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Mimi had remained in place behind the reception desk, those large, purple orbs locked on the fae before her when the loud, screetching sounds of the sluggish doors drew her attention elsewhere. Oh, and she would have greeted the young, lost girl too had that obnoxious Bazaa had not distracted her...again.

That creature. It was odd. It was disturbing.. the canine scents that eminated from the fox (as well as the wolf somewhere upstairs) were definately driving the feline on edge. Mimi fought back a sigh, or rather a cringe, when again the entrance to the hotel caught her attention. Before the youth could do anything about it, the doors burst open in a cloud of dust, smoke glass and accompanied by the smell of burning gears.

"Third time this week...." She said under her breath quietly rubbing thumb and forefinger of her left hand against her brows. Really, how did Midori put up with it all?

Then again, the young charge was unable to see spirits unlike Mimi. The feline looked at the door again, her gaze momentarily flickering across the spectral aura of a handfull of ghosts that were already throwing their fists in the air in sheer frustration. It would only be moments before....

"Seriously, Miss Kusanagi, this is preposterous!" came the loud outburst from a young man dressed in blue overalls as he dumped a toolbox on the ground next to the doors. "In the long years Midori was in charge, the door only broke once."

"In your care, they've broken three times-- its only been two weeks, Cat." Mumbled another apparition, this one a pretty young girl in a blue jumper suit. This one was busy sweeping up the shards as yet a third ghost materialized not too far away.

"One more time, Kitty, one more time and I'll have your pelt hanging over my gra--"

"Do you forget that I can always seal you up in a god-forsaken amulet?" Snapped the feline as her long, fluffly tail swished about behind her as a testament to her annoyed disposition. The beings quickly shook their heads and went about the task of having to fix the doors. Mimi, on the other hand, forced a smile across her lips as she once again directed her voice to the fae-- this time allowing her gaze to flick onto the other two bodies before her as well.

"May I help you all, somehow?"

Tomb was shocked, well, at least as much as he couldn't show it. He hadn't expected to come across so many others here. Was it possible they desired the same thing, the one thing that he desired, strove, and killed for? His chest grew red with fury, but only for second. He dismissed that they would want something like that, they seemed to be rather ignorant of it, anyway. They had been called in the same way he had been tempted, the dark calling that he would not give in to.

He laughed silently at their ignorance, for what could they expect of him? He would find some reason to deal with whatever stupid motives they were there, whether it be in his way, or to follow his own calling. He would play their little game, this life of leisure at this mysterious place.

The ghosts themselves were a surprise. Such free spirits were usually a nuisance, only causing trouble for innocents, but these served a purpose, maintaining the grounds of this place. However, he was even more taken aback by what seemed to be the keeper of the hotel, quite a lovely women, yet who had feline features. Obviously, Tomb wasn't the only eccentric brought here. And she wasn't the only extraordinary one. A rather ratlike (even though he resembled a fox) studied himself and a few others nearby, the greed glinting in his eyes. He would have to be wary with that one.

Well, if he was to make any progress, he might as well as confront the woman operating the desk. It might have seemed a shock, but he flew over to a position in front of her, and gave a small greeting.

"Hello. I guess I'll be needing a room."

Violet, tempest hues of supressed rage flicked across the newest patrons and settled upon the canine fellow as he rearranged his outfit whilst his eyes gleamed with the hunger befitting a derranged hunter on the loose. The soft murmurings and complaints from the ghost-folk fell upon deaf ears as the young, silver-haired mistress proceeded to follow the fox-merchant with that purple haze. Distrust and disdain flickered amid the slitted, black pupils as she fought back a hiss. b*****d.

"If I recall, I have not given you expressed permission to profit within the private grounds of the hotel." Purred the feline, the rose-colored tiers pulled in a soft, complaiscant little grin. Oh, how she'd love to tear the stupid fox, piece by piece. It was irrational, even, that desire to dismember the fellow. What exactly had happened back there? Ah... the Bagheera... once they set their sights on an enemy it usually took death (or one helluva miracle or reason), to overturn the desire of bloodshed.

Even for Mimi, as peace loving as she once was, it was difficult to keep herself from sinking fang and claw into the man's neck.

I'd like a room, please Her attention was pulled taut, then, in the opposite direction, only to bounce off from one patron to the other. It was incredible, that change betwixt bloodlust and amiableness that took over the young girl's porcelain-like features. "Welcome to the Jekyll de Hyde, my name is Kusanagi Kyaroru and I'll be your host for your stay-- please feel free to call me Mimi: everbody here does."

