Wicked Labyrinth Forum → CELL • PHONE → Business, Texting Back Laney, and A Call To Wolves Ash Knows (open to Laney, Alex, and those lycans who know Ash)
Topic: Business, Texting Back Laney, and A Call To Wolves Ash Knows (open to Laney, Alex, and those lycans who know Ash)
Those first days in the city for each of them for reasons independent of the invitation which had brought them to New Orleans. For Ash, the haze of wrath that had hung over him this last few months had begun to lift in Boston, and was dissolving under the forced presence of Jessie, Laney, and Alex. Having to interact in a way that did not include putting bullets through peoples heads or tearing their hearts out was something that always confused and quieted the Dark Passenger for a time. That part of him that was Vengence had fed ravenously on a path of destruction for an extended period and now lay quiet and solicitous waiting to see what would come of this new directive.
His mission upon returning to what he deemed 'real life' was to continue his job under legal terms since he would no longer be traveling to cover his trail. That plan was admittedly solid but still required quite a bit of legwork and paperwork to accomplish. Ash had been a vampire executioner in the states since he'd come over from England in the nineties, a legal executioner since such a thing came into existence, and a Federal Marshal once his status qualified him in the new law. All that had changed in the move to Rome and since then his status had been listed as a blacked out leave of absence. Reinstating himself meant renewing old contacts and treading a very treacherous path of red tape, not to mention swearing in and the usual grind of being administered to status. As it was New Orleans was in a state of supernatural upheaval and the local authorities seemed only too happy to find aid from someone with his legal kill count and reputation, a virtual red carpet was rolled out in a way that had rarely happened in the past, and that made him wonder more than anything what had been going on in this historic town.
In addition to his means of compromising the Dark Passenger there was his own beast to think about and those with him who were so attached that it was almost like having a miniature pack again. Knowing that was something he didn't wish for he had right at the top of his mental to-do list a need to find the local wolves and see what sort of arrangements were to be made. Then of course there was the question of Valentino....that being the question that could not wait. On that particular day once Laney had wandered off with Alex he went to hunt down any residence or remaining signs of the vampire master within the city. Tino had once ruled New Orleans after all and rumors or trace of him would not be hard to find for someone who had spent so much time hunting vampires. What Ash found was a blissful nothingness that eased part of him and disappointed another. Tino owed him a dance, one with a stake between them, and though it wouldn't be now he had no doubt that one day that dance card would be checked.
He was heading back when the text from Laney came through on his cell phone with an alerting vibration. Slipping the black Droid from his pocket he looked at the text and let his expression shift slightly, brows drawing together and the corners of his lips turning down in disapproval. He and Alex had been discussing her brother Xavier just a few nights previously when they arrived in New Orleans and Alex had been positive that the man had died in Hawaii. His tongue slid between his upper lip and the slick front of his white teeth as he sent off a quick return text to Laney.
"Where are you, stay put, I am coming."
Ash didn't wait for an exact response, his beast was bonded to that of the two women in question and he had no doubts in his powerful ability to find those wolves which were his to call to him. He had been their leader for too long, too many years for that to disappear, and Ash was not a man who balked at using his power when necessary. Letting those silver lined shields slide effortlessly down like the lowering of a window to his soul the black beast was freed in a wave of metaphysical power that swept this new territory. Surprisingly, that power did not directly clasp onto Alex and Laney but rather pinged off several marks within his territorial reach. Some were strong achingly familiar brushes of wolves or animals he had known, accompanied by that feral vision in his mind of the animals heat signature. Ash was shocked at the discovery that wolves who had once been his were here in New Orleans and unattached to another leader.
If they were strong enough they would catch that brush of his beast, the sudden scent of the Highlands wafting over them like a memory, and perhaps they would even be able to follow it were they so inclined. For his purposes however he concentrated on Alex and Laney and began walking. If an exact location was sent it would speed up the process, but regardless he was headed in that direction to find out what this mess was about and if Xavier was in fact alive and kicking (or hitting as the case might be) then Ash would find him as well. The only thing he liked better than tearing the heads off of blood suckers was making insanely driven women beating morons drop to their knees.
Alex had no Idea that Laney had texted Ash to tell him what had happend. And after pushing past her brother to the counter, so she could get her smokes, since that was the whole reason she'd come into the damn store, she pushed her way past the people that were watching, a growl comming form her lips. "Come on Laney...." She'd be damned if she was going to leave the little wolf with Xavier. Fuck that.
