| Interlude |
[29 Dec 2004|02:06am] |
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mood |
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 weird |
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music |
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Strange Currencies - R.E.M. |
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December gave Jade a while in the tub without interrupting him, spending her time lighting candles for light and shutting off the godawful overhead one. Her head was pounding now. She'd sat in the windowframe and watched nothing happen on the streets below, and now she stood, padding over to grab up the ointment he'd brought there for her originally. She headed for the bathroom, listening at the door for a moment before barging in without warning. She'd neglected to mention that the door lock didn't actually work.
Jade was finally warm; he was reclining in the tub with his neck above water level, mostly asleep. He startled when the door opened, snagging his washcloth and spreading it over what needed to be covered. "Damn, girl! Isn't the word 'knock' in your vocabulary?" At least it was December and not Tyler; thank God for small favors.
( it's your color )
( negotiable )
( are you jealous? (pg-13) )
( strange bedfellows )
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| NEXT WEEK: |
[29 Dec 2004|03:17am] |
EARL'S GRAY
A new column by Earl Grumplestilts on what Searchlight has to offer for its elderly members.
VAST CHICKEN WING CONSPIRACY
Interviews with the people who get paid to make the food you eat, here in Searchlight, including an interview with the diner's new chef. Tried pulling the wool over us simple folk and telling us he was a ninja - that whacky guy!
A FUN NIGHT IN
Making the most out of using telephone wires to order movies through the new marvel of science, the 'Interweb', by our resident technical expert, Bob 'Wired For Fun' Nutsack.
CIVIL RIGHTS (AND WRONGS)
Verlie's step-by-step 'How To' guide on minding your manners.
DOGGY STYLE
Searchlight's many dog owners and their favourite clothes.
WEASEL HELL
The results of our hard hitting investigation on the illegal craze sweeping Nevada, where grown men release weasels from bags and fight them to the death. Learn about this terrifying new threat to society and why it must be stopped.
'CLOWN' IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD
Why Searchlight's very own celebrity, Misty the Snow Clown, is finding it hard to get employment: "They don't like the knife throwing thing... Kids scare too easy these days."
Read the full length interview and decide for yourself.
All in next week's edition of your local 'Searchlight Beacon'! Don't forget your copy!
[Written with amusement by E. :)]
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| Wakey, Wakey. |
[29 Dec 2004|10:06am] |
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mood |
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 thankful |
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Tyler's eyes popped open in the dark. He could feel a body next to him, and he quickly realized he was in a bed. His throat clenched a bit at first, thinking he was back in the hospital. But after a few moments of waking up, he remembered that he had stumbled up to December's apartment, in what seemed to be a strange twist of fate.
It was early now; too early for most people to be awake. Ty could move with a silence that most ghosts would envy, when he chose to do so. He got up from the bed, and looked down at December, who was with the guy that she had been with when he had shown up the night before. He was feeling much like his old self, and normally that would include making some sort of comment in his head. But as he looked down at the two of them, he couldnt only grin a bit to himself. It had been Tyler's experience that you could learn a lot from a person while they slept, if you knew how to look. Tyler mused at how much younger they both looked while they slept. December more so than Jade. Turning, he made his way over to the counter. He pulled a scrap piece of paper from his wallet, thankful he always carried some one him. Retrieving his pen, he jotted down a quick note to her:
December,
Thanks for everything. Like I said, I owe you one. I'll come by in a few days. In the meantime, take care of yourself.
Tyler signed the bottom of it, and left his phone number as well. There were always pay phones if she really was in a spot. Glancing back over at them, Ty knew that if she did need anything, she certainly had found someone to help her out. Whether or not she liked that was another story.
Slipping out of the apartment like a thief in the night, He made his was toward William's residency. He would get his truck, get home, and then take the rest of the day easy.
He was planning on having a long night.