As Mimi spoke, her delicate fingertips pulled open the screen of her chrome-covered laptop seconds before spreading across the keyboard with the quiet grace of a pianist. "We have several rooms open for your disposition-- it is merely a matter of prefrence as to where you would like to be situated in. On the top floor we have the presidential suites: large rooms complete with living room, kitchen and a large bed with all the amnemities we can offer. Two floors below that is the indoor-health fascility, available for all guests. It is followed by smaller suites complete with a kitchenette. Floors 2-4 are singles and doubles. The east wing has a most wonderful view of the gardens; the west overlooks the park grounds. "

The feline lycanthrope's tapping ceased to be at the moment as she shifted a few strides toward her left only to pluck a few sheets of paper as they came out the freshly installed printer. "The bar and restaurant is just behind you past the double doors-- all the Hyde grounds are available for you to wonder in. " Mimi offered the duo a bright smile as she set a few forms before them. "Please sign the designated areas and fill out the emergency contact form. In the third page you will see the outlined areas where it is safe for you to enter within the daylight ours and those that are best to avoid at all times. The Hyde will not be held responsible for mortal wounds, viscious beatings,mauling, spiritual posession, hauntings, death nor anything along such lines if they are inflicted by anything other than the rides, or hotel fascilities themselves. In fact, the rule of thumb is 'Leave the spirits be and they usually leave you the hell alone.'

'If any such cases should occur, just holler and one of us, that is Cherry, Eliza and/or myself included, will come to your aide. " It was then when a set of keys, a pair of silver-colored things with a keychain of lacquered cherrywood and silver placard emblazoned with the number 14 was presented to the young lady. "Just up the stairs and to your right, Miss.-- you did say that you wanted the basics, no?"

Despite the seriousness of the feline's words, the casualty in which the speeches have been delivered -- as well as the lack of humor in that oval face-- often left guests torn between laughter and fear. Some guests even took it as part of the theme that Jekyll De Hyde ran by and heeded no attention to warnings nor legal disclaimers. Had Mimi been serious? "Any questions?"

But before either guest could begin to form a first syllable, the feline's left hand shot out as if to slap someone nearby. On cue with the gesture, the temperature around the front desk dropped a good ten degrees and a hazy form began to shimmer into the earthly plane. The end product was that of a young boy about seventeen years of age, just under six feet of height and clad in a smart black-uniform trimmed in silver. Short blonde locks framed the youth's face and if it weren't for the thick, coke-lensed glasses that sat atop his nose skewedly, one could see the boy's bright, azure gaze. The left lens was cracked, its leg missing (thus explaining the imbalance of the glasses). He flashed the trio a grin the proceeded to pet the feline. "Nice kitty. Pretty kit--"

"Touch me again, Dorian, and I swear you will end up in a small bottle of Jack Daniels like that one spectre did."

The boy stiffened and looked at Mimi, his left eye bouncing against his cheek with the gesture. " Bu--"

"Quiet, Dorian." She mumbled, allowing her gaze to fall upon the male guest that had spoke to her earlier. "Have you chosen a room yet?"

The ghostly bell-boy could only grumble and wait, quietly amusing himself with vanishing and reapiring parts of his body.


(( FYI, Dorian is an NPC. He has a fondness for the Shinnies (gold), tempermental when he doesn't get tipped and is somewhat of a lech. Female guests, keep an eye on your underwear, that is all I got to say.

Otherwise, he's completely harmless. ))

(( Mind you, such threats mean nothing to the Cursed Bagheera--they are the felinesque equivalent of the Drow race amongst its own kind and like the dark elves, their reputation preceeds them. Unlike the elves, they not only have their own, hidden mecha, they also have infiltrated society as a whole and have several seats of power as well. razz ))

Mimi stared at the piece of paper before her eyes with the same expression she often employed whenever she did a task below her abilities or simply didn't give a rats a** about the subject. The feline's face was a defianate blank. Even those large, violet eyes lacked their usual fire.

After having read the entire document, a perfectly manicured finger gently brushed it aside as to reveal Bazaa's visage behind it. "Well, that is all good and plenty, " She replied, the tone of her voice sugarcoated and sweet as honey. "It seems legal enough, I suppose...and I'm sure that it has served you well for an extremely long period of time. For that, I must apologize."

Her lips, perfect and delicate, fleshy rose petals finally parted into the most apologetic smile Mimi could muster. "But does it really look like I give a damn?" The gesture lasted for about a second, however, for the next those fuzzy black and white ears were pressed against her skull, the fire back in her eyes.

"I do not give a damn as to who you are, or what power this Green King has-- I can assure you however, that his jurisdiction falls just outside the gates of the Hyde and even if it didn't, we no longer live in the middle ages. The answer is still 'no' and if you keep on pestering the guests of the Hyde with your psychotic, greedy babble you'll have to leave. " It was then when she gently tapped a sign that read No solicitors allowed upon penalty of Seller's Curse. "Unless, of course, you want to lose the gift of the Seller's Blessing, which I am sure of you know what I am talking about."

The snow leopardess paused for a moment, her mental gears already spinning. "That is, of course, unless you wish to strike a deal."

"25 g, complete with complementary breakfast and dinner." She said, quietly pulling out a matching keychain from the pegs behind her. "That is, for a single, basic room. 89 g for a small suite, 190 for a large suite and 10k a month for one of the presidential suites on the top floor."

