When one arranged to meet in a dining room, one came supplied with food. At least, that was Ran's take. If he was meeting Ambrose in the dining room, he was bringing food. Specifically, pizza. Because why not?
As he made his way through the empty room to the one occupied table, he noted his prospective partner had decided to go the other way entirely. Ran slid his pizza box onto the table, spun the chair opposite Ambrose (he assumed this was Ambrose anyway) around, sat on it backwards, and flipped the box top open. He groaned at the scent of dough, sauce, melty cheese, pineapples, and Canadian bacon. It wasn't sustenance; it was like sex in food form.
He grabbed a gooey, cheesy slice and stuffed at least half of it into his mouth, groaning softly at the taste and not really caring that he was burning off the very top layer of the roof of his mouth. Swallowing, he gestured to the disassembled gun with his chin.
"You're gonna have that for dinner? I've heard of iron stomachs but that's taking it literally. I'm assuming you're Ambrose. I'm Ran."
(ooc: Ran is currently wearing a pair of distressed ripped blue skinny jeans with turquoise leggings under them, high top Converse with Totoro decorations, and a bright green short sleeved crop top with the word 'SWOLE' on the chest. Contacts are purple snake eyes.)
Pleased to Meet You, Won't You Guess My Name
He didn't usually frequent the dining room, Ambrose didn't really eat, but the table was handy to spread the Peacemaker out on as he cleaned it. It never once occur to Ambrose to stop carrying the old gun, he kept it in good shape and it was the easiest for him to make silver bullets for sure he'd never needed one of the bullets but he kept them handy. He'd actually thought about buying another peacemaker but the price had gone up... a lot. His $17 gun was now one hell of a collector's item. He settled for modern for his other weapons.
He was almost done though. Didn't want to make a bad impression on this fella he was supposed to be working with. Honestly he was kind of chomping at the bit to get out and hunt something other than dinner. Ambrose did live his work. Hell he'd gone and gotten himself a better leg and actually done some therapy so he could move better. Sure he still did better with his cane than without and he still limped and obviously looked lame but he was getting his edge and his confidence back.
Yup, he put the finishing touches on the now clean gun, snapped the barrel into place with a satisfied expression, he was looking forward to getting out and curious about his partner.
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
Ambrose
5 years ago
He didn't eat, not really, nothing to speak of occasionally he did make an exception but it usually involved Mexican but Ambrose knew that smell. The waif had really liked pizza that and of course the musicians he worked with seemed to live on the stuff half the time. He liked it well enough but not as much as this guy.
Ambrose only missed one blink at the guys appearance, it really didn't phase him he'd done back up for more than one glam rock group back in the day after all. Still it was one hell of a statement for a member of the Night.
He almost half laughed at the comment thought.
"No thanks I think I've eaten enough led for at least one lifetime."
With the introduction he gave the guy, Ran, another quick subtle once over. His money said a fair number of folks made some pretty snap judgments about him, he might understand a bit about that.
"Besides, your piece looks tastier than mine."
Ambrose wiped his slightly dirty and a little oil covered hands off on a rag before offering one.
"Yeah I'm Ambrose. I reckon you got the same brief I did, or at least close."
Ambrose only missed one blink at the guys appearance, it really didn't phase him he'd done back up for more than one glam rock group back in the day after all. Still it was one hell of a statement for a member of the Night.
He almost half laughed at the comment thought.
"No thanks I think I've eaten enough led for at least one lifetime."
With the introduction he gave the guy, Ran, another quick subtle once over. His money said a fair number of folks made some pretty snap judgments about him, he might understand a bit about that.
"Besides, your piece looks tastier than mine."
Ambrose wiped his slightly dirty and a little oil covered hands off on a rag before offering one.
"Yeah I'm Ambrose. I reckon you got the same brief I did, or at least close."
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
When Ambrose mentioned eating lead, Ran rolled his eyes. "Ugh. You and me both." Although he hadn't been shot too many times, the couple times he had was enough.
He polished off two slices of pizza quickly, biting the end off of a third when Ambrose mentioned tasty pieces. He chewed slowly while convincing himself it would be in poor taste to make a crass comment about how 'tasty' his 'piece' was to someone you just met. Besides, what if Ambrose thought he was hitting on him? They couldn't have that.
He stuffed the remainder of the third slice of pizza into his mouth while the rude urge passed, and nodded his head when Ambrose asked about the brief. Swallowing, he wiped his hands with a napkin and returned Ambrose's handshake before he picked up a fourth slice.
"Yeah. Typical baby vampire job. Some humans are poking around where they shouldn't, calling themselves vampire hunters. Find out if they're forming into a collected organization, figure out if someone's calling the shots, and dismantle them. That was the gist of it."
He ignored the other instructions from Amir, who'd had plenty to say on the topic of Ran getting a job. It was the usual fare - be professional, if you fuck up I'll kill you. If you get killed I'll kill you.
Nothing new. Ran wouldn't feel loved if Amir weren't constantly threatening his life.
"There have been three attacks on Anantya vampires in the last month, all by humans in a specific demographic, all using the same weaponry. All committed after midnight in the industrial district, ostensibly when the vampire was out looking for dinner."
Ran recited the facts they'd both been given, as he'd committed them to memory. "None of the attacks has been successful, and specifically, all of the attackers have inadvertently supplied dinner to their would-be victims. But all of them were released to live."
The red flag was that none of the humans were the same, for each attack. While the area, methods, and weapons were the same, the fact that different humans had committed these attacks were a serious indicator that something was forming, or attempting to.
This was a normal job for Ran and Ambrose to be sent on, assuming Ambrose was sort of new-ish as Ran was. Compared to someone like Amir or Jin, that is. Ancients weren't bothered with these things. It was good practice for other Nightsmen and Huntsmen to break up the party before it started, and determine if there was a bigger problem such as a rogue vampire or something else behind it.
He polished off two slices of pizza quickly, biting the end off of a third when Ambrose mentioned tasty pieces. He chewed slowly while convincing himself it would be in poor taste to make a crass comment about how 'tasty' his 'piece' was to someone you just met. Besides, what if Ambrose thought he was hitting on him? They couldn't have that.
