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 Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:21 pm
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : Nine, Ten, Never Again
█║ INVOLVED: Alex, Zul
█║ SYNOPS: Zul progresses in his sickness.
The woman's boots crunched as they came in contact with the graveled ground, the truck door closing echoing off the side of the house. Thee bags of ice were held in her arms with a dozen more in the bed of the vehicle yet, the plastic clutched to her chest leaving wet marks on her shirt. Zul was absorbing the ice faster and faster, to the point she wasn't sure there'd be any left by the time she made her run into Gambino to buy more.
The Italian hopped up the steps and balanced the bags into one arm enough to pick the right key out of her ring and open the front door. Alex let herself in and padded through the silent house and into the bathroom, nudging the door open with her shoulder. "I'm--" was as far as she got before her eyes found the tub.
It was empty.
She frowned a little to herself, putting her load into the abandoned bathtub and brushing her cold hands off on her jeans, sticking her head out of the bathroom and peering up and down the hall. "Zul?" she called, worry in her voice. Alex didn't want to find him bleeding and vomiting magma again.
No answer.
"Damn," she hissed, darting out of the hallway and towards the back porch, only to find the glass door closed and locked from the inside. He didn't go this way, she thought to herself, puzzled, still looking outside of the glass anyway. Maybe the front? But that was locked... Alex puzzled as she stared out over the overcast sky, the ocean a smooth blue blanket over the horizon. It was only while she was looking at it and thinking that she noticed the reflection in the glass, something white and high up.
She turned and found Zul directly behind her, practically against her back. The Italian swallowed a hiccup of surprise and flattened her back against the cool glass automatically, green eyes momentarily caught by his central horn; it was the white light she'd seen, simmering with an internal ember. She could feel the heat rolling off of his body, oppressive and thick, tangible in its own right. "Zul?" she asked, lowering her eyes to his, and it was then that she stifled a small scream.
His eyes were black. No pupil, no sclera, just a black pool of darkness that reminded her forcefully of when he'd been hovering over her bed and she'd thought the light was playing tricks on her. Alex knew then, with a rising swell of fear, that he'd been a lot sicker for a lot longer than she'd realized. "Zul," she tried again, but her voice was painted with concern and fear. She knew from the way his lips twisted into grin that he could hear it, and that he liked it.
"You wont leave me..." she heard him breathe, his tone gutteral and low. Out of the corners of her eyes, she saw his hands raise - and saw that they were completely lit by a coat of lava. They were also heading right for her.
Alex shoved her charge hard in the chest, pushing him off balance. The surprise on his face was all she saw before she jumped over the bar that separated the living room and the kitchen, spinning around on her heel to face the demon again. She didn't want to turn her back to him, and it proved to be wise: he was already upright and grinning with a malicious twist of his lips over those sharp white teeth, head lowered with those black, reflective orbs focused on her. His fingers curled and flexed, arms held away from his sides. She watched as his jaw ticked to the side and his grin widened. Zul opened his mouth to speak.
"▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒!"
The woman slammed her hands over her ears at the agonizing sounds that came from his mouth. The crush of her palms did little to silence the sound that pressed insistently against her; the sound of a shriek, coupled with shattering glass and the roar and presence of a waterfall. Alex felt the trickle of blood against her trembling hands and experienced the first real stab of terror grip her spine at what she was now up against. On the heels of her wild panic was the cold numbness of detaching herself from the situation. It was a defense mechanism from work that had spared her from fatal harm when working with animals and humans alike, a narrow-sighted path to survival. First, she had to find a way to silence him, or restrain him; a quick mental check told her that was nothing in the house that would be of use to her. Garage, her mind whispered, and the woman bolted out of the kitchen and out the side door like a dark bullet.
She could hear the Raevan behind her, the way the demon's broken, wild laughter chased her outside. Alex vaulted across the sandy stretch between the house and the detached garage before she slammed into the door with her shoulder, knocking the flimsy metal clean off the hinge and sending it noisily to the floor. Her eyes had little time to adjust before she blindly sought the light and flipped it on, cursing each second wasted. Alex felt the heat before she felt him, his shoulder slamming soundly between her shoulderblades just as hard as she'd hit the door. She felt herself go airborn for a few heart-stopping seconds before she fell to the cement floor, sliding into a pile of her yard tools. The woman didn't miss a beat, springing back to her feet and running around an old truck that was collecting rust from lack of use and putting it between her and the possessed Frei. "Zul!" she cried out, adrenaline numbing her pain, "I'm not going to leave you! You have to calm down, I have to take you to Kyou--!"
Zul roared in a deafening manner that rattled the shelves, seizing a near by cage that was half constructed of thick piping and heaving it over the vehicle at her. Alex hid behind the truck, something catching her eye as the cage clattered into the worktable behind her and tore down some of her construction tools; the part he'd grabbed was burned through cleanly, the weakened metal falling into shambles. "Oh god," she whispered to herself through numb lips. You can't let him touch you, her mind screamed, wide eyes staring at the grinning Frei. He threw his head back and cackled, a sound of steam and cracking rock, forcing her to cover her ears again. Have to get his mouth shut, her mind reeled on how to make sure they both survived the next five minutes, which means I have to bind him. But not his hands.
