Date Night
"Tonight's the night.â€
Jarrod said cheerfully as he strolled into their shared living space. Alfred had bought up an abandon housing development way out in the suburbs of Nachton; so far out in the suburbs it was almost the boondocks if not the country. Blaise was told people in the real estate business called this a zombie lot. He found that rather appropriate. Other than the three model homes, including the one they lived in, there were only half finished walls, plumbing and electrical roughs, cement slab foundations and the occasional roughed in basement. It attracted the occasional group of slacker punk kids looking to do some damage, but they had their uses. The fact that some of them hadn't come back from these late night jaunts had started the rumor the place was haunted. That tickled Cecile.
She might be Alfred's but he was having her stay here with he and Jarrod. He enjoyed that. It was living with Jarrod that was a pain in the ass. He was playing cock of the walk to the hilt, coming on to Cecile (even though there was no way that was going to happen as long as she was Alfred's familiar), bossing them both around, and delighting in keeping him 'in his place'.
He'd been getting ready for a date with Pakpao, although date was a relative term as he still hadn't gotten any action, when Jarrod breezed in. The fact that the older vampire was practically giddy immediately but Blaise on edge.
"You finally get a date Jare? Some one you don't have to bite first?â€
Blaise taunted him, even money on whether or not Jarrod would clock him one for that. Blaise, however, couldn't resist. A cloud passed over the older vampire's face, it was obvious he was thinking about it, but so far luck was with him tonight he just scowled.
"Considering you can't even get a bite.... but no that's not it. We're going to get even with Hoang tonight.â€
Blaise froze. That meant that he was finally going to get some action with Pakpao but not the kind he wanted. No wonder Jarrod was so damned chipper though. He loved this kind of thing, no doubt it was why Alfred kept him around, ever self important evil genius had to have a henchman who was a little prone to violence.
It took some effort but Blaise kept his voice dead when responding.
"Still would have though you'd want the job.â€
"Oh I do boy, I do. But Alfie says this one is all you. He said he said we could even have some extra fun with her. I'm in such a good mood about this I'll even let you go first.â€
It was hard not to gag at the very idea of Jarrod touching Pakpao, even shaking her hand but to consider him... it made Blaise sick. He didn't even acknowledge the comment.
"Why tonight? We've waited for ages.â€
"I hope that is you being anxious.†Jarrod quipped still in high spirits. "But it's Hoang. He's not being cowed by Alfie's threats any more. That or he's guessed it is Alfie behind them. He's started tying up and locking down assets. It is getting difficult for us to conduct business.â€
That would get Alfred's attention. The man was possessed. He was determined to start this stupid biology project up again. Blaise was increasingly of the opinion that Alfred wasn't right in the head, old age had finally caught up with him, but he didn't say anything, he knew better.
"Good. I was starting to doubt our fearless leader had any balls left aft that last fiasco.â€
OK, almost better. That got him clocked. Hard. Blaise felt his head snap back and blood start running from a cut along his eye.
"You're going to have to change that shirt mate. We don't want to tip of our bit of Asian ass something is wrong.â€
Jarrod purred before strolling off. Blaise sighed and took a second to stop the bleeding. He'd have to change and feed before meeting Pakpao now. He wanted to ensure the cut would heal so he didn't have to explain it. Although he suspected if he left it, she wouldn't even remember the cut by the end of the night.
And then she suddenly woke up, at least that was how it seemed to him.
"Christ.â€
It was all he could do to stay out of the way of her assault, but those attempt just let Jarrod catch him off guard and snatch him.
Great, this again. This time though, Blaise kept his wits about him enough that he, even with a knife to his throat, he managed to pick Jarrod's pocket. He found the key to the door. It wasn't going to do anyone much good clutched in his palm, but he had it, if he could just get away from Jarrod he could use it.
Bugger. If she could take a knife for him he could get a little dirty for her. Blaise smashed his head into Jarrod's face and felt blood , probably from Jarrod's nose, run down the back of his neck. But it gave him just a second to pull away and dart to the door. Jarrod hesitated, torn between going after Pakpao or going after him. That hesitation let him unlock the door, that was it though, he couldn't even open it as Jarrod grabbed his collar, choking him and Pakpao started throwing things again. All he heard was their 'hostage' screaming, "Kem!†before Jarrod threw him across the room and the world went black for a second or three.
Finally, -finally- people started to move. Kem was far in front but Bao didn't hesitate to follow. Mara went upstairs for the woman, and for a moment Bao hesitated feeling that he should follow his older sister and keep her safe but the idea that Pakpao was his responsibility and in this situation because of him simply wouldn't be shaken. He followed the white haired Egyptian down the stairs. He didn't even acknowledge the insult that had been leveled. Bao would -not- get in the way. Amir had taught him well, Bao could hold his own quite well. Toe to toe with this elder Kem would know he'd been in a fight, but as they both had Pakpao's well being at heart it didn't seem worth acknowledging.