He stuffed the remainder of the third slice of pizza into his mouth while the rude urge passed, and nodded his head when Ambrose asked about the brief. Swallowing, he wiped his hands with a napkin and returned Ambrose's handshake before he picked up a fourth slice.
"Yeah. Typical baby vampire job. Some humans are poking around where they shouldn't, calling themselves vampire hunters. Find out if they're forming into a collected organization, figure out if someone's calling the shots, and dismantle them. That was the gist of it."
He ignored the other instructions from Amir, who'd had plenty to say on the topic of Ran getting a job. It was the usual fare - be professional, if you fuck up I'll kill you. If you get killed I'll kill you.
Nothing new. Ran wouldn't feel loved if Amir weren't constantly threatening his life.
"There have been three attacks on Anantya vampires in the last month, all by humans in a specific demographic, all using the same weaponry. All committed after midnight in the industrial district, ostensibly when the vampire was out looking for dinner."
Ran recited the facts they'd both been given, as he'd committed them to memory. "None of the attacks has been successful, and specifically, all of the attackers have inadvertently supplied dinner to their would-be victims. But all of them were released to live."
The red flag was that none of the humans were the same, for each attack. While the area, methods, and weapons were the same, the fact that different humans had committed these attacks were a serious indicator that something was forming, or attempting to.
This was a normal job for Ran and Ambrose to be sent on, assuming Ambrose was sort of new-ish as Ran was. Compared to someone like Amir or Jin, that is. Ancients weren't bothered with these things. It was good practice for other Nightsmen and Huntsmen to break up the party before it started, and determine if there was a bigger problem such as a rogue vampire or something else behind it.
Ambrose
5 years ago
He didn't really care for the term "baby vampire" but it wasn't wrong. He just might have gone with "rookie" instead but Ambrose wasn't going to quibble over words or get into some kind of witty word play, he sucked at that sort of thing.
He also wondered how much of a rookie Ran was. Ambrose knew he was very much on the young side but there was just no way to know when looking at another vamp.
And Ran kept eating. Ambrose was considering being nauseated but he hadn't made up his mind just yet.
"There might have been an extra directive about not to shoot without asking questions first, or at least leave them able to answer questions, in my info but yeah that's what I got as well."
He suspected that was at least part of the reason Ran was here. The idea of leaving people alive to question wasn't exactly second nature for Ambrose, he was still working on that. Someone did have to ask the questions
"I didn't see any kind of pattern in the dates of the attacks and it isn't an every night gig..."
Ambrose left the statement open. Maybe Ran had seen a pattern and he'd missed it but no doubt Ran understood it could take a few tries before they got hold of anyone.
"I'd ask if you were still hungry and wanted to go fishing but..."
He nodded pointedly at the pizza box.
"But I'm game for just going for a stroll and seeing if they jump out and say boo at me."
His cane and odd limp made him look weak and like a good target. Ambrose knew that and hated it, but if they could play it to their advantage he'd do it, play it up even. Unless Ran had a better idea.
He also wondered how much of a rookie Ran was. Ambrose knew he was very much on the young side but there was just no way to know when looking at another vamp.
And Ran kept eating. Ambrose was considering being nauseated but he hadn't made up his mind just yet.
"There might have been an extra directive about not to shoot without asking questions first, or at least leave them able to answer questions, in my info but yeah that's what I got as well."
He suspected that was at least part of the reason Ran was here. The idea of leaving people alive to question wasn't exactly second nature for Ambrose, he was still working on that. Someone did have to ask the questions
"I didn't see any kind of pattern in the dates of the attacks and it isn't an every night gig..."
Ambrose left the statement open. Maybe Ran had seen a pattern and he'd missed it but no doubt Ran understood it could take a few tries before they got hold of anyone.
"I'd ask if you were still hungry and wanted to go fishing but..."
He nodded pointedly at the pizza box.
"But I'm game for just going for a stroll and seeing if they jump out and say boo at me."
His cane and odd limp made him look weak and like a good target. Ambrose knew that and hated it, but if they could play it to their advantage he'd do it, play it up even. Unless Ran had a better idea.
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
Ran barked out a laugh when Ambrose added the bit about not shooting first. He liked it. "Good to know. Not always the best advice though. I've been in a few situations where Amir's advice was very clear - don't ask fucking questions, just kill them before they kill you."
Maybe it was an Amir thing, though. Ran knew Amir didn't always have the best reputation when it came to asking first and killing later.
He 'mmmmphed' around another slice of pizza, digging into the second half of the pie, completely committed to finishing the entire thing in one go. It was just that good. Ambrose brought up patterns, fishing, and going out for a stroll as he polished off that piece and the next in quick succession.
"Patterns, no, but it's suspicious that every one of the attacks that we know of has been on an Anantya vampire. So that, to me, says either we're being targeted or we just don't know about the others because they were in different Clans. At least all of them were in the same area, so we do have an idea where to start looking."
He gestured to the box. "You sure you don't want a slice?" When Ambrose declined, Ran shrugged, took the remaining two pieces, and flipped one over, stacking it sandwich-style on top of the other with the cheese in the middle.
"We have some options. We can stalk them stalking us. I can move around pretty well unnoticed. If we use you as bait, I might be able to figure out if someone's following you. Can you stealth at all? If that's an option for us both, we could do some information gathering before we try to draw them out."
That said, he lifted up the greasy, cheesy, gooey pizza sandwich and took a big satisfying bite out of the very end, closing his eyes happily as he hit a pineapple chunk right off.
(ooc: we assumed Ambrose didn't change his mind about eating pizza)
Maybe it was an Amir thing, though. Ran knew Amir didn't always have the best reputation when it came to asking first and killing later.
He 'mmmmphed' around another slice of pizza, digging into the second half of the pie, completely committed to finishing the entire thing in one go. It was just that good. Ambrose brought up patterns, fishing, and going out for a stroll as he polished off that piece and the next in quick succession.
