The dying yelp was enough for everyone to stop and look at what Ellis had just done. She had managed to kill one in the climax of her blood lust. They were both battered, bruised and bleeding and even though he'd never say it out loud, he was damn fucking proud of her.
Ellis looked at him with a completely perplexed look and then back at the wolves. They stood there, ten in number now, silent and still. The largest one, the leader took a step towards the slain wolf and the other's quietly moved towards him. Ellis began to slowly slide away, towards him.
Holding his hand out, he waved for her to hurry but quietly. She made it to him and she stood next to him. She began to open her mouth but he held his hand up to silence her. The escalator stairs were on the opposite side of the wolves and he looked around - maybe the scaffold? That's when Ellis grabbed his arm and he looked back.
They were all facing them now, their heads low and teeth bared. The leader began to lower himself and the others followed suit. They were moving as a single unit now. It was time to go.
Simon grabbed Ellis arm and he turned towards the section behind them. It was a glass wall that spanned the entire front entrance; from the ground floor to the top ceiling. He threw the bit of metal in his hand and shattered it with them right behind it.
There was only one way out. The glass shattered and he would remember, almost fondly, that as they passed through the broken wall that he heard that distinct tinkle of laughter coming from Ellis as they fell to the ground.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas... (private)
Nachton Mall stood in all its glass and brick glory as Simon shoved his hands into his pockets and grunted. This wasn't any mall, this was "the mall". It was 'high falootin' as Carol would put it, he thought with a small grin. An outdoor and indoor mall, Nachton boasted one of the most exclusive and high priced malls in the region with names found normally on Rodeo drive. Simon blinked the snow out of his eyelashes as he looked at the glass marvel under the thin dusting of snow. The growing cold and accumulating snow would be ideal for the upcoming winter festivals starting, which is where Simon wanted to present Carol with her Christmas gift. Just what that would be, he wasn't sure yet. That's why he had brought Nova.
Looking down at the ironically bronzed beauty next to him, he wondered if her tastes actually suited his heathen woman's needs. Carol was picky and feminine, Nova...picky yes, but feminine - far from it. Still, he smiled at her as they stood at the entrance of the outdoor section of the mall. At the far end, the large Harold's retailer stood under construction. Reaching up to scratch his lip, he noted the that all malls shared one thing in common.
The loud and obnoxious Christmas music.
Have a holly jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year
Well I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer ...
It's the best time of the year
Well I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer ...
Simon closed his eyes and sighed. 'Ok, where to?'
Simon Huntington
17 years ago
Ellis Duban
17 years ago
Ellis hit the ground below with a resounding crunch, still she pushed herself to stand up and start to run. They were behind them and stopping to gain her bearings wasn't going to be a luxury she could afford. She put her hand down on the broken glass, sufficiently cutting her hands even more and pulled herself up. Simon was already grabbing her by her arm, pulling her up as he ran. Was it she was getting too old for this shit?
Risking one look over her shoulder she saw four wolves had dropped down already and were sprinting after them. Pushing as hard as she could, Ellis ran for the park outside, running through the small ponds that separated the mall walk ways. Almost tripping on a bench on the opposite side, she could see Simon trying to look for a way out and not die in the process.
The mall was designed with dark cherry wood columns and an open design that had the stores weave back and forth across the path each corner section surrounded by more bridge ways and ponds. They ran through the crowds of people, pushing them aside and running through the water almost slipping on the hardwood floors. The only way out would be to make it to the opposite side of the mall and what she was fairly certain was the sewers. The development was new and she hadn't bothered to scout any of the layout so she went on assumption. Hoping Simon was thinking was she was thinking, she grabbed him and nudged her head in the direction of where she thought they should go.
'We need to disappear,' she said as her legs pumped painfully, running at break neck speeds.
Nodding, Simon suddenly pushed her off to the right as a wolf came barreling down on them, clipping Simon and sending him falling on top of Ellis. She felt something crunch as she hit the floor, but managed to pick Simon up and head east, far out of their way as they tried to head north. Ellis suddenly became very aware of the loud Christmas music being piped into the mall and she began to laugh.
Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
are pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing;
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
'What the f....' They entered the east wing of the mall and it opened up into large skating rink. The stairs leading up and back towards the north section were blocked temporarily from the sides due to the newly installed ice rink. Without stopping to discuss it, they both jumped the side of the rink and made their way, slipping and sliding, to the opposite side.
Risking one look over her shoulder she saw four wolves had dropped down already and were sprinting after them. Pushing as hard as she could, Ellis ran for the park outside, running through the small ponds that separated the mall walk ways. Almost tripping on a bench on the opposite side, she could see Simon trying to look for a way out and not die in the process.
The mall was designed with dark cherry wood columns and an open design that had the stores weave back and forth across the path each corner section surrounded by more bridge ways and ponds. They ran through the crowds of people, pushing them aside and running through the water almost slipping on the hardwood floors. The only way out would be to make it to the opposite side of the mall and what she was fairly certain was the sewers. The development was new and she hadn't bothered to scout any of the layout so she went on assumption. Hoping Simon was thinking was she was thinking, she grabbed him and nudged her head in the direction of where she thought they should go.
'We need to disappear,' she said as her legs pumped painfully, running at break neck speeds.
Nodding, Simon suddenly pushed her off to the right as a wolf came barreling down on them, clipping Simon and sending him falling on top of Ellis. She felt something crunch as she hit the floor, but managed to pick Simon up and head east, far out of their way as they tried to head north. Ellis suddenly became very aware of the loud Christmas music being piped into the mall and she began to laugh.
Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
are pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing;
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
'What the f....' They entered the east wing of the mall and it opened up into large skating rink. The stairs leading up and back towards the north section were blocked temporarily from the sides due to the newly installed ice rink. Without stopping to discuss it, they both jumped the side of the rink and made their way, slipping and sliding, to the opposite side.
Alfarinn
17 years ago
Nova growled and looked prepared to charge the man head on. Was she so young she had no sense of self preservation? His eyes widened in surprise but then he realized she wasn't nearly as angry as her actions suggested. She seemed more calculating. A bluff perhaps? She came rushing forward and he made no attempt to stop her. It was a good thing because she seemed to have enough common sense to put some distance between her and this attacker after all. Not all Tacharan were crazy...
