The City Interior

[Raven Von Winter]

*Her visual anger faded as the demons pressence dissapeared, but she was still seething on the inside. Cyrax gave her more reason to hate his kind. No one taunted Raven Von Winter and lived. There was a reason she had survived over 2000 years where others had not. Raphael pointed to the orb in the middle of the city, and she followed his gaze. He began walking in that direction, and Raven fell in step beside him, not behind him. She was born into a time where men were dominant to women. Alexander had always treated her as an equal, but every other man she had met looked down upon her, as if she were a prize to be had. Those days were over, and merely walking next to Raphael would prove to him her thoughts on the matter. It was then he asked about her past, and why the demons were interested in her. The question on her past, she could answer, as to why two very powerful demons wanted her, she did not know. She stopped and looked Raphael in the eye.*

"You may have heard Cyrax mention Alexander. He was my husband when I was human. Together we ruled this city, granted it was nothing how it is now. On our anniversary night, we had a grand party planned. Alexander went to a neighboring city to pick up a gift for me, and on his way home, demons captured him. I thought he was killed on the spot, but I later learned that they tortured him to an inch of his life, let him heal, and tortured him again and again and again. Had it only been murder, I might be a little more soft hearted, but torture... It is because of a few terrible demons out to mess with a king, that their entire race must suffer. I have reason to believe that many of the demons today are descended from the ones who killed my beloved. My entire goal in life is to rid this world of these terrible monsters. Until every one is dead, will I feel like my Alexander has been avenged."

*She paused and looked away, the memory of her love was still vivid, and caused her heart to be empty. It was the reason she became a temptress, so she could temporarily fill the hole, but never replace it. Never had she taken a lover since Alexanders death. She wiped the blood tear from her eye and looked back to Raphael.*

"You ask what the demons want with me. I wish it were an easy answer, but I do not know. If it were to kill me, I feel they would have already tried. I think it is something else all together. Perhaps it is to dissuade me from killing them. Maybe they fear me, I do not know."

*As she spoke she sensed another being watching them, but she now knew what it was, a fox. Her noes never failed her. What he wanted with her or Raphael, she also did not know, and sighed. Her life was becoming complicated really fast. Then the fox spoke, seemingly only to warn them of the dangers to their plans. She took heed of the warning, then glanced to Raphael, trying to gauge his reaction, and back to the fox. She didnt know who would speak first, for she saw recognition in both of their eyes.*

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael nodded as he listened to Raven, her voice showing emotions that she would never show to another. Which meant she trusted Raphael, and Raphael knew that trust was well placed. He had learned long ago that a woman scorned was worse than have the whole world against you. He smiled as he listened, and then heard her reason. He shoke his head, and was about to enter. But something caught his nose.

It was a faint oder, as it was against the wind. But in the protection of the city, it bounced off the walls, and back to him. He had caught that scent before, long before. Bring him back to that battle against the might Stratus, back when Rigmor was alive. But it was not the mighty orc, no, it was the other creature. A fox, who had the smell of honesty and holiness. Something that made the vampire smile, he turned, and saw the fox standing there. Raphael caught the vague words, and formed his own rebutle.

"And yet, arvice is the best weapon known to man or fox. Those who speak caution are the ones who have failed to use it properly, Alexandros the Fox Prince." Looking at the silver in the fox's hair, he knew the anthro was getting old, years were passing by for the fox, yet Raphael's meerly stood still. "And beware of those who are dead, for their is much hidden in their past." He said with a smirk, a wink, and a slight humming laughter.

[Alexandros]

Alexander shook his head at Raphael’s words, placing both paws on the sides of his cloak, removing the hood and slipping the garment off, so it cluttered on the ground behind him. At his waist was his famed blade, The Blade of the Beast King. “The Fox Prince…it is a name I haven’t gone by in nearly twenty years…” Alexander mused, pacing back and forth as he did. “So, Raphael, what are you and this other Vampire doing here? Surely there is a reason for coming back to this old city, the grave of Alexander ‘The Great’.” There was no scorn, or jealousy behind his voice, just that was what he had been called a pawful of times, and it got annoying to know that he was merely being praised in the same fashion of another.