"Patterns, no, but it's suspicious that every one of the attacks that we know of has been on an Anantya vampire. So that, to me, says either we're being targeted or we just don't know about the others because they were in different Clans. At least all of them were in the same area, so we do have an idea where to start looking."
He gestured to the box. "You sure you don't want a slice?" When Ambrose declined, Ran shrugged, took the remaining two pieces, and flipped one over, stacking it sandwich-style on top of the other with the cheese in the middle.
"We have some options. We can stalk them stalking us. I can move around pretty well unnoticed. If we use you as bait, I might be able to figure out if someone's following you. Can you stealth at all? If that's an option for us both, we could do some information gathering before we try to draw them out."
That said, he lifted up the greasy, cheesy, gooey pizza sandwich and took a big satisfying bite out of the very end, closing his eyes happily as he hit a pineapple chunk right off.
(ooc: we assumed Ambrose didn't change his mind about eating pizza)
Ambrose
5 years ago
"I've never been good at directives so it was more like a reminder."
Ambrose qualified before nodding at what Ran said. He'd talked to Rashid a couple of times, even read that damned Art of War book finally because of one of their conversations. He wouldn't go so far as to call the senior Huntsman a mentor or a friend but he'd been helpful in his own way. He didn't seem to loath Ambrose's existence as a lame hunter either. Ambrose took that as a win.
"Can't disagree with Rashid there... which is why I got the reminder."
How was Ran still eating? Seriously? He could understand eating to some extent, food tasted good and it could be enjoyable and their kind didn't gain weight or have to worry about cholesterol and whatever but you still got full. Vampire did not equal bottomless pit... usually.
"It wouldn't surprise me if we pissed someone off."
Ambrose agreed as he waived off the offer of a slice and tries not to wretch at the improvised grilled cheese thing. He was morbidly curious if Ran was going to finish the pie. It sure looked that way
Sensible to ask about his abilities, honestly Ambrose should be asking Ran the same thing. He shook his head at the question of stealth.
"Command. Perception. And I tend to be a bit obvious when I walk anywhere."
He nodded at the head of his cane which was hooked on the table top.
Ambrose occasionally wondered what other abilities he might develop. He had a bit of a morbid fear/recurring nightmare where he wound up shapeshifting into a three legged coyote.
"Tends to make me a tempting target though."
He had at least started learning how to handle himself in a brawl again though. Bastard who'd attacked the waif had showed him that weaknesses and Ambrose had set about correcting it, it was a work in progress but he was miles ahead of where he had been. Better yet he was getting some confidence back.
"Exactly how sneaky do you get?"
He asked curiously. Honestly knowing what Ran was capable of could very much change how they handle this. They really should know what cards they had before making a bet.
((OOC... we can change anything. Just say boo.))
Ambrose qualified before nodding at what Ran said. He'd talked to Rashid a couple of times, even read that damned Art of War book finally because of one of their conversations. He wouldn't go so far as to call the senior Huntsman a mentor or a friend but he'd been helpful in his own way. He didn't seem to loath Ambrose's existence as a lame hunter either. Ambrose took that as a win.
"Can't disagree with Rashid there... which is why I got the reminder."
How was Ran still eating? Seriously? He could understand eating to some extent, food tasted good and it could be enjoyable and their kind didn't gain weight or have to worry about cholesterol and whatever but you still got full. Vampire did not equal bottomless pit... usually.
"It wouldn't surprise me if we pissed someone off."
Ambrose agreed as he waived off the offer of a slice and tries not to wretch at the improvised grilled cheese thing. He was morbidly curious if Ran was going to finish the pie. It sure looked that way
Sensible to ask about his abilities, honestly Ambrose should be asking Ran the same thing. He shook his head at the question of stealth.
"Command. Perception. And I tend to be a bit obvious when I walk anywhere."
He nodded at the head of his cane which was hooked on the table top.
Ambrose occasionally wondered what other abilities he might develop. He had a bit of a morbid fear/recurring nightmare where he wound up shapeshifting into a three legged coyote.
"Tends to make me a tempting target though."
He had at least started learning how to handle himself in a brawl again though. Bastard who'd attacked the waif had showed him that weaknesses and Ambrose had set about correcting it, it was a work in progress but he was miles ahead of where he had been. Better yet he was getting some confidence back.
"Exactly how sneaky do you get?"
He asked curiously. Honestly knowing what Ran was capable of could very much change how they handle this. They really should know what cards they had before making a bet.
((OOC... we can change anything. Just say boo.))
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
Ran munched steadily while Ambrose spoke. He empathized with the inability to follow directions; although he wasn't the shoot first type he was definitely the 'oh you needed that done on a specific timeline?' type. He was pretty good about the important things but when he wasn't under a time crunch Ran could be easily distracted.
He had already known about Ambrose's missing leg. A one-legged vampire was pretty rare, and Ran only knew of one Anantya who fit that description. It did seem that, of the two of them, Ambrose was more likely to be a tempting target. Difficult to be sneaky, too, when your abilities didn't offer much help. Command and Perception, though, Ran imagined were highly useful to a Huntsman.
When his own abilities were questioned, Ran smiled. "Varying degrees of stealth. I can blend, which is probably the easiest. I can also shapeshift to my bird form. Useful for getting around that way. There's also this."
Ran continued to grin, though it turned decidedly impish as he used his remaining ability to take control of Ambrose's hands, forming them into finger guns and making him do a quick John Travolta style hand-jive, like the one from Grease.
"Fun for parties, but also great on pesky attacking humans."
He couldn't even count the number of times he'd fumbled a human into tripping or missing a punch.
(ooc: permission for Puppet Master on Ambrose.)
He had already known about Ambrose's missing leg. A one-legged vampire was pretty rare, and Ran only knew of one Anantya who fit that description. It did seem that, of the two of them, Ambrose was more likely to be a tempting target. Difficult to be sneaky, too, when your abilities didn't offer much help. Command and Perception, though, Ran imagined were highly useful to a Huntsman.
When his own abilities were questioned, Ran smiled. "Varying degrees of stealth. I can blend, which is probably the easiest. I can also shapeshift to my bird form. Useful for getting around that way. There's also this."