The basement was a labyrinth. If it hadn't been for Jin they might never have found her. Just as they reached to bottom of the stairs he heard Pakpao scream. It broke Bao's heart that she was calling for Kem rather for him. Normally he could look at that logically, he could rationalize it, but in that moment with pain and desperation so raw in her voice Bao was unable to think clearly. All he wanted was to get to her.
He sprinted, along with the Evenhet elder toward her voice. The door was obviously reinforced, and as it was probably locked he didn't even attempt to open it. He simply kicked the weakest part of the frame as hard as possible. It must have been unlocked or it never would have opened so easily. When it flew wide open, something Bao hadn't been expecting, he stumbled into the room. Pakpao was easy enough to find it was the two others. He couldn't locate.
[Yes, I will head back downstairs.] There was only the one vampire uninjured downstairs. There really was no reason to wait for backup, unless something crucial was missed. They could sweep the place and the surroundings after Pak was safe.
Apparently plenty had happened while he went back to quickly speak to the others. Jin got back in time to see that Pak was bleeding from several new places and the injured man had a knife to his throat. He moved around behind the "bad" guy while the other guy head butted him.
[I am here. There has been a fight. No one is dead, yet. Pak is not who his attention is focused on at the moment.]
When the two combatants broke apart enough for him to separate one safely from the other, he wrapped a very corporeal arm around 'BG's neck. Pak promised to get a hold of Bao if the man would give her a phone.
" I don't believe a phone will be necessary. However, I am here to inform you, as an elder of clan Anantya, that this evening's misadventure will not go unpunished." He spoke quietly, his head just to the side of the other man's, no reason to repeat the man's error himself. "If you cooperate then you might not die." While he spoke he kept his attention physically focused on the man in his grasp while keeping the other in a semi focused field of vision.
"Greetings, Pak. I hope we are not interrupting." Jin did not spare her but a flicker of a glance. Truthfully interrupting appeared to have been a good thing.
"Evenhet will be very angry with you." Jin spoke to the man in his grasp. "Don't believe all the soft hearted vampires in white hats stories you have probably heard. You will fare no better with them so I suggest you think very carefully about how you want to negotiate the rest of your precarious existence."
His mind worked quickly, even in a choke hold, Blaise hadn't been followed so there was only one explanation. Fucking Cecile. She should have figured out Pakpao had a way to contact people under the radar. Intelligence was her area of responsibility.
"God damned useless cunts.â€
He breathed glaring at Pakpao.
Alfred would kill him if he got out of this, literally kill. Alfie wasn't overly forgiving, that's why they were going after Pakpao. The stories Alfie had told about the clans though made him leery. Choke hold guy said he -might- live but that didn't seem to be a promise. And he'd pissed of not one but two clans, even if one promised Jarrod didn't think they'd give him asylum from the other. Given the choice between Alfie and the clans... he'd take Alfie.
What to do about it though?
"Yeah... you jokers haven't met my boss.â€
Jarrod was tougher than the average vampire, he could take a lot of abuse, and he counted on that fact now. He just wanted to cut and run, he didn't even give a damned about Cecile right now.
He twisted his torso as hard and fast as he could driving an elbow into choke hold's solar plexus. He went to step forward, hoping to throw the man over him but he couldn't step. Instead he started to fall flat on his face. As he fell he noticed his shoe laces were tied together. Shit. He'd never knowing a telekinetic with that fine of control.
((OOC... I wish I'd given him ethereal instead of coat of arms. Ah well... Jin and Kem have full move rights with Jarrod))
Superhuman hearing being what it was, Kem was able to pick up most of the exchange between Jin and the attacker. He smiled grimly at Jin's words regarding Evenhet, and then they were in the room in time to see the captive vampire attempt to wrest his way out of Jin's hold by hitting him.
He hit nothing, though, because the Elder simply ceased to be there. Then he gave an odd lurch like he had been holding onto something, and fell forward. Kem had no idea why, but he was going to re-secure the man as soon as possible. Even as Jin reappeared in front of them Kem was moving forward, speaking in a calm tone while his actions were anything but.
"Yes, Evenhet is none too pleased," Kem nodded calmly at Jin, his tone mild, while bending down. With one large hand he wrapped around the vampire's throat and lifted him, continuing to walk backward toward the wall. Then he slammed the man up against it, careful not to kill him. He pulled the man away and noted the bloodstain on the back of the wall with a fairly clinical eye.
Then he looked down and saw why the man had fallen; his shoelaces were tied together. Kem's lip twitched up. "You might try velcro next time."
He looked over at Pak. "You're all right, senet," he said softly.
Belying his gentle words, he slammed the man against the wall again, turning to address him. "You have two Clans to answer to tonight. You're a very, very unlucky man."
About that time, Mara rejoined them. She carried an unconscious woman over her shoulder and had a laptop computer under her other arm. Depositing the woman gently on the floor and leaning her against the wall, Mara offered the laptop to Jin.
