what can Franco do for you today, [I]tesoro[/I]??

?I recently came upon some money that I need invested, and seeing as though that?s your area of expertise? I?m going to be on your side of town today, I have a bit of shopping to do.? [I]Dria cradled the phone between ear and shoulder and she shifted into first and made her way into traffic.[/I].

?Stop by and see me! I demand it. We?ll do lunch.? [I]Dria imagined him pacing excitedly around his Manhattan office,[/I] ?Treat yourself to a pair of Manolo Blaniks and I?ll treat you to some [I]Italiano[/I].?

?Sounds like an [I]perfetto[/I] deal to me, Franco honey.? [I]Dria overemphasized [b]perfetto[/b] and gained a great laugh from Franco.[/I] ?I?ll call you when I?m done shopping, and then we can gossip over [I]pollo parmisiano[/I]. I want to hear about everything you?ve been doing. Yes, yes, sounds great, Fanco. [I]Ciao[/I].?

[I]And so began the drive to Manhattan.[/I][/color]

[Charles]

Hm, I stopped participating for a time with all the arguing going on. Didn't know what the heck was up. But, I like this too much to stop altogether. So, even if this thing is dead, at least I'll get one more post in that does some interesting things.



[I]There once was a time where he was a good soul. There once was a time he fought for what was right. There once was a time he was of the most celebrated Angels in Heaven. What happened? Where did he go wrong?

Avarice. It?s just that simple. Discontent with subservience. Pride. Jealously. Covetous. A burning desire to be THE ONE. A burning desire to be THE ONLY. A burning desire to be God himself.[/I]

[b]His towering office complex glitters even during the night. It stands poised and composed, taking for itself the world's remaining light. The panels take on the vermilion color of the heavens and the reflection of the stars freckle it like bulbs on a grand Christmas tree. Yet, despite its lavish outer workings, it's quite empty, save for dead shift security. Up, up into the sky it looms. So high, in fact, that its upper level view sits parallel to the sky?s plumes. Some would even say its reflection casts two moons.

It has been said that nobody is righteous; no not one. But, no matter; when did righteousness ever get anything done? Atop a world that emphasizes survival of the fittest, awaits his brazen mistress. A concubine who wraps her tentacles around anyone in her way, there she waits, spread on a desk waiting for the devil to come out and play. It?s a table set for two. Not with crystal glasses, champagne or chicken cordon blue. Just with the illusion of companionship, a distraction that, for a blink, can make all the falsities in the world seem true.

Midnight moonlight filters through the room and caresses her cheek. Clothes almost completely discarded, her figure is revealed, curvaceous and sleek. In comparison to her adventures, most liaisons seem reticent and meek. Ah, but something about this night--and she can?t quite put her finger on it--is quite somber, almost bleak.

Off in the distance, he peels through the streets, traveling anything but slow. After all, there is nothing more desperate than a man who runs with no where to go. Miniature crosses tattoo the pupils of his eyes. He almost wonders if he would be insanity if it wore a man?s disguise. And, without warning, to his destination, he finally arrives. Genocide loosens his grip on the steering wheel, red imprints mark his white knuckle hands. Despite bitter weather, sweat pores from his glands. Instead of using the parking garage, he abandons his Marquis at the building?s feet. The structure?s desolate visage never looked so sweet.[/b]

Overhead, the darkened sky is sliced through by a gliding crow. With wings outstretched, it soars through the air with an undeniable ease that is only offered to creatures of the winged variety. Genocide stares upward with a gasp. Beads of sweat run down his forehead. He swallows, and glides his hand through his short, damp hair. His glazy face is construed into a face of deep concentration and his empty, black, spherical eyes close slightly.

Reality is an uncaring master. Brutalized and fragmented by the past, one?s psyche can never truly leave all the baggage behind. A lost love--never to be forgotten. A hidden secret--never to let your mind rest. An unmentionable sin--taints your view of the world around you. And an uncaring master--dominates your very existence.

Apocalypse.

Luyvi.

Dria too.

He finds a single nylon stocking lying in the middle of the lobby, unencumbered by the human form. In his office he keeps spare dress. For him, there waits an immaculate suit. It?s black, with gold vest and black tie. But, for all this, he still stares at the stocking.