Ran continued to grin, though it turned decidedly impish as he used his remaining ability to take control of Ambrose's hands, forming them into finger guns and making him do a quick John Travolta style hand-jive, like the one from Grease.
"Fun for parties, but also great on pesky attacking humans."
He couldn't even count the number of times he'd fumbled a human into tripping or missing a punch.
(ooc: permission for Puppet Master on Ambrose.)
Ambrose
5 years ago
Blending? Probably damned handy as a Nightsman. Personally, Ambrose thought he did well enough on his own, he wasn't exactly the kind of guy who stood out and he had learned how to get himself overlooked. It wasn't sure thing and had nothing to do with being a vampire you just learned how not to call attention to yourself. Although, given the look Ran had going on he'd never wanted to learn that skill.
"Peacock?"
He asked with a faint, but wry smile. Ambrose did have a sense of humor and he couldn't stop himself here. No offense was meant, it was just the first bird that popped into his head looking at his pizza eating companion. If Ran was the sneaky sort that was undoubtedly the wrong bird, but there was no way he was the first person to associate the blue haired vampire across from him with the flashy bird.
And then his hands took on a life of their own. Ambrose was dead certain he'd never done a hand jive in his life. He objected strenuously and did his best to wrest control back from Ran. Fortunately Ran wasn't out to be obnoxious, just demonstrate and he didn't push things too far.
"Hey now!"
Even with control back Ambrose still scowled at his hand shaking them out feeling more than slightly betrayed by his own body. Damned creepy sensation, he didn't care for it at all and hoped they'd never have a repeat.
"Yeah I can see where it would be more than a little handy, but we may have to come up with some rules about that."
He didn't really think any self respecting member of any order would do anything to fuck with their partner for any given assignment. But the sensation had left Ambrose a little unsettled. He'd not enjoyed it.
After a little thought, he also decided given Ran's talents Ambrose suspected that despite appearances Ran was probably a fair bit older than he was. Sure that didn't take a lot, just something to keep in mind.
"Peacock?"
He asked with a faint, but wry smile. Ambrose did have a sense of humor and he couldn't stop himself here. No offense was meant, it was just the first bird that popped into his head looking at his pizza eating companion. If Ran was the sneaky sort that was undoubtedly the wrong bird, but there was no way he was the first person to associate the blue haired vampire across from him with the flashy bird.
And then his hands took on a life of their own. Ambrose was dead certain he'd never done a hand jive in his life. He objected strenuously and did his best to wrest control back from Ran. Fortunately Ran wasn't out to be obnoxious, just demonstrate and he didn't push things too far.
"Hey now!"
Even with control back Ambrose still scowled at his hand shaking them out feeling more than slightly betrayed by his own body. Damned creepy sensation, he didn't care for it at all and hoped they'd never have a repeat.
"Yeah I can see where it would be more than a little handy, but we may have to come up with some rules about that."
He didn't really think any self respecting member of any order would do anything to fuck with their partner for any given assignment. But the sensation had left Ambrose a little unsettled. He'd not enjoyed it.
After a little thought, he also decided given Ran's talents Ambrose suspected that despite appearances Ran was probably a fair bit older than he was. Sure that didn't take a lot, just something to keep in mind.
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
Ran smirked at Ambrose's guess for his shapeshifted form. "Man, if I had a nickel every time someone guessed that. No, not a peacock. Indian Roller. It's a songbird. Bright, fluffy, super acrobatic. Unremarkable if you know nothing about birds. But any ornithologist worth their salt will know I'm not a native."
There was no way he'd pass for anything except a non-native species. Indian rollers didn't live in the Americas and there were almost no equivalents he could be compared to.
Ambrose's reaction to his involuntary impromptu dance was a lot of fun. Ran released his Clanmate as he finished up the last bit of crispy doughy pizza crust and shrugged. "I probably wouldn't follow whatever rule you decided to make up, anyway, but sure. Go right ahead."
Ran wasn't the sort to really fuck around with people who didn't want to be fucked with. On occasion he messed with someone, but in general he kept his abilities to himself. Mostly.
"So we are left trying to figure out who, if anyone, is directing these humans. If it's no one, then we stomp them and hide the bodies. If it's someone, we get everything we need to find that person, then stomp all of them and hide the bodies. I mean, that was mostly what I got out of everything. It might take us a few trips out to figure out who it is. If you want to be the bait that's fine by me. You can look appropriately vampire-y and I can watch to see if you draw attention from anyone."
There was no way he'd pass for anything except a non-native species. Indian rollers didn't live in the Americas and there were almost no equivalents he could be compared to.
Ambrose's reaction to his involuntary impromptu dance was a lot of fun. Ran released his Clanmate as he finished up the last bit of crispy doughy pizza crust and shrugged. "I probably wouldn't follow whatever rule you decided to make up, anyway, but sure. Go right ahead."
Ran wasn't the sort to really fuck around with people who didn't want to be fucked with. On occasion he messed with someone, but in general he kept his abilities to himself. Mostly.
"So we are left trying to figure out who, if anyone, is directing these humans. If it's no one, then we stomp them and hide the bodies. If it's someone, we get everything we need to find that person, then stomp all of them and hide the bodies. I mean, that was mostly what I got out of everything. It might take us a few trips out to figure out who it is. If you want to be the bait that's fine by me. You can look appropriately vampire-y and I can watch to see if you draw attention from anyone."
Ambrose
5 years ago
No one ever said Ambrose was overly clever. He wasn't surprised that he wasn't the first to guess peacock and he was sure be wouldn't be the last. Based on his short conversation with Ran so far the acrobatic bird seemed like a lot better fit than a sparrow or a hawk of some kind. He'd look it up later, couldn't hurt to know more.
"I guess we're going to be using bird calls as an alert then."
That amused Ambrose, it was such a hackneyed cliche idea especially in westerns but if Ran really was a bird in his off hours... well it made him smile.
Of course, so did the idea that he'd gotten hooked up with another bit of a rebel. Ambrose wasn't great at following rules either, at least not unless he had a damned good reason. He respected that and decided he could probably work with the blue haired pizza eating vampire.