Alfarinn tried to help her along by giving her a good head start. He grabbed at the man's ankle and held on tightly; however the kick to his chest loosened his grip. Falling backwards, Alfarinn slammed against the other side rail to the escalator. He watched the assassin go over the side and had no delusions that the guy had landed in an awkward broken heap.
Pushing himself off the railing, he stood up and jumped over the side. Nova's attacker may be agile but that didn't mean he was fast; Alfarinn had the many immortal years on him, not to mention stride length.
There was the sound of crashing glass, he looked up to see if more would soon be joining their fight. Instead he saw Simon and Ellis landing in a shower of glass.They began running as soon as they landed and not from each other.
....What the hell?
He saw why as a whole group of gigantic wolves leapt through the opening a few moments later. Wolves on steroids... He gaped a second longer before shaking his head and turning back to find Nova and her assailant.
((OOC: Nova's emotional motivation with permission. Getting grabby on Tai with permission ))
Alfarinn tried to help her along by giving her a good head start. He grabbed at the man's ankle and held on tightly; however the kick to his chest loosened his grip. Falling backwards, Alfarinn slammed against the other side rail to the escalator. He watched the assassin go over the side and had no delusions that the guy had landed in an awkward broken heap.
Pushing himself off the railing, he stood up and jumped over the side. Nova's attacker may be agile but that didn't mean he was fast; Alfarinn had the many immortal years on him, not to mention stride length.
There was the sound of crashing glass, he looked up to see if more would soon be joining their fight. Instead he saw Simon and Ellis landing in a shower of glass.They began running as soon as they landed and not from each other.
....What the hell?
He saw why as a whole group of gigantic wolves leapt through the opening a few moments later. Wolves on steroids... He gaped a second longer before shaking his head and turning back to find Nova and her assailant.
((OOC: Nova's emotional motivation with permission. Getting grabby on Tai with permission ))
Nova
17 years ago
Nova shoved herself off the ground and half ran, half scrambled across the floor, reaching out and grabbing a large round pillar and using it to swing herself around in a sharp left turn. Her plan was simple – stay moving, stay unpredictable, get the fuck out of this construction. Anyone perceptive enough (and she had to assume her attacker was perceptive) could find her easily if she tried to hide in this construction, but if she could lose herself for just a minute she’d be able to call for Jan.
And all those mercs. They’d probably help too…
She ended up running toward the floor to ceiling windows and was about to make one last turn to the stairs when she heard the explosive sound of shattering glass. Instinctively, her hands flew up to protect her face, but she quickly figured out that the window in front of her was still intact.
And then her creator and Ellis went sailing down, wrapped up in each other’s arms, cutting through the picture perfect view. Her arms sagged and her jaw dropped at the sight that followed, and for a moment she entirely forgot about the case as several…ten, she counted out of habit…wolves dropped down.
“Oh…fucked.”
That little incoherency out of the way, she shook herself back into motion, heading for the stairs. Simon and the wolves (and wouldn’t that make a great band name, her mind inappropriately interjected) had given her an idea, though.
When she reached the stairs, she would go up.
And all those mercs. They’d probably help too…
She ended up running toward the floor to ceiling windows and was about to make one last turn to the stairs when she heard the explosive sound of shattering glass. Instinctively, her hands flew up to protect her face, but she quickly figured out that the window in front of her was still intact.
And then her creator and Ellis went sailing down, wrapped up in each other’s arms, cutting through the picture perfect view. Her arms sagged and her jaw dropped at the sight that followed, and for a moment she entirely forgot about the case as several…ten, she counted out of habit…wolves dropped down.
“Oh…fucked.”
That little incoherency out of the way, she shook herself back into motion, heading for the stairs. Simon and the wolves (and wouldn’t that make a great band name, her mind inappropriately interjected) had given her an idea, though.
When she reached the stairs, she would go up.
Ichiro Taiji
17 years ago
Nova wasn't hard to spot; she'd scrambled across the floor after she'd landed, and the dirt and dust left from the ongoing construction were enough to leave marks in. Nova was just ahead of him, and no doubt her pal with the hair wasn't far behind either. As Tai darted to catch up to Nova, towards an impressive-looking set of windows, he drew to an abrupt halt.
Nova, too, had seemed to momentarily forget what they were involved in... and no wonder. From where Tai stood, it looked like Ellis and Simon had just plunged past the window. He watched with open astonishment, which didn't come anywhere close to fading as, right on the heels of the first event, a pack of wolves ran between himself and Nova.
There was time to blink. Even to look at the floor as if to verify that yes, a pack of enormous wolves just crossed and headed that way.
Footsteps behind him confirmed that he had been followed; the moment of shocked silence ended and as if it had never happened, everyone burst into action again. Tai, stuck between Nova and her buddy, was both persuer and persued as he took off once again for the woman Ellis had ordered him to eliminate.
Nova, too, had seemed to momentarily forget what they were involved in... and no wonder. From where Tai stood, it looked like Ellis and Simon had just plunged past the window. He watched with open astonishment, which didn't come anywhere close to fading as, right on the heels of the first event, a pack of wolves ran between himself and Nova.
There was time to blink. Even to look at the floor as if to verify that yes, a pack of enormous wolves just crossed and headed that way.
Footsteps behind him confirmed that he had been followed; the moment of shocked silence ended and as if it had never happened, everyone burst into action again. Tai, stuck between Nova and her buddy, was both persuer and persued as he took off once again for the woman Ellis had ordered him to eliminate.
Simon Huntington
17 years ago
Simon felt his arm pop out of socket as he landed on Ellis. The wolf had clipped him into a hard spin and it took everything not to bounce his head off the tiled floor when he connected. The sickening pop was soon followed by Simon popping his arm back into the socket as they ran on. A thin sheet of sweat covered him as he fought the urge to throw up.
They were beyond the point of what their blood lust and extreme resilience could handle now, having already lost so much blood from their fight, not to mention the wolves taking even more. They were in both no condition to stand their ground so their only option was to run and pray to god they made it to the sewers where they could lose them; however the sewers were at least a good quarter of a mile away from the east side of the multi story mall. As they turned the corner and approached the east exit they were confronted by another obstacle.
Who puts a skating rink in a mall?