She had rope and chains hooked on the wall, but one would take too long and the other was too unwieldy. More than that, she needed to protect herself as much as she could until she had an opening to restrain him. As he watched her with that maniac grin, she lowered her blood-slicked hands and shakily felt behind herself, fingers brushing over and seizing her welding gloves; she barely had time to put one on before he flapped his tremendously strong wings and lunged at her over the truck, the vehicle squealing in protest as the heat from the Frei's body bent its cab and bed. Alex stumbled over the dismantled cage and ran around the bed of the truck again, ignoring the tug on her shirt that she felt as he reached out to grab her, the fabric melting easily beneath the heat of his hands.
Stop him, stop him, I have to stop him! she looked around quickly, extending her gloved hand to grab at old patio furniture and assorted boxes, using her teeth to tug on the second glove and not a second too soon, slipping on an old blanket that covered an unused couch and falling heavily onto her back. Zul gave chase and wore a triumphant grin until one of the wicker chairs fell and entangled with his ribbon, a box falling on top of the furniture. With a shriek, the Raevan found himself hitched but not stopped, it wasn't enough; he, too, fell, grabbing Alex's right calf, using his scalding grip to pull himself up the length of her leg.
The first thought in her mind was to prepare for the pain, but the brace she wore and the heavy scar tissue on that leg spared her anymore than a bit of discomfort. Alex began to thrash and claw her way towards the door, trying not to kick the demon as much as it might of helped her; he was still her Raevan, still her family, and she promised she'd take care of him. She glanced back fearfully to see his black-eyed, grinning face coming closer to hers, lifting heated hands and seizing her gloved forearms. The scalding heat was immediately debilitating, and Alex would have screamed if it didn't take her breath away. The heavy grained leather was no match for Zul's power and melted easily against her skin, which in turn began to melt against the gloves. The Italian yanked back and struggled, lifting her legs to try and push the Frei off. Instead, the jeans around her knee split; she felt the sickening sensation of the thin skin of her knee splitting as it hit something. Whatever it was, it was enough to loosen the demon's grip, agony flicking over his features briefly. It afforded her enough time to push him off of her and scramble to her feet, but not get away. Her nature was too strong to go against, and concerned, she turned to see what she had hit; apparently it was his rune, and her knee had knocked some of the black crust that encircled the magic source, a sick orange glowing through it. What the hell was happening to her Raevan?!
With Zul already recovering from being 'winded' from the attack, she tore the gloves off with a good length of skin, trying to find something to fight with that wouldn't ultimately hurt him. Her effort was cut short when the demon screamed again, his anger and building rage akin to the sound of cultery on porcelain, the screech of rusted metal being forced to move. Alex stumbled backwards against the wall and held her ears as they bled more freely, helpless but to watch Zul right himself and advance on her, never pausing for a breath in the eerie scream of the damned. She thought she saw embers circling his body, but she couldn't tell if it was his magic or spots in her vision from the pain that was settling into her bones. The sound was beyond pain as it progressed; it made her want to laugh, to fall to the ground and cry, like it was devouring her sanity and her very will to live. Unbidden, she remembered sitting with him Christmas day and giving him the ring that proclaimed she would always love him, the way he smiled and accepted the token of her affection trustingly. Clinging to the memory and summoning the last of her strength, Alex dropped one hand and swung a closed fist, connecting hard against that open jaw and feeling it dislocate against her knuckles.
The sound stopped as blood sprayed from his mouth and over her body like hot water, the demon falling to the floor, stunned. Alex kneeled on top of him, putting a knee between his wings and pushing him down flat, forcing his shoulders and arms out to his sides. She grabbed the first thing she saw - her climbing halter, that she'd had replaced so long ago after he'd destroyed the first one - unclasping it. As his arms lifted and his hands reached back for her, she slipped the strong material onto his forearms and pulled the cinch with all her strength. She was rewarded with an angry cry, but she didn't stop, dropping her knees on either side of him and using the rest of the straps to bind his arms tightly. Despite not having a pupil, she could see his angry profile in sharp relief over his shoulder and glaring at her, his mouth opening and his whole body seeming to expand as he prepared to unleash another tirade of demon-tongue. Without thinking, she grabbed one of the broken pieces of the cage that had rolled beneath the truck and pressed it between his teeth. There was a painful sound of enamel against the metal, and she found herself suddenly staring into confused, colorless orbs.
Zul stared at her, and she could only stare back, her mouth running dry with the hurt on his face. She couldn't be sure, but it almost looked like he smiled around the bar in his mouth; the demon's eyelids fluttered and closed, and the body beneath her went still.
With the threat of tears stinging her eyes and static ringing in her ears, she whipped her belt off and was more careful about wrapping it around the bar in her charge's mouth. Once he was properly restrained, she picked the Frei up and ran with him out of the blood-stained garage and back to the truck. Alex had run out of time to stabilize him; it was time to take him to Kyou, and it was now or never.
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:37 pm
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : The Dream's The Same
█║ RP LINK: [CURE] Burn
█║ INVOLVED: Alex, Kyou, Lazarus, Xiu, Zul
█║ SYNOPS: Friends become foes...and find a cure!
Summary Hurt and frightened for Zul's health, Alex finally takes the demon in to the Lab. He's quarantined with Lazarus, but when the Sigel tries to seduce Alex again, Zul picks a fight with the Incubus!
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:39 pm
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : Diagnosis
█║ INVOLVED: Alex
█║ SYNOPS: Alex's final report on the Fel Virus.