"If you're not following it, I'm not making it. You'd probably just break it just because it was there. I know I would."
Ambrose liked the direct and simple nature of Ran's plan. It suited him and his own straight forward nature.
"You sure you want to hide all the bodies? Not in the mood to send a message?"
Although, if they did their job right there would be no one to send a message to so that was kind of a rhetorical question. It only really crossed his mind based on a conversation he and Rashid had at one point.
The idea of looking appropriately "vampire-y" gave Ambrose pause, made him frown as he considered it.
"I've got no problem being bait, especially as last I checked, it was my job to keep you from getting any more trounced than you have to."
Ambrose did take his work seriously and while he knew The Night could take care of themselves, they weren't delicate flowers but the Hunt had their job too.
"But the cane... I don't always look quite as dramatic undead as I might. If they don't like me as bait you ok switching it up"
He did refrain from mentioning that Ran kind of reminded him of a couple of fishing lures in his tackle box. But even Belle had assumed he was a familiar rather than a vampire early in their relationship and she wasn't the only one who'd just assumed he was human based on that one thing.
"I guess we're going to be using bird calls as an alert then."
That amused Ambrose, it was such a hackneyed cliche idea especially in westerns but if Ran really was a bird in his off hours... well it made him smile.
Of course, so did the idea that he'd gotten hooked up with another bit of a rebel. Ambrose wasn't great at following rules either, at least not unless he had a damned good reason. He respected that and decided he could probably work with the blue haired pizza eating vampire.
"If you're not following it, I'm not making it. You'd probably just break it just because it was there. I know I would."
Ambrose liked the direct and simple nature of Ran's plan. It suited him and his own straight forward nature.
"You sure you want to hide all the bodies? Not in the mood to send a message?"
Although, if they did their job right there would be no one to send a message to so that was kind of a rhetorical question. It only really crossed his mind based on a conversation he and Rashid had at one point.
The idea of looking appropriately "vampire-y" gave Ambrose pause, made him frown as he considered it.
"I've got no problem being bait, especially as last I checked, it was my job to keep you from getting any more trounced than you have to."
Ambrose did take his work seriously and while he knew The Night could take care of themselves, they weren't delicate flowers but the Hunt had their job too.
"But the cane... I don't always look quite as dramatic undead as I might. If they don't like me as bait you ok switching it up"
He did refrain from mentioning that Ran kind of reminded him of a couple of fishing lures in his tackle box. But even Belle had assumed he was a familiar rather than a vampire early in their relationship and she wasn't the only one who'd just assumed he was human based on that one thing.
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
"Well, if you speak fluent bird I guess we could, but I'm pretty sure I can keep up with you and stay blended."
Ran figure blending would probably be their best bet; fluttering around as a Roller would probably draw too much attention at night, if they were going to explore the back alleys the previous attacks had taken place.
Ambrose brought up the topic of bodies, and Ran shrugged. "I don't know. Leaving a body seems too cliche. I'm all for sending messages but maybe something a little less Angela Lansbury. I mean, do I look like the kind of guy who wants to be part of the crowd?"
He grinned at his partner-to-be, gesturing at himself. "Peacock, right?" He'd never put too much stock in fitting in, having been shaped by a community that never let him anyway. It was easier to embrace being the odd man out, the weird standout, than to accept being outcast and let it bring him down. He'd seen no reason to change that stance in his several centuries, and it was probably too deeply ingrained a trait to change now.
They came around to the topic of bait once more and Ran shrugged. "I don't think you need to look appropriately vampiric. But I'm not bothered by role reversal either. If you think I'm best as bait, I'll be the bait."
He wasn't going to point out that he was pretty sure he could handle himself in a fight, certainly as well as Ambrose could. But it was true that Ambrose was meant to be protection and Ran was to be the sleuth.
"However you want to go in is fine with me. Just remember, we want answers first, not bodies, if we can avoid it."
Ran figure blending would probably be their best bet; fluttering around as a Roller would probably draw too much attention at night, if they were going to explore the back alleys the previous attacks had taken place.
Ambrose brought up the topic of bodies, and Ran shrugged. "I don't know. Leaving a body seems too cliche. I'm all for sending messages but maybe something a little less Angela Lansbury. I mean, do I look like the kind of guy who wants to be part of the crowd?"
He grinned at his partner-to-be, gesturing at himself. "Peacock, right?" He'd never put too much stock in fitting in, having been shaped by a community that never let him anyway. It was easier to embrace being the odd man out, the weird standout, than to accept being outcast and let it bring him down. He'd seen no reason to change that stance in his several centuries, and it was probably too deeply ingrained a trait to change now.
They came around to the topic of bait once more and Ran shrugged. "I don't think you need to look appropriately vampiric. But I'm not bothered by role reversal either. If you think I'm best as bait, I'll be the bait."
He wasn't going to point out that he was pretty sure he could handle himself in a fight, certainly as well as Ambrose could. But it was true that Ambrose was meant to be protection and Ran was to be the sleuth.
"However you want to go in is fine with me. Just remember, we want answers first, not bodies, if we can avoid it."
Ambrose
5 years ago
Well either Ran didn't get the joke, hadn't seen enough westerns or Ambrose wasn't as funny as he thought. Hell it could be a combination of all three. Ambrose wasn't worried about it. He wasn't worried about the Nightsman keeping up either, nope if anything Ambrose figured he'd be the green one in this outing. No way in hell would they pair him up with someone totally untried. So he just nodded his agreement.
He had no idea who the hell Angela Lansbury was but decided not to worry about it. It didn't seem relevant. Maybe he'd remember to look it up later, maybe he wouldn't.
"Depends on the crowd I'd say."
Sure Ran had one hell of a look going on and he probably stood out like nobody's business in most situations and most groups but Ambrose knew places and times where Ran would practically blend in. Not totally, the contacts were freaky, but he wouldn't be so insanely obvious. After all if you got a lot of peacocks all together it would be harder to pick out just one.
It was something that was ok with him too. Honestly Ambrose had never set too much store in being just like everyone else. His way of standing out was a lot more subtle thought, more like standing apart rather than standing out.