Using his good arm, Simon heaved himself over the barrier and fell to the ice along with Ellis. He could not describe the colorful expletives she was emitting but he could probably add to them. Simon immediately stood but lost his footing and landed back down on one knee painfully. The cold ice bit into his hand as he tried to steady himself. Ellis was managing the ice with her heightened agility, getting across the ice a little faster, so he reached over and grabbed her as he managed to get back on his feet. That's when he heard the clatter of nails on the ice.
Turning back they watched the wolves as they begun to jump the barrier and land on the ice, only they were having just as many problems. The rink was almost Olympic sized, much to Simon's dismay, as they were having to cross its length as its longest point. The sides were blocked off preventing the wolves from rounding it and meeting them at the other end, still the only advantage they had over the wolves was that they had opposable thumbs.
There was a gurgling noise and Simon looked at Ellis as she clenched her stomach. 'What, what is it?' She looked at him with frightened eyes as she sudden turned her head and threw up onto the ice. It was a dark thick substance which he realized was the wolf's blood. She had fed on it yet it did nothing for her and was making her sick. He had seen her do that once before, a long time ago. He broke off his thought as she grabbed him and continued to vomit as the wolves struggled to close the distance.
They were beyond the point of what their blood lust and extreme resilience could handle now, having already lost so much blood from their fight, not to mention the wolves taking even more. They were in both no condition to stand their ground so their only option was to run and pray to god they made it to the sewers where they could lose them; however the sewers were at least a good quarter of a mile away from the east side of the multi story mall. As they turned the corner and approached the east exit they were confronted by another obstacle.
Who puts a skating rink in a mall?
Using his good arm, Simon heaved himself over the barrier and fell to the ice along with Ellis. He could not describe the colorful expletives she was emitting but he could probably add to them. Simon immediately stood but lost his footing and landed back down on one knee painfully. The cold ice bit into his hand as he tried to steady himself. Ellis was managing the ice with her heightened agility, getting across the ice a little faster, so he reached over and grabbed her as he managed to get back on his feet. That's when he heard the clatter of nails on the ice.
Turning back they watched the wolves as they begun to jump the barrier and land on the ice, only they were having just as many problems. The rink was almost Olympic sized, much to Simon's dismay, as they were having to cross its length as its longest point. The sides were blocked off preventing the wolves from rounding it and meeting them at the other end, still the only advantage they had over the wolves was that they had opposable thumbs.
There was a gurgling noise and Simon looked at Ellis as she clenched her stomach. 'What, what is it?' She looked at him with frightened eyes as she sudden turned her head and threw up onto the ice. It was a dark thick substance which he realized was the wolf's blood. She had fed on it yet it did nothing for her and was making her sick. He had seen her do that once before, a long time ago. He broke off his thought as she grabbed him and continued to vomit as the wolves struggled to close the distance.
Ellis Duban
17 years ago
'JESUS...'
As much as she tried, she could not get out the proper amount of curse words to describe the inopportune timing of her vomiting. She immediately recognized the feeling and taste as one she experienced quite some time ago. It half made he laugh to know she had fed on a werewolf once before.
Fuckers.
The blood splattered onto the ice and their shoes were leaving a slimy trail behind them. Once. Twice. Ellis began gasping for air as she finally vomited the last bit of werewolf blood in her, easing the cramping in her stomach. A sickening sheet of sweat covered her body as she shook off the nausea and finished crossing the ridiculously large skating rink.
'Christ,' she shook her head and helped Simon across the ice, 'come on.' Though weakened, her agility did make it easier for her to maneuver across the ice and finally they made it to the opposite side with a reasonable distance put in between them and the wolves. Turning back as they passed through the gate, she held up her hand and flipped the wolves the bird.
Grumbling Simon grabbed her, urging her to hurry up as they ran up to the Christmas decorated flight of stairs leading to the second floor. The plan was to double back and keep heading north.
As much as she tried, she could not get out the proper amount of curse words to describe the inopportune timing of her vomiting. She immediately recognized the feeling and taste as one she experienced quite some time ago. It half made he laugh to know she had fed on a werewolf once before.
Fuckers.
The blood splattered onto the ice and their shoes were leaving a slimy trail behind them. Once. Twice. Ellis began gasping for air as she finally vomited the last bit of werewolf blood in her, easing the cramping in her stomach. A sickening sheet of sweat covered her body as she shook off the nausea and finished crossing the ridiculously large skating rink.
'Christ,' she shook her head and helped Simon across the ice, 'come on.' Though weakened, her agility did make it easier for her to maneuver across the ice and finally they made it to the opposite side with a reasonable distance put in between them and the wolves. Turning back as they passed through the gate, she held up her hand and flipped the wolves the bird.
Grumbling Simon grabbed her, urging her to hurry up as they ran up to the Christmas decorated flight of stairs leading to the second floor. The plan was to double back and keep heading north.
Simon Huntington
17 years ago
In the few minutes they had been sprinting across the mall, they finally managed to get the attention of several security guards and patrons who were watching two very haggard looking individuals running from a pack of wolves. Their wake left screams of terror and guards yelling at them to stop. After grabbing Ellis and pulling her up the stairs, the crowd on the steps parted for them as they pushed through.
Again more screams as people realized what they were running from. The guards following now the group of wolves were yelling into the radios for the police, the fire station and animal control. The mayhem they were causing was not lost on Simon and apparently not lost on Ellis who was now laughing uproariously as she recovered from her vomiting.
His mind ached as he opened up his perception to feel what they were possibly running toward. Fluttering heart beats ahead of them, no doubt wondering what the commotion was and a raged set of breathing behind them from both the wolves and the guards. Looking over the side as they ran back above where they had passed, catching in the corner of his eye was a wolf climbing over the ledge of the stairs and leaping at them, bypassing the mess of plants and columns.
Simon let go of Ellis' hand and reached down to pick up a wooden bench, heaving it back towards the wolf, knocking it back down to the skating rink below. Three down, nine more to go, he thought as they rounded the corner and continued north.
They were running no way near their optimal speed, in fact they were only managing a normal gait for a man and a woman. Simon felt the drain on him from the blood he lost and was still losing. Ellis managed to stay with him as they jumped over benches and pushed through the crowd till finally they reached the turn to the stairs leading down to the northern entryway. The wolves had now made it off the ice and were tearing down the second floor walkway, knocking people off their feet.
'GO!' Simon yelled to Ellis, ignoring the turn to the stairs. 'GO, GO GO GO!' Once again they jumped the barrier and bypassed the stairs, landing on the main floor below with a loud crunch. The floor below them buckled and left a crater as they continued towards the doors out to the fairway leading to the bridge overpass and sewer tunnels.