Name: Zul
Diagnosis: Fel Virus
October 17th
Zul encounters Lazarus, Primary Infected. He is in the company of Xiu and Cordelia, both of whom are infected at the time. Kyou, Alex Vizcatti-Falcone (hereto referred to as "Guardian"), Hazeline Lee and Ebony Shade are uninfected. Zul then comes in contact with Rivener, who immediately shows signs of hostility, infecting Eirdirsceol, who also exhibits signs of infection. Irritability begins in Zul. Note: Sigels seem to be the most prone to display symptoms; conjecture it is because they have more mass to react with/potent magic for the Fel Virus to adhere to.
October 27
Zul encounters Ekundayo, who may or may not have been infected (unable to confirm at this time, have not heard from Guardian). Zul seems to display signs of apathy, but might be due to Ekundayo's emotional influence.
October 29
Guardian awakened from nightmares to find Zul watching over sleep. Could not confirm it at the time, but his eyes were black. He did not acknowledge his Guardian nor his actions.
October 31
Subject's birthday. Zul lost control of his powers and melted some furniture as well as his costume. Was lucid and apologetic.
November 04
Guardian is contacted by Ebony Shade for help with Cordelia, who has turned into smoke. Aphismet Delaran and Rivener are also present. The male Raevans are found by Cordelia in smoke form; Cordelia became hostile with Rivener and cornered him in Aphismet's vehicle. Zul expended an enormous amount of ice, unusually abundant, to capture Cordelia. He was unable to retrieve the ice that he spent and melted it to retrieve Cordelia. She was reformed and unconscious when retrieved. Rivener became hostile and stung Zul; his body (the virus?) rejected his poison, and the subject lost consciousness.
November 06
Guardian found Zul leaking magma; ultimately drug him into the ocean to stop the expenditure. Subject lost consciousness again and did not regain full consciousness for many days.
November 11
First day of lucidity since November 6th. Guardian was called by Isikoro Delaran to assist with Eirdirsceol, who was suffering the worst instance of dementia to date. Potentially dangerous and lethal. Aphismet and Rivener came home and all (human) parties managed to get out safely. Eirdirsceol and Rivener were last seen battling atop the Delaran household. Guardian is in contact with both men from here on out.
November 12
Guardian found Zul collapsed outside of the house. Cannot confirm, but he had fever-speak and mentioned phantoms and Varun (confirmed infected).
November 13
Zul succumbs to the virus and takes on a more 'demonic' aspect, screaming in a foreign tongue and attacking his Guardian. Guardian subdues Zul physically; has brief moment of lucidity before passing out. Subject is brought to the Lab and quarantined with Lazarus. Lazarus coerces Guardian into the sealed room and a fight ensues between Lazarus and Zul. During what appears to be a moment of lucidity, Zul used the remainder of his ice on Lazarus, which also brought the Sigel to his senses. Kyou theorizes that ice is the key. Xiu helps separate the two Raevans, where they remained quarantined apart.
November 15
Report is compiled.
Symptoms
- Bodily Mutation. Inverted pentagram on brow began to pulse and glow; eyes bleed profusely; can summon magma at will, from his body; Nov 15.
- Delusional. Spoke of seeing a man and suggested abandonment; Nov 15.
- Fever. His temperature spiked considerably higher than usual. (Unconfirmed.)
- Inflammation/Pain. Experienced pain for the first time in his existence; Nov 6.
- Irrational. Suggested Guardian would leave him; Nov 15.
- Power Boost. Was able to expend much more of his elements than usual (Nov 04 - Ice, Nov 06 - Magma), to the point he was unable to control it (Nov 06).
- Rune Mutation. His rune became a molted orange, and by Nov 15, it was encrusted with black.
- Vomiting. Due to the lack of stomach, his form of ejecting his 'food' was through his pores; Nov 06.
Suggestions
- Quarantine.
- Feed ice when at all possible - can be difficult due to high temperature of his body.
- Monitor daily for any signs of change; behavior, psychologically, physically.
- Keep rooms at 32ºF (freezing) or lower.
November 30 - Subject is cured.
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:47 pm
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : [MSN SHORT] One Day At a Time
█║ INVOLVED: Alex, Xan
█║ SYNOPS: Xan calls Alex for some help.
Xan had spent the better part of the morning talking to the vet about the condition of his dogs. They were stable, Pantera had suffered minor burns while Atreyu under went surgery. Sighign to himself Xan shuffled around in the kitchen looking for that number. "Found it." Quickly picking up the phone he dailed for Alex hoping he wasn't being too intrusive. He just needed a few answers to his current delima.
The woman hadn't been much better off; her arms were bandaged from vicious burns and she was trying to type up a report while keeping a wary eye on the room that her charge was quarantined in. When Alex's phone rang, she winced and flipped it open, setting it between chin and shoulder. "This is Alex."
Thankful she was available Xan hesitated for a moment but then spoke up. "Hello this is Xan.. um.. Domevlo's guardian. I hope this isn't a bad time. There's some questions I'd like to ask you if its okay, ma'am." Reverting back to his polite manners when nervous he waited with a hitch in his throat feeling uneasy about his call. Would she think him nuts if he told her what had happened?
Her heart sunk. Was Domevlo sick too? The typing stopped as she leaned back on the bed she sat cross-legged on, looking out of the room and into the hallway again. "Never a bad time when it comes to you and Domevlo," Alex replied warmly, flexing her hands. "I'd be happy to try and answer any questions you have. Shoot."