"All right then we'll play that by ear, see what lure these minnows want to bite at."
It seemed like Ran was apt to be flexible and Ambrose really appreciated that made life a whole lot easier when things changed on the fly. Speaking of which,
"Is catch and release on the table? Between you're invisibility cloak and feathers we might be able to find a base."
Command should work but if you didn't know what questions to ask you could miss valuable information. Honestly, he just didn't want to shoot anyone they were deliberately letting go.
He had no idea who the hell Angela Lansbury was but decided not to worry about it. It didn't seem relevant. Maybe he'd remember to look it up later, maybe he wouldn't.
"Depends on the crowd I'd say."
Sure Ran had one hell of a look going on and he probably stood out like nobody's business in most situations and most groups but Ambrose knew places and times where Ran would practically blend in. Not totally, the contacts were freaky, but he wouldn't be so insanely obvious. After all if you got a lot of peacocks all together it would be harder to pick out just one.
It was something that was ok with him too. Honestly Ambrose had never set too much store in being just like everyone else. His way of standing out was a lot more subtle thought, more like standing apart rather than standing out.
"All right then we'll play that by ear, see what lure these minnows want to bite at."
It seemed like Ran was apt to be flexible and Ambrose really appreciated that made life a whole lot easier when things changed on the fly. Speaking of which,
"Is catch and release on the table? Between you're invisibility cloak and feathers we might be able to find a base."
Command should work but if you didn't know what questions to ask you could miss valuable information. Honestly, he just didn't want to shoot anyone they were deliberately letting go.
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
Ran flipped a grin at Ambrose and wobbled his hand back and forth. He couldn't think of many times when eh really wanted to be part of the crowd, even as a Nightsman. He was unorthodox, to be sure, but everyone had their place.
He gave a short, decisive nod when they seemed to agree on their bait and track trick. "It's a plan," he said. Then he shrugged. "Maybe not much of one, but it's what we've got for now. So we'll see what happens."
Ambrose asked about catch and release and Ran nodded enthusiastically. "Honestly, catch and release would be ideal. If we can question them and let them go, I can track them down pretty easily. They won't know I'm following. Maybe we'll get some clues from there."
He stretched up, crossed his arms behind his head, and leaned back. "When do we want to get this done? I'm good to go any time. How long does it take to clean that gun? Are you hungry? I noticed you didn't eat."
He smirked, knowing his pizza binge hadn't gone unnoticed. It occurred to him that they could use Mina as part of the act if they really needed a human 'target' to 'hunt' but he'd honestly not rather have his familiar anywhere near a dicey situation.
He gave a short, decisive nod when they seemed to agree on their bait and track trick. "It's a plan," he said. Then he shrugged. "Maybe not much of one, but it's what we've got for now. So we'll see what happens."
Ambrose asked about catch and release and Ran nodded enthusiastically. "Honestly, catch and release would be ideal. If we can question them and let them go, I can track them down pretty easily. They won't know I'm following. Maybe we'll get some clues from there."
He stretched up, crossed his arms behind his head, and leaned back. "When do we want to get this done? I'm good to go any time. How long does it take to clean that gun? Are you hungry? I noticed you didn't eat."
He smirked, knowing his pizza binge hadn't gone unnoticed. It occurred to him that they could use Mina as part of the act if they really needed a human 'target' to 'hunt' but he'd honestly not rather have his familiar anywhere near a dicey situation.
Ambrose
5 years ago
"Ya gotta start somewhere."
Ambrose said with a bit of a shrug. It was more of a plan he'd had in some situations, less than others and he'd only rarely known any plan to run exactly so it was always good to have some flexibility.
Ok then. That is exactly what he wanted to know, he'd try and avoid maiming any one too baddly didn't want to give them any hints they didn't have to and more so didn't want them getting any ideas about fighting fire with fire. He nodded his understanding and agreement.
"Well then I'll try and keep at least one or two of them in one piece then."
He shook his head at Ran's question about being hungry. Ambrose considered himself lucky he hadn't been too grossed out by the whole pizza thing. Blech.
"I'm between gigs so I'm ready anytime you are. Tomorrow works for me."
Hell they could start tonight if Ran wanted right now even.
"That gun has been cleaned a while now. I've got others I could dawdle over if you want and no... not hungry. But maybe next time you want to get some tacos instead."
He didn't want one now, probably would still turn Ran down if he did bring a bunch of tacos they'd just be less.... Weird than one guy eating a whole pizza.
Ambrose said with a bit of a shrug. It was more of a plan he'd had in some situations, less than others and he'd only rarely known any plan to run exactly so it was always good to have some flexibility.
Ok then. That is exactly what he wanted to know, he'd try and avoid maiming any one too baddly didn't want to give them any hints they didn't have to and more so didn't want them getting any ideas about fighting fire with fire. He nodded his understanding and agreement.
"Well then I'll try and keep at least one or two of them in one piece then."
He shook his head at Ran's question about being hungry. Ambrose considered himself lucky he hadn't been too grossed out by the whole pizza thing. Blech.
"I'm between gigs so I'm ready anytime you are. Tomorrow works for me."
Hell they could start tonight if Ran wanted right now even.
"That gun has been cleaned a while now. I've got others I could dawdle over if you want and no... not hungry. But maybe next time you want to get some tacos instead."
He didn't want one now, probably would still turn Ran down if he did bring a bunch of tacos they'd just be less.... Weird than one guy eating a whole pizza.
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
"Yeah, this is as good a place as any I suppose."
He considered where they might go to provoke an attack. All of them so far had been in or near the same location, so at least they knew that much. Ambrose would have to lure someone there or find someone, but they were all vampires. He assumed they all knew how to do that without too much trouble.
He grinned at Ambrose's plan to keep the attacker or attackers whole. "Seems like it's just been one at a time, so yeah. Let's try to preserve them. If you can capture, I can question, and then we can release and I'll attempt to follow. I guess our other option would be for me to stay hidden, let you fight them off, and then follow without them knowing I was ever there. That might be a better option. Can you reliably pretend to be too injured or startled to kill or follow?"