The prices were generally cheap, considering the fact that hardly anyone ever set foot within the estate itself. Locals called the Hotel 'The place where he who checks in never checks out'. There had only been six residents that had checked in at some point and left ...but in the end, half of them had returned, two had died and one was missing. Most of the revenues came during the Halloween season, and that was used to pay the annual morgage of the place. Everything else...well, the grounds itself took care of them.

Dorian had taken on a look of boredom and was busy playing with his dangling eyeball, something he stopped only when Mimi's tail dispersed the concentrated ectoplasm into mist.

"And I assure you, Bazaa is no guest of ours..." Well, it was true. He was the only one who had come out of the blue and hadn't checked in, even if Guess, Bazaa's previou's form, had done so.

"Humph, of course, nothing is without it's price. And I wasn't just referring to... Bazaa, you called him?" Tomb gave a short laugh, not meaning to be rude, but just to lighten the mood, to make it seem as though he wasn't really that perturbed with Bazaa. He wasn't one to give in to anger so easily, despite the opportunity to dispose of him, which probably wouldn't be a problem to Mimi, who obviously wanted to be rid of him. He wasn't sure why he was so worried about him, though. What harm could Bazaa be of to him? There was something the snake gave off that drove his paranoia. Bazaa couldn't be all he seemed to be.

The key that Mimi had placed before him went flying into the air in front of his face, and then disappeared in a flash. In the same manner that it had dissapeared, the gold required for the night appeared and settled in a neat pile on the desk. "That should be enough for how long I plan to stay. If not, I'll glady supply all that is needed. I'll be in my room, I've had quite a trek to get here, and I haven't gotten a good night's sleep in ages." It was true, he had searched for this place for years. He was tired of listening to the bickering between the inhabitants, and just wanted some peace and quiet.

He left them to whatever work they were to do, and climbed the stairs to the room he had reserved. The door was locked, but he didn't bother using the key. He knew quite well how to open it without it, now that he had studied the key's features. As he approached it, he could hear the lock click open, and the door swung to allow his entry. He settled down next to the window, staring at the garden just below. There would be some moment to enjoy this, but now Tomb had to plan how he could use the others, if they were of any use. But, just as he went into a meditative-like state (the only way he could think freely), some random specter came wheeling through a wall. Tomb didn't like distractions. Despite the ghost's less than physical state, it was sent careening into the wall, and held it's place against it. The mask's eyes glowed with Tomb's supposed fury with this intrusion.

"You little worm! How dare you interrupt me?! Just because you are no longer living doesn't give you the reason to not fear what I can do to you. Spending an eternity in endless torment doesn't sound too joyfull, does it?" The ghost whimpered in terror, unsure of what to do. He hadn't encountered anyone who could do such things to spirits, besides Mimi. If he could even affect things in the afterlife from the living side, there was no telling what powers he could exercise over him.

"Sure! Sure! Just please, let me go..." Tomb's mystical grip disappeared, and the ghost dashed in any direction he could for safety, but was stopped right before he could make his escape.

"Just be sure to tell no one of this, or I will hold you responsible." The ghost disappeared, and Tomb sighed in relief. There wouldn't be anymore distractions now that he had taken care of that.

Riahnnon awoke not too long later, to the feeling of a ghoul standing over her.

"Leave me." She said to it. It did not move. "I said go!" She said a little harsher, and the spirit hesitantly began to make it's way through a wall, out of her room. She rubbed her eyes and stretched, feeling fully rested, although she hadn't slept for long. She sat up and looked about her room. Nothing had changed. Good. She thought. I would hate to have a dream here. No dreams, no dreams while I'm here. She made a cross symbol over her chest, and was granted a chill that slowly drifted up her spine.

She stood and stepped away from the bed, to the bathroom, and looked in the mirror sitting above the sink. She looked at how youthful (sp?) her skin looked, and wondered if it would always look this way. She thought on it for a moment, and went back to her bed. She pulled her cloak out of her hat, and shook it out. She hung it in the closet in hopes of pulling out the newly set wrinkles. She set the hat on the dresser, in the perfect center of it. And then she looked around to make sure no one was watching her. She lifted her skirt and pulled out a book that was latched onto her thigh. She put her skirt back down and pulled the book tightly to her chest, craddling it as if it were her child. This she placed under her pillow. She hoped no one would find it here.

"There, that should set me fine. Now, what to do?" She said aloud.

Riahnnon decided then to go explore. She made her way out of the room, making sure to lock it behind her, and down the halls. She was being sure to notice everything about the place. The patterns in the flooring, the colors and imperfections of the walls. The numbers on the doors. She looked out every window she came to. She was terribly intrigued with the place.

She walked around for a while and then found herself outside in the garden, taking it in. She loved plants and flowers. She had quite a green thumb. She loved to watch things grow. She looked to the sky above her, and closed her eyes, spreading her arms out like wings at her side.

Soon... She heard a voice whisper.... She spun around to see who it was, and saw that there was no one and nothing there. She looked back over her shoulder and smiled a little.

She went back inside after that, and walked around to the lobby again. When she got there she only found a strange man and no hostess. She approached the man and kindly stuck out her hand to him.

"Hello." She said, bowing her head. "I'm Riahnnon. What brings you here?"