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[29 Dec 2004|12:01pm] |
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mood |
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 scared |
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music |
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Metallica - Fuel |
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Day light spread over the town, and streamed in through the glass doors. Azure emerged from the bowling alley. "Hehe, whoops. Good thing my shift is at night." Azure held a hand to shadow his eyes and let him see as he walked out onto the dust street. He smiled contently. He felt like he actually had a chance in this crazy yet fucked up world. Yea, it didn't make sense, but how could one expect it to. Azure turned down the street heading toward his house. Matt would either be asleep or just getting up. Azure really couldn't remember anyone's schedule, but his own. Azure felt bad especially with the hours he kept. The sound of an engine was heard far behind him, he shrugged and moved more to the side of the street, not having any sidewalks made it difficult to judge when one was out of the street. The engine seemed to be very loud and getting a lot closer. The ground shook slightly. Azure turned as the car was barreling down on him. His eyes widened as he saw the white knuckles and the face with intent written all over it. Azure jumped up in time, his feet just clearing the front of the car. He kicked his legs out in a split to try and clear the roof, he wasn't going to make it. He put his hands out and swept them down as the windshield approached. He vaulted over the roof and the car zoomed out from underneath him. He landed in a crouch and turned to see the car speed off. He stared at it with the same wide eyed expression. His heart was thumping in his chest.
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I think I was almost killed again today. What fun. Someone tried to run me over. It wasn't exactly broad day light, but it was day break. I thought it was just some driver, but he was trying to run me over. I've never seen that guy before today, or anyoe else in the car. I've also never seen that car before and in this tiny damn town there's only a few cars you see every day. That one was new. I have the liscence plate number, but I don't know what to do with it. The police aren't going to care. Not like they like me that much anyway.
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| Morning |
[29 Dec 2004|12:10pm] |
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mood |
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 blank |
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( dreamtime )
Jade jerked awake, slamming his head back into the pillow as if bracing for a blow. He was vaguely aware that he was scrubbing his hands against his stomach, and he glanced down with a superstitious dread, expecting to see blood. There was nothing. His heart thudded in his throat.
December was beside him, still curled up on her side, asleep. Tyler was apparently gone; the apartment was dead silent. Jade was alone with his thoughts. He stared at the ceiling, trying to recall every detail of the dream. They were more frequent now, as they always were this time of year. It had been twenty-two years, and he could not lay her to rest. Perhaps there was a reason for that.
Jade rolled over onto his side, facing the wall, heedless that he was lying on his sore shoulder. He shivered, pulling the blanket up higher. He stared at the wall, feeling numb, until sleep overtook him again.
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| Phone Call |
[29 Dec 2004|02:58pm] |
Rhiannon shouldered her way through her front door, arms laden with grocery bags. Once inside, she kicked the door shut and flipped a switch with one elbow. Light flooded the interior of her apartment. Mary Sue came running from a back room, and Rhiannon set her bags down to lift the kitten to her neck. "Hey baby," she murmured, and tossed her keys on the counter. Her day at the bookstore had been unexpectedly busy, making this her first chance to pick up the phone. Deciding the groceries could wait, she dialed Matthew's number, nuzzling the purring kitten as it rang.
Matthew looked up from the book he had been attempting to read as his phone rang. He discarded it to one side and rolled over until he was half on and half off on his bed. His eyes and hand sought the floor of his bedroom as he attempted to reach the phone as it vibrated across the floor. He eventually grabbed it and flipped it open. "Hello?" He spoke down the line as he got back up onto his bed.
Rhiannon fidgeted with the phone cord and leaned a hip against her kitchen counter. "Hey, it's Rhiannon," she began. As the kitten began to squirm, she set her down on the floor. Her free hand ventured into a back pocket. "I'm back from Detroit. It's good to hear you're awake."
"Took me long enough." Matthew remarked with a slight chuckle. He rubbed a hand over his chest. Right over the same place the spell had struck. "How did your trip go?"
Rhiannon lifted an eyebrow and nudged Mary Sue with her boot. "I've had more fun at the emergency room. But it wasn't a complete wash. I found out how he died, sorted through the bureaucratic nightmare he left behind, and found enlightenment in the Holy Cross cemetery. There was even a random staking."