Again more screams as people realized what they were running from. The guards following now the group of wolves were yelling into the radios for the police, the fire station and animal control. The mayhem they were causing was not lost on Simon and apparently not lost on Ellis who was now laughing uproariously as she recovered from her vomiting.
His mind ached as he opened up his perception to feel what they were possibly running toward. Fluttering heart beats ahead of them, no doubt wondering what the commotion was and a raged set of breathing behind them from both the wolves and the guards. Looking over the side as they ran back above where they had passed, catching in the corner of his eye was a wolf climbing over the ledge of the stairs and leaping at them, bypassing the mess of plants and columns.
Simon let go of Ellis' hand and reached down to pick up a wooden bench, heaving it back towards the wolf, knocking it back down to the skating rink below. Three down, nine more to go, he thought as they rounded the corner and continued north.
They were running no way near their optimal speed, in fact they were only managing a normal gait for a man and a woman. Simon felt the drain on him from the blood he lost and was still losing. Ellis managed to stay with him as they jumped over benches and pushed through the crowd till finally they reached the turn to the stairs leading down to the northern entryway. The wolves had now made it off the ice and were tearing down the second floor walkway, knocking people off their feet.
'GO!' Simon yelled to Ellis, ignoring the turn to the stairs. 'GO, GO GO GO!' Once again they jumped the barrier and bypassed the stairs, landing on the main floor below with a loud crunch. The floor below them buckled and left a crater as they continued towards the doors out to the fairway leading to the bridge overpass and sewer tunnels.
Ellis Duban
17 years ago
She was enjoying this entirely too much. Despite the disgusting taste of werewolf blood and the subsequent torture of throwing it up, Ellis was having the time of her life. With the Christmas music blaring into the mall, Simon at her side and trouble bringing up the rear, Ellis began to laugh happily at their situation.
Without hesitating, they both jumped over the side of the landing and fell to the ground below. The landing wasn't exactly graceful, but the looks they received for suddenly appearing out of thin air was priceless. As they ran towards the glass doors, Simon pushed the door open for her, ever the gentleman, and they ran out into the night.
Huffing and puffing, Ellis slowed down, pulling on Simon's arm a little. 'That'll hold them, right? No opposable thumbs...those door handles will take them a minute, right?'
Simon slowed just ahead of her and looked back. He had begun to open his mouth when the shattering of glass stopped him. Once again he ran up to Ellis and pulled her with him across the lawn.
'WHAT?' Ellis yelled as she ran, looking over her shoulder. 'WAIT A MINUTE, THAT AIN'T RIGHT!'
Without hesitating, they both jumped over the side of the landing and fell to the ground below. The landing wasn't exactly graceful, but the looks they received for suddenly appearing out of thin air was priceless. As they ran towards the glass doors, Simon pushed the door open for her, ever the gentleman, and they ran out into the night.
Huffing and puffing, Ellis slowed down, pulling on Simon's arm a little. 'That'll hold them, right? No opposable thumbs...those door handles will take them a minute, right?'
Simon slowed just ahead of her and looked back. He had begun to open his mouth when the shattering of glass stopped him. Once again he ran up to Ellis and pulled her with him across the lawn.
'WHAT?' Ellis yelled as she ran, looking over her shoulder. 'WAIT A MINUTE, THAT AIN'T RIGHT!'
The Pipers
17 years ago
LT and his Pipers were pushing full force as they tore after the male and female vampires. The male had managed to take down another of them as he watched a wooden bench fly over the side of the second floor landing. The ice had slowed them down and now the guards fast on their heels, the Pipers were furiously trying to regain ground as Huntington and his woman made it to the end of the second floor and jumped over.
His jaws snapped at the people crowding to see what was going on, trying to force them back and out of their way, but the attention would not go unnoticed, either by the city or by the Beta and their Commander. If they failed after all the attention, it would be dire.
As some ran down the steps, LT jumped down to the main floor, sliding on the tiles but still leading the pack. They looked at the doors for a moment before breaking through them without flinching. There they were, standing stupidly waiting for them. LT's hackles tingled as they sprinted at full speed across the fairway towards them.
His jaws snapped at the people crowding to see what was going on, trying to force them back and out of their way, but the attention would not go unnoticed, either by the city or by the Beta and their Commander. If they failed after all the attention, it would be dire.
As some ran down the steps, LT jumped down to the main floor, sliding on the tiles but still leading the pack. They looked at the doors for a moment before breaking through them without flinching. There they were, standing stupidly waiting for them. LT's hackles tingled as they sprinted at full speed across the fairway towards them.
Simon Huntington
17 years ago
The bridge overpass was nestled downhill from the Mall itself and the grass sloped down at an extreme angle causing them to slip on the wet grass down to the sewer run off. They had at least made it to the sewers, but they were not safe yet. The wolves were still following and Simon wagered would not stop until they were dead.
The sewer entrance was just big enough to crawl through but as they both passed into the tunnels, it opened up big enough to drive a car through the maze. The design of the sewer system was much different than the rest of the city, with the Mall and general area being on a hill, it produced more of a run off and with the recent weather, had filled the tunnels up to shin high. The water was cold but refreshing as they ran through towards the main interchange or what they hoped was the main interchange. None of the area was familiar and travelling by sewer had tapered off along with their hunts.
They both turned at the sound of water splashing behind them and they continued to run deeper and deeper into the sewer system till it forked off into two smaller tunnels. Choosing right, Simon and Ellis ran in the darkness as their footfalls echoed in front of them and more echoed behind them. Simon turned around to look when suddenly Ellis grabbed him.
He had nearly stepped off into the large main interchange of sewer tunnels. The tunnels continued on the other side, but with their limited abilities, it wasn't a jump they could make but would have to climb down and then back up.
'Ready?' Ellis asked him as she jumped down to the bottom. Simon waited a moment before plunging into the cold water, not knowing how deep it was.
His six foot five frame fell to the bottom of what felt like a fifteen foot deep containment center. Swimming back up, he saw Ellis already trying to climb up. Reaching up his hand slipped on the slimy mold that lined the walls. Ellis and her agility made the walls maneuverable but for Simon he began his slow struggle up to the connecting tunnels just as he heard the wolves splash down behind him.