Sighing with relieve she seemed cheerful enough a change from the depression Domo was providing. "Well how do ya put it? Domevlo has been exceptionally depressed lately. I don't know, ever since he's had those weird dreams about a face that looked like him he's been crying." Though he figured that didn't seem so odd and it really didn't for the most part. Before continuing he thought carefully of his next words. "Well its his crying that worries me. His tears... they burn. Like some kind of toxic acid. I can't really explain it. What can I do?"
Alex felt cold as Xan talked of the symptoms Domevlo was displaying. Face that looked like him. Gage...? she thought, biting her lip. The next part made her sit upright, alarmed. "Toxic tears?" she repeated with surprise. Radioactive Goo! "Xan, I...okay, there's no easy way to say this. There's been a virus going around that seems to effect the Raevans and the Raevans only. If Domevlo has come in contact with any of the sick Raevans, he might have contracted it, and...the symptoms are often a lack of control of powers. His would be coming from his soul." The woman rubbed her brow, trying to think. "This is going to sound a little silly, but have you tried feeding him at night before bed, or staying in the room while he falls asleep? It might help ease his psych so his dream isn't so bad."
Xan could hear the alarm in her voice and tried to reamin calm himself. When she spoke of a virus he arched a brow shifting around in the kitchen nervously. "How bad is the virus?" He questioned looking from the kitchen into the living room where Domo was sleeping last. "He's been sleeping a lot more but those dreams still bother him. And he's crying holes in my furniture at the same time." It was laughable but he didn't have the heart to do it. "I haven't let him out of my sight. He refuses to sleep without me around."
She nodded, even though she knew Xan couldn't see the motion. "It varies from Raevan to Raevan," she said, not wanting to worry him. "Some are very mild in what they exhibit. Kyou and I are working on a cure, I'll call you the second I know anything." Alex dropped her eyes to her hands, rubbing her thumb over the spots in her bandages where the red was seeping through. "I'm so sorry, Xan. My only suggestion is to use bedding or the like that you don't mind getting ruined. Domevlo...he's unique, and as of yet, we haven't found a way to stem the leak of powers. If you want, you can bring him into the Lab, but I'm not sure there's anything Kyou can do yet. We can keep him here if it's something you'd prefer." She didn't think he would, but she had to offer it. "Feeding before sleep, though, it might counter the effects of his soul. To keep his powers in balance. I...I don't know, it's just speculation, I wish I had a more concrete answer for you," she finished in a soft tone.
Thanatos thought about this, taking in the information. The thought of returning Domo to the lab didn't seem a good idea. So far he hadn't done anything wrong, a few holes in the furniture was nothing compared to locking him away. "No I think I can manage somehow." He replied looking toward the sleeping frei. "I'll take your advice and stick it out. He hasn't been destructive or anything which I'm used to." It was a decent change of pace but he missed his usual cheerfulness and even the tantrums. "Thank you for the advice. I'm going to keep an eye out but if anything changes is it okay to ring you again?"
"If anything changes, please, do give me a call," Alex smiled a little. She was glad that Xan was sticking it out, feeling a swell of gratitude for the cowboy. "I'll be at the Lab until this is figured out. Thank you for your understanding, Xan." She couldn't rightly express how much it meant to her that he wasn't angry with the epidemic.
He smiled back despite her not seeing. "I understand. Hopefully things will get back to normal." As an after thought he had to ask, "How are things with you? I mean ... is Zul okay?" If there was a virus going around wouldn't the others be effected? Just how many had already been?
The smile faded, although it didn't disappear, clinging to a small bit of hope. Her green eyes turned across the hallway again; she could see his wings just beyond the doorway. "Zul...is under the worst of the virus right now," she replied softly. "I know for a fact that there's seven Raevans infected right now. Those that I've seen personally. I couldn't begin to guess how many others are sick; they're all close, you know, in some form or another." Alex prayed there were no others suffering the way the Sigels seemed to be suffering, her own Frei as delusional as they.
"I see." Was all Xan could offer, he didn't want to give this infromation to Domo. He'd be too sad to know his friends were suffering, it might set him back more than necessary. He wanted to know more but felt it was best to let the topic go for now. He had his answers and was thankful Domo wasn't suffer half as bad. "Well I suppose I have what I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time out to answer my questions." He paused slightly watching as Domo sat up to stretch. "The kiddo is waking so I better go. If you learn anything please let me know." He smiled as Domo came over looking at him with those sad eyes, his slender hand tugging on his vest.
"You're welcome, Xan." She smiled a little sadly at the rest, lifting a hand to hold her phone. "Sure thing Xan. I'll let you know right away. Do me a favor? Give Domevlo a hug for me and tell him Zul says hello. I'll keep both of you in my thoughts. Take care, Xan." Alex waited for his farewell before she hung up, holding the phone in her lap. May that be the worst of it, Domevlo.
"Yes. I'll be sure to let him know. Take it easy. If I can help with anything to hesitate to ask." He offered as a fairewell watching Domo closely. He wanted to know who he was talking to but it was best not to get the young one invovled. "Thank you again. I'll keep in touch." He hung up with a soft click running his hand through Domo's ashen head. Hoping his friends would fair well from this virus.
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Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:44 pm
█║ RP LINK: More Than a Memory
█║ INVOLVED: Zul, Rivener
█║ SYNOPS: Alex meets up with Chloe and Roux.
Summary Alex goes to see Chloe for the first time in years. The two have a brief conversation, in which Alex gets to cuddle with Parfait and meet Roux's special one: Snowdrop the Chimera.