Matthew nodded his head. "Sounds like a very full trip. Did it help?" He sat up slowly and stroked a hand through his dark hair. He glanced around his room and noted that it needed a good clean. He hadn't had the energy to do much of anything. He figured he was still recovering and he would be back to normal soon enough.
( Closure, Crude Sketches, and Claims to Fame )
Matthew pulled out a black t-shirt and threw it onto his bed before he rummaged for some socks. "I'll keep the good stuff until that day comes." He yanked out some black socks and threw them over his shoulder in the hopes they would land on his bed.
Rhiannon sat on the arm of the couch and began strapping sheaths around her thigh and shins. "I knew I needed a Watcher. Have fun with the drunks."
"Have fun killing things." Matthew remarked before he paused and let a moment of silence pass before he spoke again. "It's good to hear from you."
Rhiannon lowered her right leg and smiled. "You, too. Bye."
"Cya," Matthew answered simply before he flipped his phone shut and he turned his attention to dressing himself for his shift at the bar.
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| Personal Ad |
[29 Dec 2004|03:43pm] |
37 M. LOOKING FOR SOULMATE: 18-21 FEM. MUST BE VOLUPTUOUS. MUST BE HOT. MUST BE PHYSICALLY FIT AND LIKE TO COOK AND CLEAN. R U MY SOULMATE? 563-4776; ASK 4 ROBERT.
[courtesy of Karen]
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| Wrong Turns |
[29 Dec 2004|04:19pm] |
George was back in Vegas. His senses were set to find Darian, the demon who had been so nice and a joy to meet. Something told him that Darian may have the information he was seeking. Lady Elfleda had pointed him in a direction, but the location was still a mystery. George had found a place and had done what little laundry he had, the clothes on his back. It was only slightly humiliating being near naked and sitting in an all night coin-op laundry. He felt better though with cleaner clothes. More confident, hopefully this evening would be easier then previous. A couple in an alleyway caught George's eye. They were rather amorous on the sidewalk and ducked into an alleyway. He was feeling a tad peckish. Seemed as good a time as any. He ducked into the alleyway shortly after them and smiled. They had ducked behind a dumpster. This would be very easy.
The dark-haired Slayer leaned against a brick building, half-hidden by shadows in the dirty alley. Her black boots were crossed at the ankle. One hand held the remains of a spent cigarette. The other remained in the pocket of her loose cargo pants. Her face was turned toward the street, watching and waiting for some drunken tourist to slip up, to drop their guard long enough for a vampire to pounce. It wasn't much of a wait before the couple slinked by her, completely unaware of her presence. She watched them go, arms slung carelessly around one another, stopping when they reached a dumpster. "Classy," she murmured, flicking her cigarette aside. The vampire wasn't far behind. As he passed, Rhiannon peeled herself away from the wall and followed.
George moved quickly through the alleyway muck. The shadow he had picked up piqued his attention. A three-course meal in one night, lucky. He sniffed the air; he could get a female, but something stung him in the sinuses. A scent of something else. George shrugged it off and peeked around the side seeing the couple. They were locked in a lover's embrace. At another time, George would have felt more appreciative of their love. Right now, the throbbing of the vein on the side of the woman's neck was much more alluring. He shoved a hand out and pinned the man to the wall. His other hand wrapped around the woman's face, pulled her to his chest and craned her neck. Both tried to scream, but it was more of a whimper. He didn't waste an explanation; he sunk his teeth into her flesh and let the warm fluid spray forth.
Rhiannon unsheathed a knife and advanced on the vampire in three quick strides. The fingers of her free hand threaded through his hair and held on tight. She jerked him back towards her, wrapping her arm around his neck and holding the knife to his jugular vein. If he didn't let go, in a few quick strokes he would be a pile of dust at her feet. Her voice was hard as she muttered, "You don't waste any time, do you? It must've been a while."