Kem noted the woman seemed fine except for the fact that she was out and had apparently been a meal for Mara based on the rapidly fading punctures on her neck. He continued to hold the other vampire up against the wall, not really caring what he did to fight back. Short of taking Kem's arm off at he elbow, the man wasn't going to break out of Kem's grip.
((ooc: permission for Jin's disappearance and reappearance. And moverights for Jarrod obviously. Also, skip Mara.))
"I didn't RSVP either. I'm sure they won't mind."
Jarrod apparently disagreed with her impromptu invitation and attempted to escape He might have made it too, except for the shoe laces and Kem. Even thought Bao had entered first it was Kem she saw and it was then that Pak knew for certain she was safe and was tempted to give into the hysterics she'd been battling up until that moment. That didn't seem like a good way to repay people for charging in like the calvary and so she stifled that urge.
Kem had Jarrod well under control even as he struggled. This side of Kem probably should have surprised or confused Kem but he was so different than the big brother she'd first met, he'd grown and this seemed perfectly natural.
"I am now."
Easing off the bed, not caring where her blood wound up at this point. It wasn't her house, she wasn't going to have to clean it up. Pak went to check on Blaise. Even as she knelt down by him a hand closed like iron on her dislocated shoulder making her cry out as the hand pulled her way from Blaise. Pak was rather unwillingly guided to her feet and turned into her shoulder loosening the grip.
Seeing her creator, was a bit of a surprise. Seeing him apparently rattled was even more of a surprise. No matter what he'd said Pak hadn't expected him to come let alone work with Kem, Mara and Jin.
"Let go. He's hurt."
Caring about Blaise's well being probably wasn't the best idea but someone had to.
"As are you, and he is the one that did it."
Came Bao's barley controlled answer. It was so different from the calm and confidant voice Pak was used to she frowned trying to understand it, but it didn't deter her from her intention.
"No... mostly no... -he-" She nodded to Jarrod "is the one who did it."
Pak found she didn't really care one way or another what they did to Jarrod. She should, she knew that, but that whole 'love thine enemy' thing only went so far in her book. Rather than dwell on that she turned back to Bao, glaring.
"Friend of yours? He was looking for you. Apparently I was supposed to get you here."
It was hard to decide who she was more angry at, Jarrod and Blaise for using her or Bao for putting her in such a position no matter how inadvertently he'd done it.
The last thing he remembered was Jarrod going after Pakpao and after him. He remembered there was at least one knife and a gun. Not sure what was going on he held as still as possible and kept his eyes closed trying to figure out what to do. He heard a few new voices, none he recognized, maybe there were there to help Pakpao. That would be good. He was OK with that and would have let her rescuers leave him for dead except he heard Pakpao shout, apparently in pain. She wasn't much of a screamer, she tended to shout. For one wild moment he wondered if she screamed during orgasm.
Balise cracked his eyes to see what was going on, he couldn't quite see who was there or what was going on but he could make out Pakpao and a guy. When Pakpao and the voice started arguing and he knew their attention wasn't quite on him, even though they seemed to be arguing about him, Blaise threw himself at the voice who'd hurt Pakpao. He ran at the guy tackling him hard in the slower body.
The guy hit the ground, but rolled right back up and he came up swinging. Blaise didn't even have time to think before he found himself punched hard in the gut and gasping for air. He looked up intent on taking another run at the guy when he recognized the voice as Hoang. Blaise really didn't want to tangle with him. Pakpao shouted something in that crazy language of hers and Hoang froze.
That's when he finally saw the two whited haired guys, one holding Jarrod by the throat, the other bird and Cecile. God, Cece. That was the breaking point for Blaise. He was ready to cut all ties and walk. This chatter about angry clans didn't help anything and Alfred was going to be pissed. Straitening up he looked between all of the people there, not sure who was in charge.
"Listen. I'm done. I just want to walk. Me and her.†He guessed to his sister. "I don't give a shit what you do with him. You won't ever see me again. Give me twenty four hours and I'm out of town, the both of us.â€
Cece wouldn't take this well. She was Alfred's familiar. She'd do anything for the bastard and if Alfred said to stay here she'd put up one hell of a fight to do that. But there was no way Blaise was going to leave his sister here in the hands of two angry clans.
"Traitor.†Jarrod hissed. "You can't take her either. You know what it will do to her.â€
His 'big brother' might be a mean son of a bitch but he was right and that those comments echoed Blaise's own thoughts shook his confidence some. Still every instinct he had said to get the hell out of this place now. Not only that but to get as far away from Alfred as he could and stay that way.
None of these people, especially Hoang looked terribly amused about all this. He doubted they were in a forgiving mood. His palms were sweating and he doubted he was going to get out of this alive.
He turned that pain and anger on Blaise, granted the man gave him ample reason, assaulting him like that. Much like in his sparking match with Ran, Bao would have given full vent to those feelings on the spot. The tackle had been clumsy, there was no finesse, skill or training to it Bao had no doubt the boy would not be able to defend himself. It would take very little to kill him and it would be quite satisfying. He'd be able to think again. But just as he was turning on Blaise Pakpao called him off. That her voice cut through his blind rage was rather shocking but now his emotion had no out let.