It comes to resemble a black pond. A very heavy, thick looking substance fills its space--a curiosity for anyone who should pass. To be sure, a certain gleam can be noticed in the pits of Genocide?s eyes. As his reflection continues, the glare slowly becomes more intent. Focused--as if bringing something forth. But the smile still remains. A smile with all the warmth of an icicle scoured in liquid nitrogen. A smile straight out of hell.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]He raised one hand and caressed her silken cheek. She had been waiting for a long time, but that had done absolutely nothing to lessen her smile. Still sensual, still indulging, still beckoning. For Genocide to abandon all rational thought and push her down, down to where all mortals eventually went. She placed her hand over his and pressed it to her face.

He drew in closer, hand on her shoulder. His voice was gentle, even sweet. She was fooled, for a moment, into thinking that he really cared. The way she replied was cool, but still begging for comfort.[/i]

"What's wrong Luyii?"

"She's slipping away. Maybe even out of my hands. Juu noticed it first."

[i]Her eyes shivered, then glittered once more, pale, delicate, almost helpless. And in his own moment, he relished it. The seemingly infalliable Luyii had human emotions. Besides those of lust and passion. The thought made him extremely pleased, and yet upset. She was supposed to never show such feeling, to be what she was told to be. But sometimes, things just happened. Things like this.

Instead of pulling her down and tearing her apart, he gathered her up in his arms. Like a father comforting his child. Although their relationship was anything but that of a parent and his adoring daughter. Luyii melted into his grasp, and burried her face in his chest. Her hands were soft, but clung to him desperately.[/i]

"I'm afraid for her."

"Don't be."

[i]His voice was comforting, but how could he care?[/i][/COLOR]

[BabyGirl]

[color=purple] ?Honestly, what is wrong??

Dria hated drawn out inquiry, ?Franco, I told you that I?m just worn out.?

?Psh. Nothing wears Dria out. Nothing has ever dulled that spark in your eyes.?

?Very poetic.? Dria rolled her eyes and took an irritated look at her watch.

?You?re giving me sass.?

?Yes, I?m giving you [I]sass[/I], Franco, because you?re annoying me. I love you to death, but I?m not in the right mood to discuss my very personal, very [I]classified[/I] business.?

Franco gave a haughty sniff, ?That never stopped you from gossiping before.?

He was going to drive her insane! Someone had cut her fuse too short this morning, ?Honey, too much information in the mind of someone who shouldn?t know it always leads to death. You think I want you in that position??

?Shh, shh.? Franco creased his eyebrows and leaned in more closely to where Dria sat across the table, ?I am sorry, [I]bella[/I]. I care for you. I don?t want to see that spark gone, it worries me.?

She let out a breath that Dria didn?t know she had been holding. Her mind seemed to be buzzing with annoying static, and she wasn?t sure why or where it was coming from, ?Franco, I don?t mean to snap at you. I probably chose the wrong time to get in touch.? She started to gather up her purse and laid out money for lunch, ?I?m going to go before I say anything else that I?ll regret.?

As Dria pushed back from the table, Franco threw her a sympathetic look. He would only excuse such rudeness from Dria, it was too deeply engrained in her personality. However, today she had been distant and Franco could dismiss that, it happened when she was under pressure with her work. But her smile had faded. Her eyes seemed lackluster. Her [I]wholeness[/I] wasn?t exactly whole.

?Thank you for the investment help, Franco.? Dria bent down and kissed him lightly on the cheek, ?I will call you when my demeanor improves and I become more tolerable to be around.?

He smiled, slightly, and let his hand linger on her arm out of kindness, ?Please be safe, [I]tesoro[/I].?

Dria tilted her head at him, ?Aren?t I always??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

But the thought of both Apocalypse and H weighed heavy on her mind. The rain had decided to return from its welcome hiatus and the sky seemed to open up and drop its melted fury on the city once again. Even the numerous bags of merchandise in the trunk of the car couldn?t wipe the growing scowl from Dria?s pretty lips. H still needed revenging for the brutal end of Ren?s life, and she prowled over that thought like an angry tigress.

Last night Keith had informed her about the whereabouts of two nameless minions fairly high up in H?s hierarchy. It was almost as if he had a dark power over the city, Dria mused bitterly, drawing junkies, cops, bounty hunters, and underground criminals to him like flies. They all came in hoards and left in unmarked body bags as law enforcement tried to cover it up. The wrath of H?s dynasty was becoming an epidemic that covered the entire city with an invisible, incurable plague. She wondered if anyone but her realized it.

And then Apocalypse. She didn?t know what to think of him?was he someone who wanted to kill her or protect her? One day he had her throat in his competent, quick-to-kill grasp, and the next he was throwing around phrases like ?take care?. Why did he have to confuse her?

Again, alone, Dria brooded.

And she didn't feel better until she sat at home that night, drunk off of good wine and her own caged anger.[/color]