The sewer entrance was just big enough to crawl through but as they both passed into the tunnels, it opened up big enough to drive a car through the maze. The design of the sewer system was much different than the rest of the city, with the Mall and general area being on a hill, it produced more of a run off and with the recent weather, had filled the tunnels up to shin high. The water was cold but refreshing as they ran through towards the main interchange or what they hoped was the main interchange. None of the area was familiar and travelling by sewer had tapered off along with their hunts.
They both turned at the sound of water splashing behind them and they continued to run deeper and deeper into the sewer system till it forked off into two smaller tunnels. Choosing right, Simon and Ellis ran in the darkness as their footfalls echoed in front of them and more echoed behind them. Simon turned around to look when suddenly Ellis grabbed him.
He had nearly stepped off into the large main interchange of sewer tunnels. The tunnels continued on the other side, but with their limited abilities, it wasn't a jump they could make but would have to climb down and then back up.
'Ready?' Ellis asked him as she jumped down to the bottom. Simon waited a moment before plunging into the cold water, not knowing how deep it was.
His six foot five frame fell to the bottom of what felt like a fifteen foot deep containment center. Swimming back up, he saw Ellis already trying to climb up. Reaching up his hand slipped on the slimy mold that lined the walls. Ellis and her agility made the walls maneuverable but for Simon he began his slow struggle up to the connecting tunnels just as he heard the wolves splash down behind him.
Ellis Duban
17 years ago
The wolves had found them and were splashing down into the containment area, just below Simon. He barely managed to get out of range of their jaws as he climbed his way slowly up the wall. Reaching the tunnel was no easy feet, but her abilities made it a little easier for her. Pulling herself up into the tunnel, she shivered against the cold. It had soaked her clothes and felt like icicles were stabbing her skin as the cold enveloped her.
The barking had started now as they wolves tried to climb the side after Simon. It echoed loudly, making her cover her ears and yell out. 'SHUT UP!!!!!'
She walked down the tunnel a bit and found the opening to a more recognizable part of the sewers. Doubling back she walked back to the edge and saw something profound and irresistible. Kneeling down she lowered herself to the edge of the opening and watched Simon struggle to pull himself into the tunnel. The slime was thick here from the spill off and he was unable to get a strong enough grip to pull himself up. In fact, he was on the verge of slipping back down.
Looking past him Ellis saw the dogs, jaws open and eyes full of hate. They had hurt 3 of their pack and to say that they were angry was an understatement. They would tear to shreds anything that came within snapping distance of those steel jaws. Ellis settled herself on one knee and looked at Simon who, by the look on his face, realized just what Ellis was thinking.
Simon hung precariously on the edge, his fingers turning white from the strain of holding himself up. Ellis tipped her head to the side and gave him the softest of smiles. Speaking just above a whisper, she knew that Simon could hear her next words, even above the frantic barking of the wolves below him.
'Boy, this is ironic, isn't it?'
The barking had started now as they wolves tried to climb the side after Simon. It echoed loudly, making her cover her ears and yell out. 'SHUT UP!!!!!'
She walked down the tunnel a bit and found the opening to a more recognizable part of the sewers. Doubling back she walked back to the edge and saw something profound and irresistible. Kneeling down she lowered herself to the edge of the opening and watched Simon struggle to pull himself into the tunnel. The slime was thick here from the spill off and he was unable to get a strong enough grip to pull himself up. In fact, he was on the verge of slipping back down.
Looking past him Ellis saw the dogs, jaws open and eyes full of hate. They had hurt 3 of their pack and to say that they were angry was an understatement. They would tear to shreds anything that came within snapping distance of those steel jaws. Ellis settled herself on one knee and looked at Simon who, by the look on his face, realized just what Ellis was thinking.
Simon hung precariously on the edge, his fingers turning white from the strain of holding himself up. Ellis tipped her head to the side and gave him the softest of smiles. Speaking just above a whisper, she knew that Simon could hear her next words, even above the frantic barking of the wolves below him.
'Boy, this is ironic, isn't it?'
Simon Huntington
17 years ago
The surface became increasingly difficult to grab hold of as he pulled himself up to the tunnel. It was just high enough to be too difficult for the dogs, but he knew it wouldn't be the fall that killed him if he fell. His body was beginning to give out now, the strain of his fight with Ellis, then with the wolves, pushing him and her through the mall on pained legs - he was at the end of whatever extra push his blood lust had given him. He was tired. So tired. Part of him wanted to let go knowing his death would be quick, but he did not relish the idea of being torn apart, but he stole a quick look over his shoulder anyway to remind himself that down was not the way to go.
Looking back at the tunnel sat Ellis. Suddenly the cold stark realization that he was now stuck between an ironic role reversal or as Carol would say, 'quite a pickle'. He saw the look on Ellis face and he knew that she saw the realization on his.
She wasn't going to help him.
Was it ironic? Or was it inevitable? Or maybe even deserved. As Simon hung onto the edge of the tunnel, his arms and hands slipping on the slime, he watched Ellis consider her options which weren't many. This was it. This is what she had come back from the dead to do. To see her first child, the love of her life and to kill him unmercifully for his betrayal.
Simon watched Ellis rise to her feet and take a step back away from him. He felt his stomach clench and his eyes sting with pain and regret. Would he be angry for what she was doing? No, how could he be? He killed her first, it was only fair that she get to kill him back.
She lifted her hand, gave him the sweetest smile with a short salute, and with that, she took another step back, blending into the tunnel disappearing into the darkness.
Simon took a deep breath and tried again in vain to pull himself up and out. The barking was beyond frantic now - they knew he was alone with no one to help him. They were running in circles, jumping up against the wall, snapping their jaws at him. Their blood lust was peaked and Simon was drained. The pain in his arms throbbed in his head, blocking out everything around him. The realization of his death, his betrayal, of seeing Ellis again and even enjoying his short time with her.
He closed his eyes and tried to remember the day he walked her down to the lake at her property so many years ago. How the wind blew her hair into her eyes. The way she smiled up at him and asked questions about his life and his world. How soft her skin felt and the sweetness of her kiss. All before things changed and he let her go when he promised he never would.
Opening his eyes again, Simon tried once more to pull up but the strength was gone in his hands and he slipped back down into the tunnel.
Suddenly his head snapped back and he felt pressure around his wrist. His first look as the snarling wolves below, his next was up towards the thing saving him from certain death.