He didn't assume for a second that just because Ambrose had one leg that he couldn't fend for himself. No vampire lived long without being able to do that - and definitely not a Hunstman. The question to Ran would be if Ambrose could convincingly play a role to keep any attention on himself, look hurt enough to not follow his attacker while not getting hurt himself, and let Ran track their victim without the human knowing it was happening.
It put a lot on Ambrose, but one human versus one vampire should be all right.
He considered where they might go to provoke an attack. All of them so far had been in or near the same location, so at least they knew that much. Ambrose would have to lure someone there or find someone, but they were all vampires. He assumed they all knew how to do that without too much trouble.
He grinned at Ambrose's plan to keep the attacker or attackers whole. "Seems like it's just been one at a time, so yeah. Let's try to preserve them. If you can capture, I can question, and then we can release and I'll attempt to follow. I guess our other option would be for me to stay hidden, let you fight them off, and then follow without them knowing I was ever there. That might be a better option. Can you reliably pretend to be too injured or startled to kill or follow?"
He didn't assume for a second that just because Ambrose had one leg that he couldn't fend for himself. No vampire lived long without being able to do that - and definitely not a Hunstman. The question to Ran would be if Ambrose could convincingly play a role to keep any attention on himself, look hurt enough to not follow his attacker while not getting hurt himself, and let Ran track their victim without the human knowing it was happening.
It put a lot on Ambrose, but one human versus one vampire should be all right.
Ambrose
5 years ago
"If we're a little patient I'm betting we can do both. If we question him and I can get 'em to forget it then the next night you can do a full on follow."
He really didn't see why they couldn't do both and get the job done totally right. It would be like leaving half the herd you were rustling loose for the next guy to pick up. Although, maybe there was more of a time limit on this than he realized and he doubted they could manage both in one night. They might manage though so far these humans didn't seem to spook too easy, they did keep trying after all.
"Let's gun for the stalky plan first."
Ambrose thought about what Ran was saying and really considered it. It wasn't too far fetched for him to chase someone off but it was typically because he was being a bit if an ass and they just wanted rid of him. He wished he'd spent some time working with Damaris, her maker(s) were both part of the Night and so she'd picked up a bit of theatrically. Could he get some to run home because they thought he was hurt or scared? Both went against the grain. After a second Ambrose decided it was possible. If nothing else he could probably use command to make them see it even if he couldn't act the part.
"I think I can. Might... -might- be able to convince them they've done me in if we need but I wouldn't want to swear to that, I've never tried."
Let them get a bit of a hit on him, get some blood, add in some command... it might work. Seemed odd to get deliberately hit but it wasn't like it was going to kill him. He just had to keep from getting hit bad enough that he couldn't cover Ran and/or take out the punks.
He really didn't see why they couldn't do both and get the job done totally right. It would be like leaving half the herd you were rustling loose for the next guy to pick up. Although, maybe there was more of a time limit on this than he realized and he doubted they could manage both in one night. They might manage though so far these humans didn't seem to spook too easy, they did keep trying after all.
"Let's gun for the stalky plan first."
Ambrose thought about what Ran was saying and really considered it. It wasn't too far fetched for him to chase someone off but it was typically because he was being a bit if an ass and they just wanted rid of him. He wished he'd spent some time working with Damaris, her maker(s) were both part of the Night and so she'd picked up a bit of theatrically. Could he get some to run home because they thought he was hurt or scared? Both went against the grain. After a second Ambrose decided it was possible. If nothing else he could probably use command to make them see it even if he couldn't act the part.
"I think I can. Might... -might- be able to convince them they've done me in if we need but I wouldn't want to swear to that, I've never tried."
Let them get a bit of a hit on him, get some blood, add in some command... it might work. Seemed odd to get deliberately hit but it wasn't like it was going to kill him. He just had to keep from getting hit bad enough that he couldn't cover Ran and/or take out the punks.
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
Ran shook his head quickly. "No, they don't need to think they've done you in. I imagine they'd be expecting to see dust. They just need to be confident you're not following them and that they've fought you off and saved themselves. Remember, in every one of these attacks so far they've been snacked on and let go. You can snack but snack lightly if you want. I need to be have a target to follow."
He tilted his head at Ambrose, hoping he wasn't about to offend him, but forged ahead anyway. "I was more thinking you could play up the leg thing. You know? Limp heavily, groan and moan, make it seem like you just can't catch them on foot. So they won't want to fuck with you anymore, but they can't win so it's back to the drawing board."
That was what he'd meant when he'd said Ambrose might need to act convincingly. He didn't doubt for a second the Huntsman could kill a human, armed or not. That was why he was a Huntsman. But the human attacker would need to believe Ambrose was both too difficult to kill and also too injured to follow. It would leave Ran free to pursue stealthily, with the human hopefully none the wiser.
"Of course, there's nothing wrong with you just catching them immediately and me questioning. Then you can do your Command voodoo and we can let them go. You tell me which you want. We can do either."
They were also assuming there would only be one attacker. Maybe, after several unsuccessful kills, the humans would up their game.
He tilted his head at Ambrose, hoping he wasn't about to offend him, but forged ahead anyway. "I was more thinking you could play up the leg thing. You know? Limp heavily, groan and moan, make it seem like you just can't catch them on foot. So they won't want to fuck with you anymore, but they can't win so it's back to the drawing board."
That was what he'd meant when he'd said Ambrose might need to act convincingly. He didn't doubt for a second the Huntsman could kill a human, armed or not. That was why he was a Huntsman. But the human attacker would need to believe Ambrose was both too difficult to kill and also too injured to follow. It would leave Ran free to pursue stealthily, with the human hopefully none the wiser.
"Of course, there's nothing wrong with you just catching them immediately and me questioning. Then you can do your Command voodoo and we can let them go. You tell me which you want. We can do either."
They were also assuming there would only be one attacker. Maybe, after several unsuccessful kills, the humans would up their game.
Ambrose
5 years ago
Play up the leg? Ambrose almost laughed. Ran had no way of knowing how much he'd worked on downplaying it, of getting around smoothly and naturally and without his cane. Yeah, he could totally play it up it wouldn't even take that much.