The growl that had started as she was leaving the store seemed to be a constant sound for the moment, as left side of her face seemed to be throb with every heartbeat. She'd felt her cheekbone crack from the impact, and the eye was now swollen shut. Glad that her hair was long enough to swing forward to hide alot of the damage, and her sunglasses big enough to hide the rest.
Reaching back, she grabbed hold of Laney's hand, pulling her along with her, and across the plaza, and once away from where here brother lurked, she sank down for a minute on the side of a fountian. Head sinking into her hand, she was shakeing slightly.
He was supposed to be dead....she'd hoped he had been....she wasn't that person anymore....That was a laugh. HEr old self was just below the surface....seeming ready to break through at any moment, and plunge her back into that life Xavier wanted her in. Looking up at Laney, her voice shook slightly. "....We should call Ash..."
- Milo & Otis had left Brooklyn on a burn run for New Orleans leaving a trail of bewildered spectators, broken bottles, cigarette butts, and broken hearts in their wake. Mode of transport chosen for the occasion were the custom Choppers they owned and had been maintaining much to Marina's displeasure. The decision to come with Otis had been one of politics and standing, and the choice to leave Tommy behind to watch after Jessie's mother had been for the weaker rats own good. Also possibly so that Marina could blow the dust off and have some fun alone in the house with Tommy while the others were out of town. Where Jessie had gone was anyone's guess, but Milo was betting that if these invitations were as universal as they seemed to be then she'd pop up sooner or later in that shit ass bayou town. Riding hard for two days, heading south bound, the two rats were allowed the solitude and focus that traveling by motorcycle provided. Milo couldn't help but remember the last time he'd breezed into New Orleans chock full of hell spirit and heading out of the fire ball he'd made of L.A. That had been a long ass time ago. Here was hoping this trip to New Orleans didn't end him with a hold blown through his fucking back again. -
- No sooner were they in the city than Milo felt a familiar power creep across his skin. He wasn't a wolf, but there was no fucking way anything with fur could not feel what Ash was throwing down. The two men had never duked it out, but Milo was betting it would be a down and dirty rumble, luckily he and Ash had kissed more than kicked each other. As that Highland scent filled his olfactory senses Milo's thin lips twisted into a sneer that was his version of smiling and he opened his mouth and made a loud howling sound that would send the nearest pedestrians scrambling away from the two tattoo covered motorcycle riding lunatics. The bike was revved up, daring Otis to keep up. No doubt his path and Ashes would cross soon enough, but for now it was nice to know that there would be familiar faces around. Time to find the trouble....and that's exactly what Milo and Otis's first order of business was. Find the local rats, protect or pummel them, then close off the time with some beers at a titty bar. Amen for good planning. -
+ Geller had spent the day between phone calls to his business partner Barb Lazarus, his friend Shazz, and some of his happy crew of kitchen pirates. Things were progressing nicely by the point in the day when he went out in search of a place to grab a drink and some food that wouldn't make his hair stand on end. The collar of the coat was turned up, edges brushing at the length of his silky black hair that always looked unruly even though the slickness of the locks themselves kept it seeming shiny and straight. Hair was blown against his cheeks as the wind caught it and he used the rough pads of his fingers to brush it back just as his silver slicked black eyes caught sight of a glowing sign in the darkness. A club? A bar? A place called Gator Bait apparently. Which was an ironic title. This was the place his Cuban dishwasher had told him about over the phone. Apparently they had the best fried alligator in town.+
+He had reached out to grab the door handle of the bar when he felt that silken awareness slide over him. Eyelids lowered for a moment as he let himself see the world through other more important senses, and he blew a stream of wispy gray smoke overhead. That scent had his lids opening and the corners of his mouth sweeping into a broad grin as he laughed; out loud just like a crazy person. Man people hate when you laugh at nothing in public. Geller's sense of humor was peaked because he knew that incredibly powerful wolf, knew the feel of him, and was glad that Ash was somewhere in the city. It had been a long time since the two wolves had run into one another, but Geller still remembered Ash from earlier days when he had still been unsure of his own power. Ash had been a good teacher, a good friend, and someone Geller had never lost faith in. +
+For a second he tried to decide between going into the bar and following that sensation. It wasn't much of a decision making process really. Ash beat alligator bits. Letting another couple pass through the door he had held open he waited for their passage and then let the door close behind them as he oriented on that scent of the Highlands and the feel of that black wolf. With his mind set and concentrating he walked in that comfortable lazy stride, as if the world spun at his time and not its own. Confidence exuded from his movements as he beat the pavement with footfalls of those worn in high-tops, a trail of cigarette smoke following behind him as he went.+
+Not really paying attention to his surroundings (since he was more interested in the eventual location) he was oriented on tracking Ash which meant changing locations as he lost the sense of him and trying to pick it up again. That made for a very meandering unstructured walk, but eventually he felt the man so strongly that he knew he was almost on top of him. When he turned that last corner he saw Ash and two other wolves with him who smelled either new or just submissive, and Geller shut down his shields to a point where he would seem nearly human to those around him. It was a way of trying to make the two girls more comfortable with his sudden appearance. +
"Ash..."