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Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:13 pm
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : Dreaming the Crow Black Dream
█║ RP LINK: [CURE] Chipping the Magma
█║ INVOLVED: Alex, Zul
█║ SYNOPS: Zul receives the Cure for the Fel Virus!
He...was so cold.
Alex sat in the cold office, her limbs stiff from the constant flow of frigid air into the closed room, but she dare not moved. Her most precious charge lay inert and barely breathing within her bandaged arms, his brow tucked against her neck, his horns pressing into her sweater though she paid it little mind. She did not like the active Frei being so limp in her embrace, didn't like that the sky-blue eyes that never closed beyond blinking had not cracked open once in the past few hours. He was so silent, so still; it was deeply unsettling and the woman wanted to find something to do to keep herself from thinking, though she wouldn't, not now. She owed it to him - to herself - to let herself think over the half of the year that she had done her best to bury.
It seemed that her life had begun to snowball in July, with the passing of her beloved Lorenzo. Zul had never quite understood what he'd done or how it had all happened, but she still caught him occasionally looking out over the cliff where they'd spread his ashes in farewell; she could sense his quiet thoughts whenever they passed a bakery. He hadn't had time to grieve - neither of them had - as her job forced her out of familiar territory and into something more hostile. The demon had come under severe scrutiny and disdain, of the likes he'd never seen (and that she hoped he never would again), even a physical hatred that he'd had to endure alone until she had reached him. He had taken it all, confused, emotionally hurt, but unscathed in the days that came.
There was his meetings with Rivener, the incident with LuLu and Sevilin; and then, he had grown in his awareness of others, taking Lucia out to the aquarium for the sake of friendship. She thought they might have had a moment to breathe, but as life was wont to, they were dealt a hand they did not know how to counter. Even to that moment, Alex wasn't sure what to do when the same time came next year.
It was the beginning of October that Zul began to act differently. He was eerily immersed in the lore of Halloween, but she could look that over; it was the changes that he was unaware of that unnerved her. He heard voices, he told her, saw things out of the corners of his eyes and it had frustrated him. She thought, perhaps, he was tired then, and had later attributed it to the virus, but it was a lie; it had started before. The virus only amplified it, gave Zul a measure of control and power beyond his ability to comprehend it.
And then, he'd lost himself to it. He'd gone mad, unable to contain his own make up and she knew very well he could have ended her. She attested her life only to the fact that he was still in the husk of his body when the virus possessed him, that he knew and was fighting all along. It was one of the only things that had kept her together while he struggled and sunk into the grasp of dementia. Alex had blamed herself for his illness, but after watching him and Lazarus, seeing what had become of them, she knew it wasn't her fault. It wasn't any of their fault, only a cruel challenge dealt to them to rise above.
It seemed so unfair now, she reflected, looking down at his unmoving features, frozen in a mask of neutrality. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, a feeling she was almost used to by now, but for the both of them rather than just her charge. She allowed herself a small bit of tiredness in the fray, acknowledging that they both needed a vacation after this. They needed to get away and just enjoy being together, preferably somewhere with sun and beach, even if it was too cold to make anything of it. She'd give anything to see his eyes blue and lively, to hear his smoke-on-the-water laugh and hear him talk about his latest game. There wasn't anything Alex wouldn't do to give Zul his life back, carefree and joyous at every day miracles.
The tears that began to slide down her icy cheeks were her acceptance that life would never be that simple ever again. She knew he'd be changed by this; hell, she wasn't the same person right then that she was even twelve hours ago! Alex only hoped that, no matter what happened, Zul would forgive himself for all that had transpired and that they could move on. Together. That they'd keep growing and experiencing life as it came, and come out on top no matter how low they had to crawl...
She lifted one of her frozen hands to brush a fallen tear from Zul's face, unprepared for what happened next: his eyelids moved, followed by the bat of a wing that smacked into her leg. Alex drew in a deep breath, holding it, and when his lashes quivered with the first stirrings of wakefulness, her eyes became so heavy with tears that she couldn't clearly see his face. He was shifting against her, prompting her to hold him tighter, feeling the coldness of his body melt away as his body temperature began to raise to his comfortable norm. His head lifted and so too did her heart; she saw the blues she had so desperately been waiting for, as blurry as her vision was, and knew he was awake. He was okay. They were going to be okay!
"Alix." His voice was thick, husky from his coma and screeches, his body already warm against her. She felt his fingertips against her cheek, cracking her resolve. "Your eyes...they're leaking."
Alex lowered her head and cried.
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Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:15 pm
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : Reign of Terror
█║ INVOLVED: As stated.
█║ SYNOPS: Individual cures for the Fel Virus are given.
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:13 am
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : [MSN SHORT] The End Is All That's Ever True
█║ INVOLVED: Lazarus, Zul
█║ SYNOPS: Follow up to Laz`s Cure
Stirring from his deep sleep, Lazarus shifted his head a little, his heavy eyelids struggling to open. It felt so comfortable, this warmth that was wrapped around him. He didn't want to wake up, his body felt so exhausted. "Mmmm." he moaned softly, shutting his eyes and tries to go back to sleep.
Blue eyes opened as the Incubus began to stir. Zul remained perfectly still, waiting to hear the Sigel's voice to know he was truly okay and well now. When all he got was a noise, the demon quirked a smile, arms still twined around the formed chest, his chin over the dual-tone hair. "Laz'rus," he purred quietly over the long locks, "you're alive?"