That thing was Ellis Duban.
Looking back at the tunnel sat Ellis. Suddenly the cold stark realization that he was now stuck between an ironic role reversal or as Carol would say, 'quite a pickle'. He saw the look on Ellis face and he knew that she saw the realization on his.
She wasn't going to help him.
Was it ironic? Or was it inevitable? Or maybe even deserved. As Simon hung onto the edge of the tunnel, his arms and hands slipping on the slime, he watched Ellis consider her options which weren't many. This was it. This is what she had come back from the dead to do. To see her first child, the love of her life and to kill him unmercifully for his betrayal.
Simon watched Ellis rise to her feet and take a step back away from him. He felt his stomach clench and his eyes sting with pain and regret. Would he be angry for what she was doing? No, how could he be? He killed her first, it was only fair that she get to kill him back.
She lifted her hand, gave him the sweetest smile with a short salute, and with that, she took another step back, blending into the tunnel disappearing into the darkness.
Simon took a deep breath and tried again in vain to pull himself up and out. The barking was beyond frantic now - they knew he was alone with no one to help him. They were running in circles, jumping up against the wall, snapping their jaws at him. Their blood lust was peaked and Simon was drained. The pain in his arms throbbed in his head, blocking out everything around him. The realization of his death, his betrayal, of seeing Ellis again and even enjoying his short time with her.
He closed his eyes and tried to remember the day he walked her down to the lake at her property so many years ago. How the wind blew her hair into her eyes. The way she smiled up at him and asked questions about his life and his world. How soft her skin felt and the sweetness of her kiss. All before things changed and he let her go when he promised he never would.
Opening his eyes again, Simon tried once more to pull up but the strength was gone in his hands and he slipped back down into the tunnel.
Suddenly his head snapped back and he felt pressure around his wrist. His first look as the snarling wolves below, his next was up towards the thing saving him from certain death.
That thing was Ellis Duban.
Ellis Duban
17 years ago
She left him there, dangling above the jaws of his certain death...and she was OK with it. Well she thought she was. Wait. No, she was. Pretty much.
Ellis blended into the tunnel and turned towards the recognizable way out. It was ironic to find them both in the position they were in. He had always saved her and did it with unflinching loyalty or so she thought. She really had no idea how long Simon considered killing her, but part of her hoped it wasn't that long. She didn't notice the change in him until Marthinus had almost died. Maybe that was it, but it wasn't as if he hadn't watched another dozen or so of his kin die. Nothing was different about Marthinus impending death. Maybe it was Carol, Ellis wondered as she walked slowly away from Simon.
She could not pin point the exact time he wanted her dead, she only remembered when her love meant everything to him. The promises he made that he broke in the end. But she wondered, maybe even knew, that she had brought on her own 'death'. Ellis stopped and looked back at Simon. There wasn't much that she received that she didn't think she earned in some fashion - why would this be any different?
But he let her die. He wanted her...to die. She watched him mouth those precious words she took for granted and nothing hurt more than seeing him tell her he loved her and realizing that it was 1, past tense and 2, his last words to her. It had enraged her. In the end Simon had chosen, the greater value of the whole than the one. In the end he chose the clan over her and despite this, she still found herself leaping back towards him as she watched his hands slip.
Landing flat on her stomach she reached out and grabbed his hand as he fell. It took everything not to fall with him and not have her arm ripped out of her socket. She released her blending and looked him dead in the eye. With a sizable grunt, much to the wolves dismay, Ellis pulled Simon back up into the tunnel.
They were both short of breath now, their breaths visible in the cold air of the tunnel. Shivering they looked at each other. Her on one knee and Simon sitting with his arms on his propped up knees. She watched him breath slowly, trying to regain his composure and probably trying to figure out just what the hell had happened. Hell, she was trying to figure that out.
Ellis looked at the only man she ever loved and the only man to ever kill her. His wet hair was sticking every which way, fresh blood had seeped through the near closed cuts on his hands and face. Closing her mouth she sighed heavily and swallowed. What had she done? Had she just sealed her fate or maybe healed one? Is this what she wanted, him alive? His dark hazel eyes glared at her now from his seat on the tunnel. The sound of sirens nearby pierced the incessant barking of the wolves. It sounded like the entire city police was surrounding the Mall and they heard the patter of feet as the wolves made haste away into the night. They'd have ole one eye to answer to, Ellis figured.
Ellis balled up a fist and gave Simon a final look. She quietly again spoke of irony.
'I didn't let go.'
Standing slowly Ellis looked away from his face and turned to leave when she felt him grab her arm, stopping her. Again she looked back into his face, into those brooding hazel eyes as he held her there. Her heart broke into a thousand pieces as she realized just how lost and alone she'd be without him in her world, for better or worse...granted she'd never tell him that.
She looked down at his right hand that had the firm grip on her arm and then flicked her eyes back up at him defiantly. He did a curious thing next, something that made her stomach clinch and reignited feelings she thought were long gone for him. In a slow and painfully erotic move, Simon brought his wounded left hand up to his mouth. He caressed his wound with his tongue, bringing his lips down on top of it and sucking the fresh blood that was on the webbing of his thumb and index finger.
Ellis felt her chest tighten and then his hand was gone from her arm. He was letting her walk away but she knew it was just for now. Whatever happened next would be a mystery to her and with that, she turned away from him and blended back into the night.
Ellis blended into the tunnel and turned towards the recognizable way out. It was ironic to find them both in the position they were in. He had always saved her and did it with unflinching loyalty or so she thought. She really had no idea how long Simon considered killing her, but part of her hoped it wasn't that long. She didn't notice the change in him until Marthinus had almost died. Maybe that was it, but it wasn't as if he hadn't watched another dozen or so of his kin die. Nothing was different about Marthinus impending death. Maybe it was Carol, Ellis wondered as she walked slowly away from Simon.
She could not pin point the exact time he wanted her dead, she only remembered when her love meant everything to him. The promises he made that he broke in the end. But she wondered, maybe even knew, that she had brought on her own 'death'. Ellis stopped and looked back at Simon. There wasn't much that she received that she didn't think she earned in some fashion - why would this be any different?
But he let her die. He wanted her...to die. She watched him mouth those precious words she took for granted and nothing hurt more than seeing him tell her he loved her and realizing that it was 1, past tense and 2, his last words to her. It had enraged her. In the end Simon had chosen, the greater value of the whole than the one. In the end he chose the clan over her and despite this, she still found herself leaping back towards him as she watched his hands slip.