He was blind to everything but Blaise and Pakpao. That the mewling man wanted to escape, to simply walk away from all of this Bao stalked forward.
"You think you can take what is mine with no consequences?"
Under ordinary circumstances Bao never would have referred to Pakpao as 'mine'. These, however, were not normal circumstances.
"Bao!"
Pakpao shouted at him. He heard it and slowed down... finally stopping just inches from Blaise. It was probably the knowledge that there were elders from two clans present rather than his youngest's voice that brought him to his senses.
"Where is Alfred?"
"I haven't got a fucking clue. Jarrod would know though."
It was disgusting how the creature turned against his own in hopes of saving his own skin. Trying to ignore His swirling emotions and thoughts in his head Bao stepped back and assumed his best Order of the Rose demeanor addressing both the Evenhet elder and Elder Jin.
"Who gets custody of the three of them? I would argue that Anantya should as the attack was a strike at me."
If Anantya got them Bao probably would find a way to kill them, at least the two men.
"And perhaps we should see to your injuries as well."
Pakpao was still bleeding, all be it sluggishly, and was covered in it as well.
"I'll be fine."
With that terse response the knife was back. Bao's control was stretched taught, it would shatter. He turned to Pakpao, clearly hurt wondering if she would forgive him this incident.
Kem took hold of the man not long after he released him. Jin stood to the side and watched the drama unfold between Pak and Bao and then the more severely injured man on the floor. When Mara entered the room, he crossed over to stand next to her. This was not really their fight, at least not as personally as it was for some others.
Raising his eyebrows, he listened to the guy talk about them letting him and the woman go. Delusional guy seemed to live in an interesting world where people didn't pay for their part in crimes once they were caught. Perhaps he thought he could hire a good lawyer but they had one of those in the room and Jin doubted Bao was inclined to represent the man. Besides vampire justice rarely worked that way.
He turned to Pak who seemed intent on defending delusional guy. "So you're saying this guy didn't lie to get you here and aid in your kidnapping? How long have you known him? Because I think you are old enough not to get in the car with strangers which means he lied to you for how long?†If she wanted to defend him for some timely rescue in the heat of the moment that was one thing but she should take a moment to step back and look at the facts a little more evenly and judge him logically.
Turning to Bao, he shook his head. "No, It was not an Anantya clan member who was kidnapped or injured. In fact, as I recall Alfred was originally one of ours which means in a way our own people were responsible for the crime. I will take my report to Morrigan, and I am sure you will do the same, and the Rose can decide whether his past and present crimes warrants a blood hunt.†He looked coolly from Blaise to Jarrod. "I suspect that it will. You should have considered my offer more carefully. Once he is dead then you, son of a criminal will be little better than clanless.â€
"Of course that is assuming Evenhet lets you go. This particular situation is your crime, no matter who ordered you to do it. I offered you the chance to surrender and you did not take it. Anantya therefore has no claim on these.†He turned to Kem and bowed slightly. "Do with them as you see fit. I would ask the favor of being allowed to question them before they are executed or...set free as they most likely have information that would lead us to those who have committed crimes against Bao and our clan.â€
All this talk of walking and the emotional upheaval in the room caused him to decide that someone needed to be closer to Pak's friend on the floor. He crossed the room and stood near the man, close enough to touch him. He would keep Bao from killing the guy since Pak seemed to feel protective of him and he would make sure the man didn't go all suicidal and decide to make a break for the door.
Blaise spoke and Kem frowned at him, wondering just how hard he'd been hit. Walk? He kidnapped Pakpao and somehow thought he'd be allowed to 'walk'? What the fuck was he on? Kem snorted, but before he could respond, the man he was holding against the wall by the throat managed to choke something out. Kem looked at him in irritation.
"Shut up," he said impatiently, and pounded the man's head against the wall one more time. "It's definitely not your turn."
The man finally went limp, and Kem could tell he wasn't faking, he'd just needed a little extra encouragement. Kem pulled him away from the wall and dropped him in a heap next to the unconscious woman. Mara nodded at Kem, silently accepting temporary wardship of the second body. Kem pointed at Blaise.
"You," he said, advancing on the man, "don't get the right to 'walk' anywhere. You kidnap and injure a member of my Clan, and you think you're just going to skip town... why?"
Jin spoke, though, and Kem remained silent while the Anantya Elder had his say. He nodded gratefully to Jin when Bao argued that the vampires should go to Anantya. Where Bao got to have an opinion in all this, Kem didn't know. He was well aware of Bao's status in his own Clan and he knew Bao wasn't high enough on the totem pole to be making demands.
He checked in with Cris, and sure enough Evenhet's security team was just about there. Kem returned his full attention to Jin after letting them know what had happened and where they were, and said, "I don't think that will be a problem, Elder Jin."