( Less Talk, More Hit )
George stumbled up a few steps before the world finally made complete sense and the ringing stopped. He finally got to a safe enough perch, one landing from the roof. "Sorry Slayer. I guess I'll have to be the one that got away. We'll meet again, you can count on it. Good luck to the vampire in you." George flashed a smile and headed up to the roof.
Rhiannon watched him turn tail and run, but not without the smartass retort vampires were so fond of making... over their shoulders. "Coward," she muttered, then lifted her wrist and shook it. "Shit." She bent to retrieve her knife and stow it away, then turned to leave the alley. "Doesn't look like I'm having that drink tonight, Matthew."
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| You Have No Messages |
[29 Dec 2004|04:45pm] |
Hayden stood over his answering machine, hazel eyes focusing intently on the solid red light. Mich didn't call. Hayden took a drag from his cigarette, then let his arm dangle at his side. A clump of red ashes fell to the linoleum.
He lifted his open palm to his jaw and ran it across the ever-present stubble, thinking. Planning. Sifting through names with the quiet concentration that came as naturally to him as honesty, hard work, and confidence.
Confidence. Hayden's brow furrowed and he exhaled a mouthful of smoke. I used to be. It was the entire reason he'd come to Searchlight. He'd been confident in his own ability to help, so much so that he'd been able to assure those around him that he was the one to be sent. To gather information. To watch and listen. To organize facts when others were training or fighting. To brandish his sword and fight himself, when the time came. Hayden, without any supernatural ability, had been chosen for something. And it wasn't to drill an endless wall of rock and report back like a spy. No, he was a seeker. Or he had been, until he let Darian break his confidence. He'd worked so hard with Athan to get all his memories back that he'd forgotten what really made the difference.
Hayden stubbed his cigarette in the ashtray and moved to the bedroom. He reached for the bottom of his black t-shirt, still dusty from his shift in the tunnels. Hayden lifted the sweat-dampened material over his head, then freed his hair and necklace from the shirt. He reached for a clean flannel and buttoned it to within a few spaces from the top. He left it untucked above his jeans, then headed for the stairs that led to the bookstore.
He was a seeker.
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| Recovery |
[29 Dec 2004|07:54pm] |
The last couple of days had been somewhat of a blur to Jordan. She had finally succumbed to the darkness and had been lost in her own world of pain. She had slipped in and out of consciousness and the words spoken to her had been distant and she hadn't comprehended anything. She was still under the belief she was in that basement tied to that chair awaiting her next torture session. Jordan's eyes finally opened and a bright light burned them almost as much as the liquid Xavier had placed on her eyes that one time. She tensed for a moment as she frantically sought her surroundings. Why was it so bright? Where was she? Her breathing quickened and her heart thudded quickly. Confusion, nausea and disorientation were threatening to consume her. Jordan let out short successions of quick breaths as she struggled against something. Her legs and arms felt trapped and she had this pain in her one arm. A pain she hadn't had before and instinctively her hand moved to scratch or even claw it away.
William had wandered away from Jordan for ten minutes to go and get a quick shower and a bit to eat, and as he moved into the doorway, he saw that she had chosen that brief interval to come back to consciousness. His heart felt lighter seeing her awake, and as she reached to scratch where the IV was in her arm, he cleared his throat. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, love. That's what's been keeping you hydrated and the like for the past few days. Once you feel strong enough to eat, we can take it out." He walked into the room and smiled, sitting in the chair he had placed next to her bed.
( Safety )
( What Has Gone On )
( Christmas Presents )
Jordan smiled briefly." That's good to know." She smoothed her hands up his back and rested them against his shoulders." I'm sure once you get to know my family. You'll love them. It's like one big party around my house."
William raised an eyebrow. "I am British. We tend to be a bit more staid." He laughed lightly, and then nodded. "I'm sure I'll like them. Now, is there anything else you need? You should get some more rest. You're still weak, dear one."