+ Geller moved towards the trio with that wide feral grin spread across his lips. A nod of his head was given to the two girls before moving towards Ash and giving him a hug. Yes! A hug. Though it was somewhat less than emotional since they did the whole man-pat on the back routine and then moved away. Still, he was glad to see the other man in this big strange city. Explaining why he was there with a chuckle came out like this,+
"Well shit man, if you're gonna throw your shit out there like that you know the welcoming committee is bound to show up eventually."
-- Edited by CHARLES GELLER on Thursday 10th of March 2011 09:12:12 PM
Is there anything quite like the feel of numbing your ass out by keeping it plastered to the leather seat of Harley Davidson for hundreds of miles while you drive from the Big Apple to the Big Easy just for a good time?
Hell fucking no!
When Milo says haul ass Otis' only question was whose. Saddlebags packed, fresh box of cigars on top, shades in place and they were on the road. Yeah, somewhere in the midst was a couple of phone calls saying that he wouldn't be back at work, that they'd need another cooler but it wasn't like he had anything tying him down and being at Milo's right hand was a good place to be. Nothing like having another ballbusting, hard partying asshole to kick back more then a couple of brews with.
Hat slouched down over the dark shades, gaze was sweeping their surroundings as they rode into the city itself, teeth clamped over the last inch of his latest smoke. The surge of power that swept them was one he hadn't felt before but it made his Other Half rise up and chitter in response, lips curling back in a snarl around the cigar. Milo's howl and the shiver of power from the Rat King was enough to make him tip his head back, adding a rippling cry of his own, just to make sure that even the bravest of the pedestrians nearby would shit their pants in response.
"Fucker..." laughing as Milo hit the throttle and tried, yes tried, to leave Otis behind. "Oh hell no!" Hand twisted, wrenching the throttle and making the big bike roar in response, leaving a trail of car alarms in their wake as the vibrations triggered their sensors. He raced the back back into place beside Milo, tugging the cigar from his lips to flick over at the lanky bastard.
"Time for a drink Asshole!" Yeah, it was said with nothing but respect.
Laney got the text back from Ash as Alex grabbed her hand and making her cross the plaza. "Damn woman, hold up a minute!" As soon as they stopped she reached back into her pocket and pulled out her phone, reading the text. The slightest of frowns tugged at her lips, but those hazel eyes scanned the area and gave him the best answer she could come up with to his question which was, at the fountain. Sliding her phone back into her pocket, she crossed her arms over her chest and turned her gaze towards Alex. "So, does your brother always punch you in the face like some lunatic redneck asshole? Why didn't you hit him back? I would have been all over that son of bitch! His face woulda been rearranged before I was done."
As Alex said they should all Ash, the smallest of smiles tugged at her lips. "Already done. He says to stay fucking put. He's on his way to us. Got to love modern technology and the convenience of texting." The brunette plopped down beside Alex's form and slung an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Laney wasn't used to the whole touchy-feelyness of her wolf yet, but she understand needing comfort. "Are you ok? Don't worry, Ash will be here soon. I'm sure he will fix this for ya. He knows how to handle everything. And maybe, he'll let me go along as back up!" That had a positively happy grin settle on her lips. She'd like to give that snaggle-toothed, disgusting piece of trash a good old fashioned beat down before skinning him alive and tossing him in a bathtub filled with saltwater and rubbing alcohol.
When the calvary showed up, the little wolf lifted one arm and gave a wave, the only reason she didn't jump up and run towards Ash was because she had an arm around Alex and just couldn't bring herself to leave the woman after such a threat had presented itself. "Hey, look who it is." She said giving a nod in the man's direction.