"Mmm, yeah." Lazarus muttered groggily. But wait, why is someone in such close proximity to him when he's sleeping? Snapping his eyes open, the first thing he saw was - he is in his room, and why is there a pair of arms wrapped around himself that doesn't belong to him? "W-what?!" The Sigel is wide awake now.
His temperature simmered with contentment, his voice as warm although infinitely more amused. "Good, that's good. We were worried." The demon's arms slid back enough to wrap his hands around the Sigel's sides, helping him 'up,' or at least off of himself. Zul poked his head over the elder Raevan's shoulder, smiling. "Welcome back."
Lazarus eyes widen in horror as Zul's face came into view. He didn't need to be told what to do as he practically jumped off the bed in a split second. Then he saw it clearly, Zul laying on his bed. Then that must meant, the warm feeling that was wrapped around him was Zul all along. Zul cuddled him in his sleep?! "W-what... were we? How come you... you're in my bed?!" he stammered, face blushing.
Zul's dark brows slowly lifted with each stammered word, and by the time Lazarus was done, the demon was laughing. It was a smoke-filled and light sound, his mirth near tangible. "It's you, that's good," the demon repeated, grinning in a show of teeth. After a moment, though, his expression became a little somber. "I didn't want to leave you alone." His shoulders lifted in a shrug as he pushed himself off the bed, stretching his arms high over his head with satisfaction.
Pausing for a moment, his eyebrows frowned as he tried to process Zul's words. That was when the memories came flooding back to him. What happened in the past month, the events that transpired, he remembered all of it! Clutching his head the Sigel staggered backwards a little and hit the bookshelf behind him. In that instant, he was overcame by the feeling of guilt. Looking less confused now, he glanced up at Zul. "Did we... fought?" he asked. He needed confirmation, because it all almost felt like a dream.
The Sigel's sudden backwards movement startled him, reaching out to the elder demon as he collided with the bookcase. His warm hand stayed around the Incubi's forearm, concern writ clear on his face. At the question, however, his expression became blank, and Zul hesitated. He'd told his woman he didn't remember anything, but...as blue eyes stared resolutely into crimson, he decided to be honest with Lazarus. The Sigel deserved it. "Yes," he replied, hand lowering slowly. "I'm sorry." The demon bowed his head with his apology.
So it wasn't a dream after all, the battle, how it started, all that time he was trapped in the room, they all did happen. "You... don't need to apologize." Because he should be the one apologizing. "Thank you for your concern, but... I think I want to be alone for now." he said, turning away. He was disgusted at himself, he felt filthy, he don't want anyone to look at him now.
"Laz'rus." He again seized one of the Sigel's arms, his expression absent of his jovial smile. Even his eyes were not as bright and happy-go-lucky; his whole face was lacking his childish glee he so often wore with ease. Zul stared at him for a while before imparting words that had been spoken to him while sick, "We are bigger than this." The demon lightly patted the arm he had previously held before he floated back, giving the Sigel the most respectful bow he could. "We're outside," he said as he turned to leave, letting his unspoken words hang in the air. You're not alone.
Although just a little bit, Zul's words made Lazarus feel a little bit better, and he really appreciate that. A small smile, though bitter graced his lips. He nodded silently as Zul left. When he was gone, Lazarus turned around and headed into the bathroom, he needed a shower to clear his head, and to arrange his thoughts. Then after that, he will need to figure out what is the next step.
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:17 am
█║ SPECIAL: [META] : [MSN SHORT] A Light Hits The Gloom On The Grey
█║ INVOLVED: Alex, Ethan, Vyn, Zul
█║ SYNOPS: Vyn has a check up to make sure she's cured.
Constrained to her bed since waking up Vyn was beginning to tire of the 'rest and relaxation' that her guardian had insisted upon... It was all well and good being able to sit in a quiet environment with nothing to distract her, thus allowing for plenty of learning from her language books, but after a few hours of studying she soon bored of the repeating of foreign verbs or correcting her rugged grammar. She wanted to be able to leave the room, gain some freedom, and generally feel normal again. Today was hopefully the day that her desires would be listened to - Ethan had arranged for Alex to visit and finally take a blood sample to check that she was well and truely clear of the virus that had rampaged through the raevan community. One quick test and she would be able to get some fresh air... She was practically counting down till her freedom was restored.
Alex had needed time to recover from her last few stints in helping the sick Raevans. By the time she was ready to return to Vyn, she really was a bit of a mess; her arms were still bandaged and hidden beneath a sleeved garment, but now she had a bandage on the left side of her neck and a few-days-old bruise over her left eye that had given the orb beneath a black ring. Most of the cuts on her face from Vyn's shattered thorns were healed, but a few could still be seen on the bridge of her nose and her bottom lip. Regardless, the woman was in high spirits, having ascended the elevator and made her way to the door of Ethan's home, Zul at her heels.
She knocked briskly, turning her marred smile onto her charge, patting him affably on the back while they waited.
Ethan answered the door quickly, eager to see the helpful Italian in. He had become fond of the woman due to her persistent aid in his times of need and was somewhat looking forward to seeing her on this occasion: Vyn seemed to have fully recovered and he was somewhat expecting good news. However, when he saw Alex's marred body his cheery demeanour was dropped abruptly. "Alex, you look-" He stopped himself before the slip-of-the-tongue rude exclamation exited his mouth fully. "Come in, come in." He ushered the pair in, fixing a smile back onto his face as the demon passed him by. "Good to see you Zul.. How have you been keeping? Well I hope." Last time he had seen the frei he had just been coated in a slick skin of ice... It was pleasant for the situation to be so casual all of a sudden like the pair were simply popping in for a quick cup of tea, rather than testing for a dangerous pathogen lurking within his daughter's system.