Landing flat on her stomach she reached out and grabbed his hand as he fell. It took everything not to fall with him and not have her arm ripped out of her socket. She released her blending and looked him dead in the eye. With a sizable grunt, much to the wolves dismay, Ellis pulled Simon back up into the tunnel.
They were both short of breath now, their breaths visible in the cold air of the tunnel. Shivering they looked at each other. Her on one knee and Simon sitting with his arms on his propped up knees. She watched him breath slowly, trying to regain his composure and probably trying to figure out just what the hell had happened. Hell, she was trying to figure that out.
Ellis looked at the only man she ever loved and the only man to ever kill her. His wet hair was sticking every which way, fresh blood had seeped through the near closed cuts on his hands and face. Closing her mouth she sighed heavily and swallowed. What had she done? Had she just sealed her fate or maybe healed one? Is this what she wanted, him alive? His dark hazel eyes glared at her now from his seat on the tunnel. The sound of sirens nearby pierced the incessant barking of the wolves. It sounded like the entire city police was surrounding the Mall and they heard the patter of feet as the wolves made haste away into the night. They'd have ole one eye to answer to, Ellis figured.
Ellis balled up a fist and gave Simon a final look. She quietly again spoke of irony.
'I didn't let go.'
Standing slowly Ellis looked away from his face and turned to leave when she felt him grab her arm, stopping her. Again she looked back into his face, into those brooding hazel eyes as he held her there. Her heart broke into a thousand pieces as she realized just how lost and alone she'd be without him in her world, for better or worse...granted she'd never tell him that.
She looked down at his right hand that had the firm grip on her arm and then flicked her eyes back up at him defiantly. He did a curious thing next, something that made her stomach clinch and reignited feelings she thought were long gone for him. In a slow and painfully erotic move, Simon brought his wounded left hand up to his mouth. He caressed his wound with his tongue, bringing his lips down on top of it and sucking the fresh blood that was on the webbing of his thumb and index finger.
Ellis felt her chest tighten and then his hand was gone from her arm. He was letting her walk away but she knew it was just for now. Whatever happened next would be a mystery to her and with that, she turned away from him and blended back into the night.
Simon Huntington
17 years ago
Simon felt his stomach tighten at her words. No, she didn't let go. Why she didn't let go is what confused him. She had wanted him dead a thousand times over and had planned on doing it that night. He had never seen such ferocity from her, especially directed at him.
He stopped her as she turned to leave. He wasn't sure why, but at that moment he didn't want her to leave and what he did next would perplex him to the end of his days. Sucking the blood from his hand in an overt and erotic manner only fueled what he thought he was feeling. Despite everything, she was the one woman he had wanted the most in his lifetime. His heart ached for Carol and he loved her dearly but not like how he loved Ellis. Past or present tense, he wasn't sure anymore. She could've let him die but she didn't. Maybe she wanted to do it herself later or maybe...
Simon let go of her arm and his heart broke as she looked at him with those green eyes. He resisted the urge to brush the fallen hair that covered her face. No, now wasn't the time and he wasn't sure if there'd ever be a time. All he knew was that the woman he tried to kill a year ago just saved his life.
She disappeared into the night as the sirens grew louder. Simon reached up and touched the inside pockets of his jacket in search of his phone. He pulled the waterlogged cellphone out of his jacket and he sighed. He hoped Nova got out alright with Alfarinn. It wasn't likely that Ellis' new boy toy could take Alfarinn, with or without ancient blood coursing in his veins. Tossing his cell phone back down into the containment area, Simon followed Ellis' path back out to the night.
He stopped her as she turned to leave. He wasn't sure why, but at that moment he didn't want her to leave and what he did next would perplex him to the end of his days. Sucking the blood from his hand in an overt and erotic manner only fueled what he thought he was feeling. Despite everything, she was the one woman he had wanted the most in his lifetime. His heart ached for Carol and he loved her dearly but not like how he loved Ellis. Past or present tense, he wasn't sure anymore. She could've let him die but she didn't. Maybe she wanted to do it herself later or maybe...
Simon let go of her arm and his heart broke as she looked at him with those green eyes. He resisted the urge to brush the fallen hair that covered her face. No, now wasn't the time and he wasn't sure if there'd ever be a time. All he knew was that the woman he tried to kill a year ago just saved his life.
She disappeared into the night as the sirens grew louder. Simon reached up and touched the inside pockets of his jacket in search of his phone. He pulled the waterlogged cellphone out of his jacket and he sighed. He hoped Nova got out alright with Alfarinn. It wasn't likely that Ellis' new boy toy could take Alfarinn, with or without ancient blood coursing in his veins. Tossing his cell phone back down into the containment area, Simon followed Ellis' path back out to the night.
Ellis Duban
17 years ago
Ellis blended back up the hill from the sewer exit and found herself down away from the mall property. The blue and red lights flashed along with the loud wail of sirens as she patted her jacket down for her smokes. Pulling out her pack, she sadly shook out a waterlogged cigarette and made a face. Throwing the pack on the ground, she stood on the corner watching the police cars blaze by.
She sighed as she watched the ruckus, the flurry of bull horns and yelling made her smile a little but her mind strayed to Simon yet again. Ellis rolled her shoulders with a disappointed sigh. She didn't want to think about him right then and debated whether to find Tai. He hopefully had the foresight to run once he realized Alfarinn was an ancient. Even with ancient blood in him, the Evenhet was much older than Ellis and there was no way she could take him herself, much less a brand new child. If good ole Alfie killed him, eh she could always make another but she wasn't altogether sure she wanted to...maybe Tai had been a mistake, born of regret and revenge.
More police cars raced up towards the mall, the sirens garbled within her blended space. Evenhet, she thought to herself. Those pristine glass towers were an eyesore to Ellis from her perch near the slaughterhouse district of the city. A testament to the resilience of the vampire nation that had always ignored her. She needed something to distract her from her dilemma with Simon and as she turned towards the downtown district, she could see the brightly lit towers looming over the city. There was unfinished business there with one of Alfarinn's clan.
That final thought put a spring back into her step as she returned to her hidden hole underneath the Opera house.