There was slight emphasis on the word 'Elder,' as if Kem were reminding Bao who was actually in charge here. He didn't care what amends the man had tried to make; he didn't like him, didn't respect him, and as far as he was concerned Bao had several centuries of groveling to do before he even became worthy of consideration for forgiveness.
His hands free now, Kem crossed the room to Pak and lifted her carefully up in his arms like a child. "You're coming with me," he told her gently.
[We're going back to the Towers and you're going to have a little visit with a certain doctor. But first you're going to drink from me, and I won't take no for an answer. You can wait until everyone's gone, if you want.]
There were more footsteps in the house now; they could all hear them. Kem stood there, still holding Pak, determined not to put her down, but he addressed the three Anantya in the room. Well, mostly Jin and Mara, to be fair. "Thank you for helping us get Pak out of here. I guarantee you we'll keep you updated on what happens with these three."
He had Hoang and the white haired guy who'd knocked out Jarrod in his face and was ready to run for the door. If he died it wouldn't be that bad, not if it was on his own terms. Running away wasn't the best of those terms but he'd take what he could get.
He swallowed hard and wished he was smarter, maybe he could talk his way out of this if he was. It starting to look like he was going with Pakpao's people and while that did seem like the lesser of two evils he wasn't thrilled with the idea.
"Listen... it wasn't my fault. I was just doing what I was told and it got out of hand. I get you can't let me walk. Can you at least turn her loose?â€
Blaise looked at his sister, still unconscious and looking like she'd been noshed on by someone other than Alfred; he was determined to get her off if he could. It didn't matter what happened to him if he could just get her out of here. Maybe vampires plea bargained.
"I don't know if I need a brief or what but... let her off I'll go with you I won't cause any trouble and I'll even help you find Alfred if I can. I just... she's human I need her to be OK.â€
Sure they were talking about blood hunting the vampire his sister was a familiar too but Blaise was sure they could get through that. If this lot didn't outright kill him they could get Cecile through loosing Alfred.
Slowly, still worried about Cecile, what the other guy said started to percolate through Blaise's brain. He didn't really understand it. The idea of being little better than clanless was boggling to him, to Blaise's mind he -was- clanless or at least non-affiliated, which was probably the same thing. Although Alfred had worked within, or at least on the fringes of, Anantya and Hoang seemed to be a member in good standing Blaise was pretty sure they didn't even know he existed. Didn't know and didn't care. Funny time for them to start caring.
It was on the tip of his lounge to ask about his clan affiliations but decided that maybe he should just belt up. Apparently if he was part of Anantya he might get a little better treatment than if he was just on his own. He'd ask later though.
The word 'executed' also finally made itself known. Blaise wondered if he might have a nervous break down right on the spot. He really -really- didn't want to be executed. Cold hard fear settled in the pit of his stomach and he was at a total loss for what to do here. The one guy had claimed Pakpao, the bird hadn't said much, he sure wasn't going to talk to Hoang who still looked like he'd just as soon settle things here and now, that left the other white haired guy. Although he didn't want to appear weak or ignorant Blaise was out of bluff and bluster. He'd just seen two vampires who were both a lot stronger than Jarrod. He'd seen Pakpao, who although younger, had put up a fight, he was starting to realize how out gunned and uneducated he was.
"What happens now?â€
He asked the other white haired guy, the one nearest him, and looking a little desperately at the woman who'd brought Cece in. He wanted some kind of answer, soon, the other sounds in the house seemed to be sealing his fate. There was no out now, not unless they gave him one.
"As you wish Elder.â€
Doing his best to ignore the boy who'd started all this Bao crossed to the far side of the room, again he felt useless. Totally and utterly useless. Turning to face the wall he closed his eyes and took a long breath to control tears. He didn't understand why he was reacting that way, or where such emotion came from, he only cared about controlling it until he was alone. Once recovered he very coldly answered Blaise.
"What happens now is you go with them. If I were you I would hope they keep you, although given the lack of loyalty and common sense you've shown here I don't know why they would want to.â€
Bao was extremely frustrated by not being able to deal with this on a personal level, as a family. He knew why she'd not turned to him first and so didn't ask. To hear it put into words would probably break down the last of his control. Instead he turned to both Kem and Pakpao his eyes and voice both pleading.
"You have my deepest regrets for what has happened. There is no way I can express my thanks for what you have done. I would hope you would let me know if there is anything at all I can do to help in any way with them or with your recovery. I am truly at your disposal.â€
He was desperate to help, in any way he could. He had no idea how, or even if, he was going to be able to repair his relationship with Pakpao. They were only just beginning to make progress and now this. She had every right to resent him for this. He didn't even dare ask anything of her right now, not even something as small as to confirm a chess game. He needed to work out what the next step was. Should he contact her tomorrow night to see if she was well? She was a vampire, of course she'd be well but it would be an expression of concern. Did one send flowers? Did he give her her space and let her decide. Confusion and uncertainty were not feelings he especially enjoyed, nor was the nagging sensation of guilt about this, something had to be done he just didn't know what.