Alexander fluttered through his clothing, before producing a letter with the Imperial stamp on it. “Raphael, can you do me a favor once you head back to your stronghold? Deliver this to my son, Volyan. Don’t mention me at all, alright? You can’t understand the depths that I have gone through to keep myself a secret save for from a select few. If Akhaenniut found this letter, he’d send an assassin party after me and…then who could say what he would do next. Probably march onto you.” Alexander knew that, powerful Vampire armies or no, Raphael’d see the fact that a battle against an Empire, at this stage, would be fruitless. “If you do this for me…or, really, for yourself, I shall grant you the freedom to do as you wish in your land, withdrawing any Sobekian outposts that litter your lands. Thus, you can freely trade…or steal, from various villages. After all, theft and the black arts is what your region prospers from, no?”

Alexander, turning away from Raphael at last, looked over to his female friend, another vampire as he had already guessed. “Now then, what would you be doing here? To seek out the grave of Alexander the Great, perhaps? Rumor has it that his armour and sword, legendary as they are, still remain in his tomb. Or, perhaps, you are seeking to free this city from the Demon that controls it?”

[Raven Von Winter]

*She didnt realize it until the fox stepped from the shadows, and the scent of blood was strong, that she needed to feed. Vampire blood was for pure pleasure, and demon blood, well, that was another story, but mortal blood was what she needed. The fox had woken the hunger from inside her, and she watched him like a hawk, not moving in...yet.*

*He spoke first to Raphael, wanting him to deliver some letter to Sobek, and also went on about how no one must know he is alive. Raven pondered the issue; what if she brought the prince to the demons? Would they leave her alone then? Her mind went back to Alexander. She didnt wish torture on anyone, even if it meant losing the upper hand on demons. She was evil, but not heartless, and torture struck a nerve. The beast then spoke to her, and she glared at it. Another dared mention her beloved's name, but this time speaking of treasures hidden in his tomb. She almost snapped at him right then, but held her composure this time, and spoke with a sweet, yet dangerous tone.*

"This city is mine, and I'm here to take it back under my control. The demon here does not worry me."

*She then cocked her head to the side and smiled seductively at the prince. Slowly she sauntered towards him, on hand on her hip and the other at her side.*

"Oh Mr. Fox, you smell so good, and look at that furry tail...mmmm..."

*Once she was in front of him, she layed her hand on the top of his head, and let it slowly move down his face. Her other hand wrapped around his waist and pulled him closer. She stared into his eyes and grinned.*

"This won't hurt a bit."

*With a wink, she bared her fangs and bit down into the thick fur of the animal. The two small points found the skin and sunk in, creating two neat holes, where the crimson blood began to flow. She settled her lips around them and began to drink the sweet coppery flavor that was heaven to her. Alexander didnt feel pain, for when Raven wanted, she could twist her victims mind into feeling pleasure instead, allowing for her to drink from the same creature over and over again without a fight.*

*She didnt want to kill the fox, just mess with him while fufilling her own needs. When she had enough, she licked the small holes to begin the healing process; her saliva made this happen. Once finished, she stroaked the fur on the princes neck where she had bit him and stepped back, licking her lips.*

"You gave us some advice when you arrived, now it's my turn. Be careful when approaching new vampires, expecially harmless looking ones, because it is they who can be the most deadly. Your just lucky that I'm not interested in killing your kind."

*She winked again before flipping her hair and walking back to where Raphael stood, where the look of amazement or shock, whichever, mirrored that of Alexanders face.*

[Raphael Augustus]

((What she did was approved by both parties, don't ever do that unless you have permission from the other party. New members))

Raphael nodded as Alexander handed him the letter, he was semi tempted to read it, but he figured it was boring stuff between a father and a son. That tended to force Raphael to fall asleep, not something he enjoyed doing very much. So instead he lifted hi cloak, and stuffed the letter in one of his many pockets, and quickly the void took over it. He smiled, then, at Alexander when he mentioned the vulture. He could remember back to when Alexander, Rigmor, and himself went and fought the Demon King, a King, but Alexander lost to a bird, how amusing.

"Please Alexander, you know better than that. Me and Akhaenniut go way back, if he could have killed me before, he would have. But I fill enough peoples pockets to keep them happy." He said with a wink, all men were corrupt, it was just a matter of finding the right price, for Akhaenniut, it was a little harder, as gold was not really his curency.

Raphael then cocked his head as he watched Raven move. She made the claim to Alexander that this was her city, and that she would take it herself. However, she seemed, different from before, not a bad different, but different none the less. She then walked over to Alexander, placing her hand on Alexander, but like a lover, not like a friend. Raphael laughed slightly to himself, he was not aware she was into animal sex. But then she sunk her teeth into his neck.