"Shouldn't be an issue and should keep me from over acting. We'll save that for another go."
Maybe that was a weakness, something he should look into fixing. He'd never had to be too stealthy. Sure, here and there occasionally he'd counted on an alias or some lurking in the shadows or whatever was appropriate but it wasn't something he needed to do often. He might look up a senior member of the hunt once this was done and talk to them. Mind the only two he had much regard for as of right now were the elder, Rashid and his own maker. Well it was a start.
"Alright sounds like a solid enough plan to me. If you're bait I'm guessing you're ok until I can get in and help make them agreeable enough to answer some questions and then we send them on home for you to follow."
Yup it was simple, flexible and do able. They didn't even need to really change it up much if Ran became the bait. Ambrose was really anxious to get going and get this done.
"I'm ready whenever you are."
"Shouldn't be an issue and should keep me from over acting. We'll save that for another go."
Maybe that was a weakness, something he should look into fixing. He'd never had to be too stealthy. Sure, here and there occasionally he'd counted on an alias or some lurking in the shadows or whatever was appropriate but it wasn't something he needed to do often. He might look up a senior member of the hunt once this was done and talk to them. Mind the only two he had much regard for as of right now were the elder, Rashid and his own maker. Well it was a start.
"Alright sounds like a solid enough plan to me. If you're bait I'm guessing you're ok until I can get in and help make them agreeable enough to answer some questions and then we send them on home for you to follow."
Yup it was simple, flexible and do able. They didn't even need to really change it up much if Ran became the bait. Ambrose was really anxious to get going and get this done.
"I'm ready whenever you are."
Ran Iyala
5 years ago
Ran grinned at Ambrose. "I'm more than okay on my own against a human or two." He didn't remind Ambrose about the hand jive, although he was tempted to. Even without having been trained by Amir Ran's abilities were more than sufficient to keep him out of most scrapes unless his opponent was just as undead as he.
Ambrose claimed to be ready any time, but Ran felt like he should do a little more research first. Be responsible. That kind of thing. He definitely appeared to be the more senior of the two of them, at any rate.
"Tomorrow night," he said. "Let me take tonight to skulk around and see if I see anything suspicious or interesting. Tomorrow we can get out there and try to get one or the other of us jumped."
It might not be too hard, given the nature of the previous attacks. Ran still wondered about them, but honestly they seemed like maybe some kind of weird vampire hunter cult. They happened now and then. Whatever they were, they'd figure it out and squash them pretty quickly.
"I'll message you if anything changes, but for now how about we plan to meet here same time tomorrow?"
((ooc: Ran out, pending response))
Ambrose claimed to be ready any time, but Ran felt like he should do a little more research first. Be responsible. That kind of thing. He definitely appeared to be the more senior of the two of them, at any rate.
"Tomorrow night," he said. "Let me take tonight to skulk around and see if I see anything suspicious or interesting. Tomorrow we can get out there and try to get one or the other of us jumped."
It might not be too hard, given the nature of the previous attacks. Ran still wondered about them, but honestly they seemed like maybe some kind of weird vampire hunter cult. They happened now and then. Whatever they were, they'd figure it out and squash them pretty quickly.
"I'll message you if anything changes, but for now how about we plan to meet here same time tomorrow?"
((ooc: Ran out, pending response))
Ambrose
5 years ago
"Good. Be a shame to mess up your pretty face."
Ambrose had not doubt Ran could hold his own and he was still impressed by Ran's look. Not intimidated, not off put, not offended, just kind of impressed. It was a lot of look and he wore it in a perfectly natural way, he sure seemed perfectly comfortable in it so Ambrose thought it should be ok to joke about it. Especially given Ran's whole hand jive stunt.
He thought about getting bristley when Ran said he wanted to poke around solo tonight but then reconsidered. If he didn't trust Ran now to just do his job as a member of the night and lurk about they'd make a damned poor team. Still, Ambrose did take his work seriously, personally even. He couldn't leave it totally alone.
"I don't mind tagging along, just sit in the truck, no fishing, just so you're not flying totally solo."
It was all Ran's call and Ambrose wasn't about to feel bad either way. Some people might think he was impulsive and very action oriented given his cowboy gun slinger days but the God's honest truth about being a shootist was there was a fuck ton of waiting around. Ambrose was actually ok being patient and just waiting for something to happen. But he also wasn't cocky enough to think he was absolutely needed. He could wait elsewhere and nodded at Ran's plan.
"I'll be here. Looking forward to it even"
He confirmed. Would give him time to sort out what he wanted to take too. Not quite the roll he planned on playing but he'd get it right because he was looking forward to it. He liked having a job to do for the clan and he did like, well, hunting.
((OOC our as well))
Ambrose had not doubt Ran could hold his own and he was still impressed by Ran's look. Not intimidated, not off put, not offended, just kind of impressed. It was a lot of look and he wore it in a perfectly natural way, he sure seemed perfectly comfortable in it so Ambrose thought it should be ok to joke about it. Especially given Ran's whole hand jive stunt.
He thought about getting bristley when Ran said he wanted to poke around solo tonight but then reconsidered. If he didn't trust Ran now to just do his job as a member of the night and lurk about they'd make a damned poor team. Still, Ambrose did take his work seriously, personally even. He couldn't leave it totally alone.
"I don't mind tagging along, just sit in the truck, no fishing, just so you're not flying totally solo."
It was all Ran's call and Ambrose wasn't about to feel bad either way. Some people might think he was impulsive and very action oriented given his cowboy gun slinger days but the God's honest truth about being a shootist was there was a fuck ton of waiting around. Ambrose was actually ok being patient and just waiting for something to happen. But he also wasn't cocky enough to think he was absolutely needed. He could wait elsewhere and nodded at Ran's plan.
"I'll be here. Looking forward to it even"
He confirmed. Would give him time to sort out what he wanted to take too. Not quite the roll he planned on playing but he'd get it right because he was looking forward to it. He liked having a job to do for the clan and he did like, well, hunting.
((OOC our as well))