"Of course I am at your disposal as well, Elder and Mara. I am sorry this happened and necessitated your involvement but thank you for your invaluable assistance.â€
There was no way to save face and he would probably spend most of the next hundred years feeling the need to apologize and express his thanks. It was worth it though. They had thwarted whatever half-baked plan Alfred or his lackeys had formed and with a minimum of effort or injury.
Pak unequivocally agreed with Jin's assessment. She didn't want Bao killing Blaise, that didn't mean she wasn't beyond angry. The fact that Blaise thought he could just walk or talk his way out of it did absolutely nothing to calm her down.
"He did eventually stop being an ass and that should count for something though.â€
Death bed repentance and conversions did nothing to impress or inspire Pak but Blaise had switched sides before anyone had gotten to them, he'd tried to protect her and sort of tried to undo it. Not successfully but he'd tried and execution seemed harsh. It was something that Alfarinn and Kem and probably Cris would have to work out, she'd given her two cents but after that she wasn't going to make demands.
Blaise was apparently as trapped as she had been and desperately trying to negotiate something for the woman. It was sad, she felt sorry for him, he obviously didn't have any kind of support system, no one to turn too in a situation like this. But she'd said all she was going to say on the matter.
She was tired. Very tired. The adrenaline surge she'd experienced during the fight of flight situation was quickly leaving her, she'd lost a lot of blood, and she was emotionally drained from dealing with all of this and especially Bao who was behaving oddly. His stiff and stilted apology did nothing to soften her feelings towards him ore reinvigorate her. She answered quietly.
"Just talk to Kem... or someone else in Evenhet. If they need you I'm sure they'll tell you.â€
Pak quietly sent to Mara and Jin one after the other.
[Thank you so much. I owe you. Any time, anything you need.]
Not that she had a lot to offer but she'd come up with something and the offer of assistance was open even if there wasn't much she really had to offer, nothing so useful as walking through walls or tracking people down. But there was no expiration date on something like this, especially with Mara who had become a good friend. Someday Pak would get the chance to help them out, she was sure of that.
Just as she was starting to sag a bit Kem picked her up and Pak didn't fight him. She could hear other people in the house but as no one else was worried, she wasn't either. It was probably security or something she didn't care, Pak just curled into Kem's arms.
"As long as we're going home and not out dancing or something that's fine.â€
She smiled a little bit as she teased him, happy to be able to do that and hopefully reassuring him.
[We can go visit Rowan, I wouldn't mind putting my shoulder back where it belongs. And, if you insist, I can wait but I'm not going to argue tonight I'd just rather he is gone first, that's all.]
And Mara too. It would probably be a little odd watching someone bite your father, Pak thought a little bit of restraint would probably be for the best for everyone involved there, even if Kem didn't know he was involved.
((OOC... I sort of did all of these on my lunch hour. I -think- they all work but let me know if I should change something))
The man said none of what happened was his fault, that he was just following orders. Jin refrained from comment but highly disapproved of the man's lack of backbone and sense of responsibility for his actions, which were chosen by him even if someone else told him to them. He then pleaded for the woman to be set free, claiming that she was just a human. Jin turned to dark eyes to Kem. "That is his decision, not mine." He wouldn't agree to it, not without questioning her thoroughly first and once that was done probably letting someone skilled in command make sure she didn't say anything they didn't want her to say. But what Evenhet would do with her, he didn't know.
He stepped closer to Bao, and spoke softly in Vietnamese. Most of the people around him probably understood but perhaps the two on the floor would not. "The one who ordered this, the one truly responsible, he is ours and we will find him with your help." Perhaps there were things that Bao knew that would be important to helping them find Alfred. It could even be as simple as a tracking object so that a team of the Hunt could find the man and capture him or a remembered conversation that would add useful information.
Listening to Bao's apology to Kem and Pak Pao hurt his heart a little. Bao was as open and anguished as he had ever seen him. Perhaps to someone from a more expressive culture Bao's behavior would seem restrained but he was not from such a culture and he knew from the set of Bao's shoulders, the tightness of his features, the timbre of his voice and the shine in his eyes that he was truly overwhelmed with a complex mix of emotions.
Bao turned to him and Mara next and thanked them for coming to help. Jin held up a hand to dismiss the apology. Reaching out, he placed an arm around Bao and held out the other for Mara. "You are family, Bao, not just a clan mate. I will always be here if you need me." Jin could have said 'we' in that sentence knowing that Mara and Amir would agree with it but he wanted Bao to know that he meant it personally. Bao was a good man and he was proud to call him a brother, or soon to be brother, or something brother-like. If he married both Amir and Mara would that make Bao his Son-in-brother-in-law?
People had been coming closer and he suspected they would joined soon. A passing warmth alerted his attention. Jin closed his eyes briefly and inhaled. A new scent was in the room. He had just observed those changes and their meaning when felt another wave of warmth. No sooner than it had passed by, mere seconds, and a blond head appeared around the heavy door.