Raphael was more than a little surprised, and although his jaw had not dropped to the ground, both eyebrows were raised in surprise. That was more than just a little uncalled for, their were moer than a few plenty human food sources around this area. But if Alexander was to dumb to defend himself, then he deserved it. However, Raphael was not certain that she had killed him, it would have taken slightly longer, but he knew the fox would be more than just a little dazed, he might be unconciouses. Raphael shrugged his shoulders, and placed an arm around Raven, and looked at Alexander.

"She does have a point, just because I walk beside her without fear, doesn't mean you shouldn't" He said with a little smile, actually finding it quiet humorious. No wonder Alexander lost the throne, he was to trusting. Yes Raphael would delever the letter, and he just might keep his mouth shut. The question was not what was in Alexander's best interest, but in Raphael's.

[Alexandros]

Alexandros’ arms were crossed the Vampire tempted him, though he didn’t know for what reason. He could tell she was attempting to, well, tempt him, lure him into a false sense of security. But, Alexander still didn’t know what she was up to. But, still, his paw fell to the hilt of his sword, fingers drumming along the hilt as the vampire got closer. He flicked his gaze towards Raphael at the wrong moment, as the Temptress pulled him closer – grabbing the wrist of the paw that was on sword, and he winced for a brief moment as teeth pierced his neck.

There was no pain, and Alexander already knew why – as a Vampire can decide and control if their bite causes pain or not, which allows them to feed on a sleeping target without being noticed, or to torture someone they had captured. Sadly, instead of pain he felt a form of euphoric bliss that prevented him from fighting back as he wanted to, causing his muscles to go limp under the feeding vampire. He promised to study a way to prevent this, should she attempt this again.

Once she closed the wound and pulled back, Alexander’s body finally came back under his control, and he fumed from being used. “Couldn’t you have hunted someone else? Considering the fact I am here to help you, bitch?” This was the great thing to his breed – the term bitch can be very loose. Meaning just female…or the derogatory term that humans gave it. In situations like this, it was only to Alexander’s mind of which he meant. “You are a Temptress…one of the many ‘classes’ of the land…able to lure most males – don’t attempt such a thing with me – you just got luckily is all, considering I have no attraction to your kind.” Vampires and Orcs were two creatures Alexander could hardly stand…oddly enough; two of his closest allies were just that – an Orc and a Vampire.

Alexander could tell the humor that radiated from Raphael’s person, but took no heed to it. He knew that Raphael had a chance to deliver the letter to Akhaenniut, but he also knew he wouldn’t. The fact was that the letter contained false battle plans in his lands…he could read it and never deliver it or, perhaps, he would see Alexander’s plan behind it all. Akhaenniut was no military commander and fearing an attack on a hardly defended front, he’d withdraw his outposts located there. Thus, Raphael would get total freedom over his region and Alexander would put Akhaenniut further into a state of panic.

Raphael, in a way, reminded Alexander of Vindex. Vindex never stayed with one female and he doubted Raven’d belittle more than a pawn in the long run to Raphael. “So, where’d you pick up your new wife, Raphael?” Alexander spoke, keeping his voice calm and even, though with a tiny snicker behind it.

[Raven Von Winter]

*Raven cast a strange look at Raphael as he put his arm around her, but she didn't move away. Normally she would have, but in an odd way it gave her comfort in this forgotten land. She turned her gaze back to the fox, watching with a disinterest his reaction to her. She had no desire to be with the animal, they were not her taste. She used her abilities as a temptress, along with her womanly charm to trick men into doing what she wanted, and if that was letting her drink from them, then so be it. Now she was basking in the warmth of mortal blood, which heightened her senses, and enjoyed the feeling of the slightly drugged state vampires felt after they fed.*

"Why didn't I go hunt someone else you say? Well thats a silly question. It was like you walked right onto my plate, and I didn't have to hunt at all!"

*She laughed, and her tone was light and playful, not a hint of anger in her voice, or eyes, though it was never far from the surface.*

"Bitch...well, since I'm not a lowly dog, you must mean that as an insult, but lucky for you, I won't take offense to that. Now I have a question for you. Why are you here to help me? You don't know me at all, otherwise you would have had your guard up and I could not have bitten you. You say you are here to help, but do not know yet if I am good or evil, with you or against you."