The Italian gave Ethan a cheeky grin. "Like roadkill?" she offered up helpfully as she walked in, beaming at the older man. Alex was rather fond of the stalwart Guardian of Vyn, and it showed in the way she was all sunshine and excitement for an otherwise still-sombre situation.
The demon smiled to Ethan in turn, inclining his head as he also entered the abode. "I am well, thank you," he replied politely, straightening and tucking his wings against his back. "Good to see you too...Ethan." Zul wasn't sure he'd get used to using the man's name, but his woman had suggested he tried to be a bit more friendly with the businessman and his charge. "How is Vyn?" There was a small trace of something in his voice when he asked, a rarely heard sound of worry.
"Yes, how is our favourite rose?" Alex asked, withdrawing all the supplies from her pockets again. The idea of a purse or a satchel was apparently beyond the tomboyish woman.
Ethan was glad that the woman made light of his blunder and returning her boyish grin with a fond glance. "Yes, not at your best - though I'm sure that the motivation behind your injuries are valiant." Some were no doubt from Vyn's cure and he couldn't imagine the damage that other more dangerous individuals could do - he only had to glance at the headlines proclaiming about Rivener's deeds to be reminded of that. However, he was not one to put a dampener on the generally upbeat mood and thus answered her second query with vigour. "She has been well thank you Alex... As I informed you over the phone it took her quite some time to come out of her coma but since waking she appears almost as right as rain." He guided the pair through the open-plan space and towards the rose's room. "She's just in there..."
The Frei nodded, blue eyes turning towards the indicated room and locking upon it, floating closer but to the side, not entering on his own without permission. Zul glanced back to the humans, idly running a hand through his bi-toned hair, impatient in his own quiet way.
Alex gave a non-committal shrug at the mention of where her injuries might have come from, although her smile was rather telling regardless. "We do what we must," was all she said, before falling silent to listen to Ethan's words. She nodded her understanding, although she paused to rest a hand on his shoulder, her green eyes levelled with him. "And how are /you/ doing? The place looks...like home," she commented softly.
"Me? I am fine, and yes... Whilst Vyn has been in quarantine I've tried my best to restore the penthouse to it's original state." The businessman glanced at the few marks of the rose's powerful outburst that still remained and shrugged lightly - they would remain as battle scars for a while longer. Returning Vyn to top condition was undoubtedly the main priority and on that note he decided to stop beating around the bush. Zul seemed restless to attend to the task at hand and Ethan would not keep him waiting much longer. Placing a hand upon the doorknob he twisted and pushed allowing entry.
Vyn raised her head from the book she'd been dully reading... A single headphone hung out of one ear and she gave a hesitant greeting - raising a hand for a minute wave. She was obviously pleased to see Alex... But like probably all of the raevans guilt was a heavy burden to bear, especially when it was so evident in physically marring on the person before her.
The woman looked over Ethan as he talked, nodding very slightly as he brushed off the concern aimed towards him. Alex saw a bit of herself in Ethan, and she supposed that was part of why they got along so well. She entered the room when the older man opened the door for them, smiling brightly and lifting a hand to wave to Vyn. "Hello Vyn," she greeted the Rose cheerfully, "you look as lovely as ever! How do you feel?" She approached the reclining Frei and knelt by her side, eyes turning over her features kindly but with awareness: checking for any abnormality, any sign that the virus might have been lurking.
Zul entered behind his Guardian, but this time, he stayed back by the door. He simply looked at the Rose, idly touching his fingertips together. The demon remained silent.
The shadow allowed the woman to approach, folding her hands in her lap after removing the headphone. "I am much better than when you last saw me..." She responded, shrugging her shoulders weakly. The wounds from her fight with Lulu had mostly recovered thanks to diligent nursing from her father but movements within the affected area still caused painful twinges. "I'm looking forward to leaving my room..." She sighed and stretched the leathery wings on her back, as if remembering what it was like to have plenty of free space to move around in..
Ethan watched Alex sitting by Vyn's side, keeping a place next to the bare-chested boy. He too was scanning for signs of the virus, despite the fact none had been exhibited since the cure was administered... But now Alex was here and the last checks were being made he couldn't help but express slight concern.
A soft chuckle returned the female Frei's words. "I am very glad to hear it," she replied, lifting a rather small vial with a slender needle on the tip. "I just want to take a quick blood sample to ensure your health," Alex explained, "especially since you slept so long." Not that the Italian was worried about it - Vyn had been rather deep within the vile hold of the virus - but she absolutely /had/ to be careful and check. "This will be easier than the cure, I promise. I wont take up too much of your time." She extended her hand to Vyn in askance for the Frei's own.
Vyn obediently gave over her hand, the sight of the needle was slightly intimidating - especially when the cure was mentioned, making her recall the savage ice inside her system, but she trusted Alex's reassurance and would allow the woman to do her job... It needed to be done if she wanted to regain her ability to actually leave the penthouse...