What was it about this town that made her uncomfortable? Yes, it was probably a stupid question. Jessica was settled at a small cafe, just getting a feel for the city. New Orleans was nowhere near like New York was, the energy here was just so different. Even aside from the bad memories, the vibe of the Big Easy was just one that would take some getting used too.
She'd spent the day at the local hospitals, starting the paperwork necessary to get privileges and seeing if there were any shifts available to work. Her specialty of course was lycanthropes and she was always willing to be on call to consult on possible infections but it was always difficult at a new facility, they were always twitchy about whether or not she'd just get furry on them. She'd made a point to wear her darkened glasses and to keep her shields wound tightly around her, reducing her to seeming all but human, but there was no disguising her paperwork and most hospital administrators knew who and what she was the moment they checked out her CV. It made for a tense morning but it was a tension she was prepared for. Now she was simply relaxing in a cafe.
Relaxing until the rush of Ash's power swept the city anyway. The teasing scent that went with the thrill of power had her nose twitching. Something had Ash announcing himself to the city, it was a glove being thrown down in a way. Things were going to get interesting, more interesting now, that was for sure.
She rose from the table, smoothing the folds of her skirt around her leg as she paid for her coffee. The roar of motorcycles drew her attention even as she focused on the teasing scent of the Highlands. The pair of bikes racing by and howling cries that accompanied them was enough to make her blink, heart racing in response. "It can't be... oh shit."
When Ash located the two wolves he found that they were quickly joined by another, unexpected, participant. There was a moment when Ash had a chance to look at Alex's face and see the damage done, his expression shutting down into a dead blank stare, and then Geller was giving him a "man hug". It was actually relieving to see the strong friendly wolf after so long. Not to mention that at the moment Ash was happy to have someone he could trust there who could take care of themselves.
"It's nice to see you Geller."
That, from Ash, was practically a monologue of approval and joy. Making introductions between Geller and the girls Ash thought over what the best path might be for mediating this issue. The idea of leaving Xavier wandering around unchecked was not an option. He wanted this issue put to bed, and the sooner the better. Laney was practically a shivering ball of energy and Ash knew what he was thinking as though he could pluck the thoughts right out of her brain.
"Laney, go with Geller and find Jessica if you can to let her know what's happening. Then pick a spot, hang out, and wait for me there. Geller will keep you safe."
Though the man might be playing near human for the girls Ash knew that he was far from it. Geller was strong, powerful, but confident enough to solve a problem without the use of any of those bells and whistles. Ash trusted that even on a moments notice and with little explanation Geller would take care of his young protegee. There was no need for Laney to get mixed up in a family affair of this nature.
"Text me when you guys get somewhere stationary and we'll come find you. Alex, you're with me. We're going to find your brother."
The look he gave Alex said more than any words could. That set in his lightning kissed eyes said not to argue and that this was going to happen. Xavier had once been his wolf as well and there was no way the man could hide with Vengence on his trail. Ash held out a hand to Alex, waiting for her to put her hand in his, and then he nodded to Geller and Laney. Things would be fine, and as Ash and Alex went on the hunt for Xavier he said something to try to comfort the girl; too bad comforting was one of his better abilities.
"I promise not to shoot him........not immediately anyway."
Alex stared at Laney with one good eye, mouth hanging open slightly. "You....He....damn it..." She scowled, and thrust a hand into her pocket, pulling out the pack of smokes, and lighting one after pulling it out and setting it between her lips. Her face hurt...her eye hurt....She was starting to think her brain hurt too. even the eyelashes!!
And then Ash was there...Alex immediately ducked her head, makeing her hair swing forward to hide more of the damage. His eye's on her though, she knew he was looking at her, and after a moment, she lifted her head. Jaw set, grey blue eye not giving away a whole heck of alot on what she was feeling, and she said just one thing. "....guess the lava missed him..." Ash would know what she'd ment by that.
Now Geller showing up was a bit of a surprise, and the shock of seeing the bigger wolf had her eye going wide. and she gave a nod back to him. "Ever get those bikes fixed up?" Before he could respond though, Ash was giving out orders. Geller to take Laney, Alex to go with Ash.
That tone..she knew that tone. The one that flat out said she couldn't argue even though she seriously wanted to. The hand held out to her was looked at for a minute, then taking it, she was pulled to her feet, and moved with him. free hand controling her smoke.
"I promise not to shoot him....not immediately anyway." The words had her blinking, and then cracking a small smile. "...he's not acting like he did in Hawaii, Ash...." No...The Xav that she'd just run into was the one from her childhood. The one she'd grown up with and that had taught her everything he knew from fighting to killing to ....well...Yeah. There are reasons she's as fucked in the head as she is.