"Everything okay here?" Cool blue eyes scanned the scene in the room, even though Jin was sure the man had already been in the door and therefore knew who and what was there. The head of Evenhet Security, as he recalled from some meeting of the clans at some point in the past, turned his calm gaze on Kem and Pak. "I have sent for some men to take these people upstairs. The doctor sent along some blood in a cooler. We can set Pak up with an IV in the van. Or" His eyes held the barest hint of amusement but his neutral expression and tone of voice never changed. "you can drink it straight. It is cold and tastes like plastic so I wouldn't recommend it but the option is always there." Jin thought the advice might be coming from experience and having tasted blood bag food himself he had to agree that it wasn't something he would ever suggest unless the circumstances were dire.
"Is there anything else we might help with?" Jin asked with raised eyebrows toward Kem. He turned back to Bao. "I can call Mara and I a cab if you wish to follow the Evenhet back to The Towers to see her home safely." Pak was in wonderful hands but he knew that he would still be insistent on seeing Sorcha returned to her home personally if she had been the one taken and he knew Bao probably felt the same way.
"Not that she isn't safe." Jin smiled at the Evenhet members in the room. "but fathers still worry. I am sure you understand." It was awkward having a child in a different clan. He understood that social nightmare all too well.
((OOC: I figure Rowan would sent blood just in case someone was injured and Cris would have brought it even if he didn't so why not credit the good doctor? Not that Pak couldn't snack on Kem first or anything just saying that there was more available. ))
((OOOC: Jin would "Your welcome and anytime" Pak in some form but the post was getting long with lots to reply to.))
((OOOOC: There was something else I was going to mention about the post but I can't remember so hopefully it is ok. And if they ever have a wedding for Jin, Mara and Amir can we change Bao's title briefly to Son-in-brother-in law? ))
"You'll both be coming with us. There's no option for bargaining. Thank you."
And with that, he dismissed the man, making it clear that there would be no more negotiating. Kem wasn't cold; he doubted they would kill anyone, but he wasn't about to mention that. The guy was messed up; let him stew in his own fear for a while.
He acknowledged Bao much the same way; with a nod and a clear dismissal. Let the man's Clan-mates placate him. Kem wasn't about to. He had a mess on his hands to deal with; literally, as Pak's blood was all over him. She didn't seem in danger of death though; definitely some of Rowan's TLC, and a few good meals. He hated seeing her hurt though, and he didn't like that she was in pain and suffering at all. It made him surly and defensive.
He was relieved when he heard more noise, and almost weak-kneed with it when Cris showed up. Small of stature he may be, but the man carried an air of authority and security around with him like a beacon.
Kem looked down at Pak and shook his head at the idea of bagged blood. "I'll take care of her in the car," he said softly. "Rowan can have his supply back, it isn't dire."
Since taking his position at the Towers Rowan had made his opinions very well known about such things. He'd set up a list of volunteer donors for Clan-mates in need of blood; everyone was free to be on it or not, as they chose, to provide for fellow Evenhet in need. Bagged blood, from human donors, was also kept on hand but Rowan had made it perfectly clear that such a thing was for emergencies and was far more useful to humans than other vampires; if there was fresh donor blood available, human or vampire, it should be accepted over the bagged variety that could save a human life where a vampire's blood might not.
The fact that he had sent it along with Cris, though, proved that he had his priorities straight. Rowan had been accused of being stingy by one or two Evenhet Kem knew of, but Kem saw his viewpoint as practical. Human blood was not to be squandered, and obtaining it from a living, willing donor was always a more effective option. He didn't think Pak would want plastic-flavored blood when he was offering his own.
To Jin and Mara he gave his thanks, promising to be in touch with the Night Elder as soon as he could so that he could question everyone involved. But as soon as he was capable, Kem made his way up out of the house and out to his car. He had a blanket in the trunk, which he wrapped Pak in, not just to keep her blood off the seats but because he didn't want her growing cold. Then he sat at the edge of the passenger seat and held her with one arm wrapped around her while he offered her his wrist. His blood was old and strong and it would begin to work its magic while he got her safely back to the Towers, to Rowan, and to her own home although he was tempted to bring her home with him and Aishe. They could sort it out later. For now, he couldn't drive back to the city fast enough.
((ooc: Kem out, presumably with Pak, but she can post herself out! ))
"Unless its Capri-sun flavored I think I'll pass, at least for now. Thanks though.â€
She agreed with Kem. She wasn't feeling great, she could tell she was healing, but that wasn't the best sensation in the world. It was reassuring, but it sort of hurt too and it was slow going too. Kem's blood would help a lot and wouldn't taste funny. If Rowan decided she needed more she'd be a good patient and follow doctor's orders but there was no reason to worry or over react now. She'd done enough over reacting for the next five or ten years.