((Ellis out))
She sighed as she watched the ruckus, the flurry of bull horns and yelling made her smile a little but her mind strayed to Simon yet again. Ellis rolled her shoulders with a disappointed sigh. She didn't want to think about him right then and debated whether to find Tai. He hopefully had the foresight to run once he realized Alfarinn was an ancient. Even with ancient blood in him, the Evenhet was much older than Ellis and there was no way she could take him herself, much less a brand new child. If good ole Alfie killed him, eh she could always make another but she wasn't altogether sure she wanted to...maybe Tai had been a mistake, born of regret and revenge.
More police cars raced up towards the mall, the sirens garbled within her blended space. Evenhet, she thought to herself. Those pristine glass towers were an eyesore to Ellis from her perch near the slaughterhouse district of the city. A testament to the resilience of the vampire nation that had always ignored her. She needed something to distract her from her dilemma with Simon and as she turned towards the downtown district, she could see the brightly lit towers looming over the city. There was unfinished business there with one of Alfarinn's clan.
That final thought put a spring back into her step as she returned to her hidden hole underneath the Opera house.
((Ellis out))
The Pipers
17 years ago
LT and his small group of Pipers ran quietly into the woods near the Mall property. They had failed and he shook slightly, his hackles rising at the thought of what this meant.
Pipers did not fail.
Huntington and the woman had made it successfully into the sewers and beyond their reach, this held little consolation for LT and his men. They would return to the Den to speak to the Commander and suffer the Beta's disappointment and this only fueled their inherited hate for the woman.
((Pipers out))
Pipers did not fail.
Huntington and the woman had made it successfully into the sewers and beyond their reach, this held little consolation for LT and his men. They would return to the Den to speak to the Commander and suffer the Beta's disappointment and this only fueled their inherited hate for the woman.
((Pipers out))
Alfarinn
17 years ago
It would seem that he was not the only one brought up short by the sight crashing through the window. Alfarinn pushed himself to get that extra bit of speed out of his long legs. He reached out and grabbed Nova's attacker by the back of the shirt and slung him around.
It was then that he heard Thaddeus in his mind.
[What?]
Blinking a little in confusion, Alfarinn grabbed onto the man's arm lest the shirt give way and his captive get loose. Let down his defenses...that's what Thaddeus had said. He smiled; his partner was worried about him.
[Of course.]
Realizing that he was grinning like a fool at a perfect stranger who had recently shot a pistol in his general direction, Alfarinn eased his expression into neutrality and gave the Asian a solid punch in the face.
[I'm fine.]
He took a moment to look in the direction Nova ran and hoped she was getting far enough away despite her injuries. The ankle was probably completely healed by now.
[You're right though I'll leave them down.]
((OOC: Response to Thaddeus from "Coffee Break" in Residence))
It was then that he heard Thaddeus in his mind.
[What?]
Blinking a little in confusion, Alfarinn grabbed onto the man's arm lest the shirt give way and his captive get loose. Let down his defenses...that's what Thaddeus had said. He smiled; his partner was worried about him.
[Of course.]
Realizing that he was grinning like a fool at a perfect stranger who had recently shot a pistol in his general direction, Alfarinn eased his expression into neutrality and gave the Asian a solid punch in the face.
[I'm fine.]
He took a moment to look in the direction Nova ran and hoped she was getting far enough away despite her injuries. The ankle was probably completely healed by now.
[You're right though I'll leave them down.]
((OOC: Response to Thaddeus from "Coffee Break" in Residence))
Ichiro Taiji
17 years ago
Tai growled softly as the long-haired stranger grabbed the back of his shirt. As he swung around, he shrugged his shoulder, feeling the seam of his shirt tear and exposing the vibrant tattoos beneath. There was a moment to catch a glimpse of a grin on the pale man's face, and then there was a punch that wrenched his head back on his neck.
Snakelike, Tai twisted and pulled away now, frustrated at being deterred in his objective. It would seem he had to take care of this stranger first before he could finish his job. The punch had been surprising, but it hadn't caused him any lasting injury. Still, he moved about his attacker with newfound caution. The man was very strong.
Testing the waters there, Tai launched a flurry of quick jabs and punches, expecting some to land and some not to, gauging which did and didn't. It was in his best interest to finish this quickly, find Nova, and get lost before the fact that a pack of wolves was tearing through Nachton led people here.
Snakelike, Tai twisted and pulled away now, frustrated at being deterred in his objective. It would seem he had to take care of this stranger first before he could finish his job. The punch had been surprising, but it hadn't caused him any lasting injury. Still, he moved about his attacker with newfound caution. The man was very strong.
Testing the waters there, Tai launched a flurry of quick jabs and punches, expecting some to land and some not to, gauging which did and didn't. It was in his best interest to finish this quickly, find Nova, and get lost before the fact that a pack of wolves was tearing through Nachton led people here.
Nova
17 years ago
At first the fact that she was no longer being followed didn’t register with Nova, such was her rush to get to the top of the stairs without tripping and falling directly into her enemy’s hands. For once, she managed not to stumble when she most needed grace – a small miracle, she thought, for a faithless heathen.
She was tuned into her surroundings enough to realize, without looking over her shoulder, that there was no one behind her, but the significance of that only hit her just before she jumped out of the broken window. In fact, she had to grab onto the ragged glass to stop herself, putting fresh wounds into her already injured hand.
Fuck. She couldn’t leave Arin behind, but Simon was in danger ahead and she was caught in the middle. She had a little lead now, but she doubted it would last long enough to call for help. Damn it, she had meant for the assassin to stay on –her- so Arin could get away!
She didn’t have long to make a decision, and once made she had to go all out with it – there was no middle ground here. There was nothing she could do for Simon, not now.
Backing up, she got a running start before jumping out the broken window.
She was tuned into her surroundings enough to realize, without looking over her shoulder, that there was no one behind her, but the significance of that only hit her just before she jumped out of the broken window. In fact, she had to grab onto the ragged glass to stop herself, putting fresh wounds into her already injured hand.
Fuck. She couldn’t leave Arin behind, but Simon was in danger ahead and she was caught in the middle. She had a little lead now, but she doubted it would last long enough to call for help. Damn it, she had meant for the assassin to stay on –her- so Arin could get away!
She didn’t have long to make a decision, and once made she had to go all out with it – there was no middle ground here. There was nothing she could do for Simon, not now.
Backing up, she got a running start before jumping out the broken window.