When Laney was told to go with Geller, a frown tugged at her lips and she just about balked. She wanted to be a part of the group to take on that nasty prick that had hit Alex, not play hide and go seek with Jessica, with some strange guy for protection. Hazel eyes glanced at Geller before moving back to Ash. Her hands settled on her hips in a slightly defiant pose and then she sighed, relenting. "Fine! Fuck it! I'll go find Jessica." She gave her hero the smallest of glares before jumping to her feet and moving over to the new guy, giving him a once-over glance. "I guess we got work to do. Come on." With that she grabbed Geller's arm and started trudging off in one direction, trying to open her senses to see if she could sniff the leopard lady out as Ash had been teaching her.
She sort of got a scent that smelled right, but just in case she was going in the wrong direction, she pulled out her phone and sent a text to Jessica.
~Hey, Jess, It's Laney. There's some seriously crazy shit going down and Ash wants me to find you. So, where the hell are ya?~
Things at the hookah just got crazier everyday. And the craziest thing tonight was the kitchen divas. Kneeling beside side Nyx as the picked up the pieces of broken dishes.
'Stop giving me that I told you so look. They were more controllable in Salem. '
Sighing as Nyx gave one of her half eye rolls at Silent and made another trip to dump off the mess. And they had been. At least to a point.
"Maybe Ill....'
She have to call Geller when it hit her. Like a tsunami on a little beach side village in Japan (oh wait to earily?). Ash. Or more the gust of him. That highlandic beast slaming into her and for the first time in Foreverrrrrr...er. Silent found her ass planted down on the floor. The small swamp wolf withing spinning circles within before sitting just the same. It was their Ash. Silent could feel him all around her. Taste him on her tongue. Those tri colored hues looking up at Nyx as the small blond gave her what the fuck are you doing look.
'Its very simple. Im sitting....And when you meet him youll understand'
It wasnt something that he had to do on purpose...But a slam of tha much power had her sitting.
'Ummm Help me up...please.'
Those tri colored hues glisten some. He was in her city. Part of her feared this fact...But after so long...Would things ever be fixed. And while her beast demanded...And was threatening to just take over if she didnt go hunting for its...Ash. But that wouldnt happen...Not yet. She had to make this pack work...And right now...She had alot to do. But that didnt stop her from trying her own hand at this game and letting that thick swamp mist follow the threads of power that She felt from her once ulfric and still mate....Hoping that maybe it could be a bit of a welcoming or a invitation.
The vixen was making a nuisance of herself. Or that's what she hoped, at any rate. Shopping had never been this much of a hassle. Apparently, the saleswoman had noted the prices of everything she'd added to her stash and was hoping to add even more expensive things to the pile. Regardless of whether Lexi actually needed or wanted them. Lips quirked in a smirk as she sent the woman off to find out if the shirt (if it could be called a shirt and not merely a scrap of fabric to be tied around her for the law's sake) she was currently eyeing had any other colors. The idea was to send the woman off, quickly pay for everything and have it sent to the houseboat before she continued with her plans for the day. Her credit card was just being swiped when she felt it. Her head went up alertly, inhaling deeply as she peered around her. "Bloody hell..." The clerk looked at her oddly, but she dismissed it, quickly signing her name and giving the address of the houseboat. "If I'm not there when it arrives, have them leave it out of sight." A crooked grin was given and then she was stalking out to the street. Emerald pools were shadowed by her lashes, shutting out everything but the feel of the wolf she'd followed for years. There was no mistaking that scent or the power of it. She knew it, had lived with it, wasn't sure she'd ever feel it again. Ash. A slight shake of her head. Now she knew he was here, in the city, and eventually she would find him. Moving down the street until she got to an alley, she settled herself briefly, connecting with her russet-pelted counterpart. She sent that power along the fading trail of Ash's. Just a touch, an acknowledgement of his presence. Perhaps she was even warning him that eventually she'd want to see him. Regardless of why she'd sent that touch, it had been done. Taking a deep breath, she sent her counterpart back to its cage and reached for her cell phone. Flipping through the numbers, she finally selected one and brought the phone to her ear. She avoided the subject of Ash when speaking to Silent, especially after the first questions had revealed the swamp wolf's distress. But now, knowing that Silent was also here in the city... well, it seemed like a good idea to reach out to her.