There was probably a lot more to say, more thank yous, more explanations, she needed to confront Bao about what the heck he was thinking or doing or whatever had gotten her into this mess. Right now though Pak wasn't up to it and didn't even care. There were more important people in this room and she was happy to let them handle it and didn't make a peep when Kem decided it was time to leave.
As Kem wrapped her up in the blanket, Pak realized how chilly she was, making her very grateful for the warmth. She wondered if this was shock, but she didn't care really. She also noticed Kem's shirt was ruined. Her dress was too. Pak decided to send a few bills to Bao, he could start apologizing by cleaning or replacing some things. That is, he could do that if she was still speaking to him and Pak wasn't sure about that.
Settled in the passenger seat alone with Kem Pak tried to shove everything that happened out of her head, at least for a few hours. Without hesitation she accepted what Kem was offering. This was the second maybe the third time he'd been there for her like this. Pak vowed that someday she'd do the same for him. Of course, she'd rather her big brother never need her blood, but if he did Pak would be first in line to help. Having a drunk her fill, she curled into the seat and closed her eyes as Kem drove.
((OOC... Pak out))
No. he couldn't let that happen, he wouldn't admit failure like that. Bao wasn't certain why this was so important to him, but he had to convince Pakpao that he did care that he was not the man who'd left her alone all those years ago.
Jin's words to buoyed him some, not a lot but enough that he didn't have a complete emotional collapse right there and then. He had a feeling he was going to need some of that offered help if he was going to finish this mess with Alfred and repair his relationship with Pakpao.
He watched mutely, longingly, after Kem and Pakpao. Bao wanted to follow them, to be of some help but was fairly certain he wouldn't be welcome or his assistance accepted. Numbly he turned back to Jin.
"No. I would not ask that of you. Please take my car. I will find my own way to The Towers.â€
At least no one would witness his humiliation if Evenhet through him to the curb, which he was forced to admit was a possibility. He wouldn't be able to find a cab this far out of town, he'd have to walk a bit and hoped that the extra time it took him would give people a chance to cool off though and he would be spared that indignity.
"Or perhaps I might be able to impose upon you and your people for a ride?â€
Bao asked the slight blond man who'd entered and somehow had immediately assumed control of the situation. That was an impressive gift. He suspected the man was very old and extremely competent. If Evenhet's people would give him a ride perhaps it would give him a chance to question Jarrod or Blaise. It would undoubtedly be a serious breech of etiquette and might make even more trouble. He was, however, willing to risk that. Amir would undoubtedly take issue with him placing Pakpao and his own selfish desires and strangely emotional needs ahead of everything, no matter how temporarily.
((OOC... Blaise doesn't much want to talk now... skip him))
Bao offered his car and said he would find his own way. Meanwhile the blond security chief seemed to be considering the capri sun flavored blood. "Not with me but I am sure the lab could find a way to make it happen."
Jin blinked and kept any "blasphemy" reactions to himself. That would label him a ancient stick in the mud for certain. Of course if they had an orange flavor... he might consider it.
His clanmate then asked the blond for a ride. He nodded, his gaze flickered toward the wall a moment and then returned to Bao. "I would be happy to give you a ride. You can ride with me. Alan will ride in the van with the others."
Turning to Bao, he gave him a sympathetic smile before they parted ways. "She will be all right. I am sure she will want you to explain later. Be truthful and perhaps it will work out. The fact is that she is important to you and if she hadn't been then they wouldn't have taken her. They would have found someone else instead." Most likely Claire or Mara perhaps. Jin didn't like that second option at all. Amir would have been more trouble than he was worth in a kidnapping so Jin felt pretty sure they would have just left him alone. "I hope she understands that eventually."
The Evenhet looked thoughtful. "She's pretty stubborn and has a legendary temper. I suggest investing in protective headgear before you explain why this happened."
Jin turned to Mara. "Well, my evening schedule has been freed. Shall we see if we can't go out and start some trouble?"
((OOC: Jin and Cris and Mara out, unless Mara wishes to say her own bit. ))
However, now that the most immediate danger had pasted Bao was putting his usual emotional walls back it to place. They felt shaky though, as if he no longer had a foundation for them. Certainly that would pass, it had to. But even as he thought that, Bao didn't notice his tie was askew and that he'd lost a cuff link in the rush. He didn't notice and he didn't care.
"Thank you for your assistance."
He answered the blond. Bao hadn't really expected that. He was indirectly responsible for placing their clan member in a great deal of danger hospitality and assistance was certainly not a given. It said something about the man and about Evenhet in general that they would do this for him.
He attempted to smile at Jin, but it fell flat. He was a good man to be so supportive. Bao, however, found himself nodding in agreement with the blond's assessment. In fact, he suspected, that what had been described would be mild, if she'd speak to him at all. And there wasn't just Pakpao to think about, the Evenhet elders had more than enough reason to complain.
"I doubt she will even see me, let alone listen; but I have to try."
Bao said with grim determination. Beyond that there wasn't much he could say or do other than staying out of the security team's way before riding back with the slight blond.
((OOC... Bao out as well))