Her warm fingers lightly directed the Rose's hand, namely, her middle finger. Alex pressed a small nob on the side of the vial, in which the needle withdrew. "This is going to be a small pinch. Since all we're doing is checking for traces of the virus, we don't need a full vial." It was quick; she pressed the flat surface of the vial against Vyn's middle finger, pressing another knob on the vial. There was a faint click, the needle pierced the pale skin, and the slender object was filled with red. The vial withdrawn, she put it in a small bag and withdrew a prepared bandaid, pressing it over the small pinprick of blood. "Tada! All done!" Alex beamed, standing with a nod of confirmation. "I'll take this to the Lab and call you in about twenty minutes. That okay?" Her green eyes turned between both Guardian and Raevan.
Compared to what Vyn had half been expecting the pinch of the needle flicking into her skin was nothing. In fact she was pleased enough to reciprocate the woman's laughter. Twenty minutes and she would be free! The thought pleased her immensely.. What would she do first? Probably take Thorn for a nice long walk. He deserved a treat after being so faithful.
Ethan nodded in confirmation. "That would be wonderful Alex... Though, before you leave... Please allow me to offer my thanks." He shuffled awkwardly to allow the woman and demon to exit the room and stand beside him. "I said when you administered the cure that I would thank you... And recently I was invited to an aquaintance's yule-tide event. It's a pretty high-brow affair and I was wondering if you would allow me to take you and, of course, Zul too since Vyn will also be attending.."
Alex smiled at the laughter, feeling a rush of warmth in her chest for the not-so-delicate-Rose. Vyn's joy was all the confirmation in the world she'd ever desire to know that all that she had been through was worth it. "Take care," she lifted her fingers to wave to Vyn again, adoration in her eyes. Vyn had truly come so far...
Exiting the room, the woman lifted her brows in a 'you should know better!' manner, but she kept herself silent and listened to what Ethan had to say. Her eyes became a bit wide at the invitation, and perhaps a little bashful. "Jeez, Ethan, that's...really sweet of you!" Alex laughed appreciatively. "I...gosh, I'll need another dress," she shook her head ruefully, but her smile was warm, "but ah...let me see what I can pull off, huh? Things are settled down so it shouldn't be an issue." Her smile grew warm. "I'd really like to!"
Zul had lingered in the room for only a few seconds, blue eyes on the laughing femme. He felt unusually...shy wasn't the right word, but he supposed he felt apprehensive on being so friendly with Vyn. Their time of kinship had passed, and they were strangers again, and it felt odd to him. He simply gave a brief smile before exiting, catching the tail-end of Alex's statement. "Event?" he echoed, crossing his arms over his chest, his tone curious.
Glad that the woman seemed keen on the idea Ethan beamed, turning his pleased expression to Zul's questioning tone. "Oh, something obtusely frivolous no doubt... However these sort of things can tend to be enjoyable in good company. This event is like a winter masquerade or ball, if I remember correctly. I will check the details and relay them when you phone with the results perhaps?"
Alex nodded enthusiastically, which wasn't smart given that her neck was still healing. "Sounds perfect! I can hide the roadkill-ness," she joked good-naturedly. "Please do, I'll definitely put that on my calender." In fact, she had half a mind to go shopping immediately after getting the details, but she would /try/ to refrain, at least. "Thank you for having us over. I'll get this tested," she patted the pocket with the vial, "and those details as soon as I can."
Zul remained quiet, though he had a bit of a baffled expression, quietly mouthing 'obtusely frivolous' to himself.
"Oh of course, of course. I await you phonecall eagerly." Ethan replied, unable to contain his eagerness to secure the all clear for his daughter and striding ahead to the door leading to the lift back to the ground floor. "I hope to see you both soon!" He added, older face cracking yet again into a warm smile.
No matter how professional she tried to be, she considered all those of the Lab to be family. Thus, it was a knee-jerk reaction when Alex lifted her arms to hug Ethan, smiling ear to ear. "Til then," she agreed, all but bouncing out into the hallway and back towards the elevator, her bemused demon in tow.
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Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:53 pm
█║ SPECIAL: Christmas Gifts!
From Chloe 
Sometime around noon you hear a knock on the door. Going to answer it you find a Delivery Person holding a brightly colored package. They hand you a clip-board asking for your signature before handing it over.
A sticker on the present box reads in bright, bold red letters Do Not Open Until Christmas!.
Attached is a tag with Zul's name on it, on the other side you see a small message.Gift Tag Message Merry Christmas! Do you think Santa's put you on the NICE or NAUGHTY list?
From: Chloe S. From Xiu  A package was delivered to you one morning... Quote: To Alex and Zul, Merry Christmas! I hope the gloves are to your liking, Alex and to Zul, I'm sorry! I just couldn't help myself when I saw the Lava Lamp! Best regards, Xiu. From Zeke  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Hi there Zul!
Zeke has bought you a gift from FISHBOWL!
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:28 pm
█║ RP LINK: Here`s To a Merry Christmas
█║ INVOLVED: Alex, Cordelia, Ebony, Zul
█║ SYNOPS: The four go Christmas shopping. At a mall. Somehow.
Summary The four brave the mall for Christmas gifts for their most special ones, trying to come to grips with all that happened during the fel virus...and to move beyond it.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 11:05 pm
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 3:56 pm
Summary Pets are everywhere, new ones are being hatched out of boxes (what?!) and in the midst of all the chaos, the family could not be happier. Merry Christmas!
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 11:58 pm
█║ RP LINK: The Best Christmas Gift
█║ INVOLVED: Alex, Aphismet, Rivener, Zul
█║ SYNOPS: Christmas is the time for miracles.
Summary Aphi shows up at Alex's place with the best Christmas gift yet - a key to the Delaran household and an insistence to move in. Now!
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