*She glanced up at Raphael, seemingly amused with the situation, then back to the fox, who's anger was clearly showing, and she smiled. She knew that he was upset because she used him to feed, and now she was mocking his help. This fox was certainly to trusting, and it almost made her feel bad, but if he were to reclaim his throne, he needed to learn. Then the animal spoke again, but this time directed to Raphael that made her raise her eyebrows in confusion.*

[Uriel Bernardo]

The sarcastic question of Alexandros, known as the fox prince to some, now as a forgotten memory to most, had hardly stopped resounding in the minds of the group present before another invaded their conversation. A voice, unheard by many of this world, save a few, but one of the trio present had heard it before, many years ago.

[Maroon]“What do we have here… Two vampires and a fur, gathered in conversation… Coexistence may be possible after all…”[/Maroon]

Recognition may come, or it might not, based on the voice, but visual aid always help jog the memory faster. Stepping out from behind a building, a fair distance away from the trio, it was a wonder they could here the voice. Though the figure was close enough to see, the voice was spoken in a soft tone, but coated in darkness. It was then, maybe not immediately, that the individuals would begin to see that this voice was in their heads.

[Maroon]“Alexandros, my friend, I’ve heard many stories about you over these long years… It is nice to see that they are obviously false…”[/Maroon]

By now, they may have discovered his frame, or they may not have, but it would matter little. In the blink of an eye, the ominous figure had disappeared from his spot, and reappeared much closer to the trio, specifically a few feet behind the two vampires, who seemed to be quite happy in each others company. Obviously Alexandros would be the first to visually spot him, due to his position before the pair, but it would most likely have been the pair of vampires who’d spotted his arrival first. Their senses always amazed Damian…

[Maroon]“I haven’t met the both of you in person before, though I can assure you I’m well aware of who you are…”[/Maroon]

The voice was real this time, not just in their heads, and it almost demanded attention with it's superior sound, but not quite condescending. Standing casually with Revenge gripped firmly, yet comfortably, in his right hand, Damian waited a moment for the vampires to turn, if they wished, before continuing. His attire, and body, hadn’t changed even after twenty years of staying out of the spotlight. However, one can only lay dormant for so long, before the need for interaction becomes necessary.

[Maroon]“It would be rude of me not to introduce myself, of course. My name is Damian Thakis, I reside on the Island of Azia.”[/Maroon]

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael gently laughed at the two, they had obviously gotten off on the wrong foot. Well Raven got off by feeding on the fox. Raphael himself hated to drink from furries, all that fur got in his mouth, and it was all kinds of nasty, as it was generally greasy. But that buzz that you get from drink was sometimes worth it, though Raphael liked to think he was better than his beastly vampire emotions. That pure raw emotion that seemed to self destroy you, Raphael had abandoned it long ago. Back when he thought it would consume him.

He then new something was coming, something in the back of his head told him. A dark figure, powerful in his own rights, was coming this way. Raphael barely paid any heed to the two talking beside him. He missed Alexander call Raven a bitch, and missed Raven try to dismiss it. No, his mind was focused outward.

He then turned to see Alexander, who then asked the question, about a wife. And he remembered that he had his arm around the vampire female beside him. Raphael let a wicked grin show, one side slipping upward, revealing the right side of his mouth, and his giant canine teeth. It was something he rarely showed. However, he also knew, that in dog groups, it was a sign of domination. Something only the 'alpha' dog did. But he did it to make Alexander uneasy, as the fox had just been bitten, quite humorously Raphael would add.

Then he felt it again, this time closer, and then heard the voice in his head. Turning slowly, he glanced at an image that not even the others could see, it was to far away for that. His gray eyes roamed about looking for the invader. He almost knew who it was, it was on the tip of his tongue. His arm of course, had fallen off Raven shoulders. So when Damian appeared behind her, but in front of Raphael and Alexander, Raphael could only raise an eyebrow. He knew he could find the demon thanks to Stratus, who, of course, had pleasantly given some blood to the thirsty vampire.

Finally the demon spoke his name, and Raphael remember who it was. "Ah, your the one that Cyrax was talking about, yes? You two had that little hell in a cage brawl. You did win yes?" He said, with a smile, knowing the answer fully well. If you could call one thing about Raphael, it was well informed. And a good old fashioned master of the torture. Even made a demon scream, how funny. "You already sent one of your lackeys here, so what are you doing here."

While Raphael was talking, he was also walking, slowly circling the demon. One arm he had across his stomach, and his right he had rested up against it, and his chin resting on the palm. He was studying the demon, though what he was looking for would be oblivious to the others. He made sure to make it look like he was only glaring. "What indeed?" He repeated.