" Just hold me as I sleep, that's all I need." Jordan murmured as her eyes shut and her hands tightened against his shoulders.
William held her, and closed his own eyes. He hadn't been sleeping well, with Jordan still being unconscious, and her being alright made it easy for him to begin drifting off to sleep himself. His breathing grew steadier, and his arms just lay around her as he began to sleep.
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| Local Man Dies |
[29 Dec 2004|08:23pm] |
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A local man by the name of Grant Thompson, aged fifty four was found dead in his home by neighbours. It would appear that the local man commited suicide by hanging himself. Neighbours discovered his body after they had heard strange noises and had decided to investigate.
According to people who knew him, Grant had very little to live for and hadn't been the same since the death of his family. This man had been a pillar of society and had been deeply loved by all in the community but ever since the deaths of his nearest and dearest.
He had become isolated and unresponsive to his friends offers of help. Over time, he had become a different man and some local people can be quoted as saying : "It was probably for the best but I wish it had happened another way."
After a lengthy investigation, the Police concluded that there were no signs of foul play and it would seem that this was simply the end to one very sad story.
We can only hope Grant's death brings him peace. A peace he had been sorely lacking in life.
[Written by Mands]
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| wake up call |
[29 Dec 2004|09:13pm] |
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mood |
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 depressed |
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music |
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Half Day Closing by Portishead |
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Another day. Just once I'd like to wake up to something other than an electric shock. I don't care what it is, just as long as it's not a jolt to the system. Though...this morning's bad enough as it is. He's still asleep. Tyler left sometime after I went to sleep. He left a note though, that was nice. And voila, I've got a contact number in case of emergency.
( unwanted clarity )
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| Doing What She Does Best |
[29 Dec 2004|09:21pm] |
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mood |
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 creative |
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------ Non Journal Entry ------
Kris exhaled a frustrated breath as she was forced to shrink into the shadows of the nearby alley. The cops were tailing her, watching her every move. So much for being innocent until proven guilty. She sunk down to the ground and drew her legs up towards her chest. She thanked the Gods she had thought to stow her stakes and knives in her pockets. If they had even gotten a look at them, they would have presumed she was out to kill someone else which in a way she was. But her prey was dead and had a thing for human blood. Kris leaned forward to rest her palms against the ground and very slowly, she crawled across the floor to peer around the corner. She scowled as the police car was still there. Didn't these guys have anything better to do with their time?
She retreated into the shadows again and lifted her hands to run through her hair. This entire situation was insane. If only she could remember something, if only she could recall something or anything about that night. She ignored those thoughts and simply rose to her feet. There was no way she was letting this stop her from doing what she had been born to do. Kris closed her eyes and allowed the cool desert night to sooth her jagged nerves. But it would seem there was no rest for Slayers.
A sharp scream pierced the misleading quiet. As it did, Kris' eyes snapped open and her head turned as her ears tracked the sound. Once she had located a rough direction, Kris set off on foot. Her dark hair streaked across her face as her body sprinted through the town. The muscles in her legs, arms and stomach were working overtime as the Slayer pushed herself to her limits. She came to a sudden halt as she tracked another scream, two screams in two different locations. Which one did she deal with?
Kris was torn but as her eyes turned to the nearest building. She caught sight of a fire escape and arched an eyebrow as a thought formed. She back tracked on herself and caught a hold of the ladder that led up to the fire escape. Kris hauled herself up with her arms until her feet found a metal rung and she was able to climb easily. As she neared the top, she vaulted over the cement side that seperated her from the rooftop. She landed smoothly and quickly she found her way to the edge of the rooftop.
From here, she was able to view the town better. Her eyes fell on the first altercation, a man and two vampires. As her eyes swept to the left, they came to fall on the second altercation. One woman and one vampire." Could have done worse." Kris muttered to herself before she calculated a plan of attack. She noted another fire escape on the building opposite from her and whilst she was looking, she also kept a look out for the police car. Her hands slipped into her jacket and four knives were pulled. Those four knives were spread out in both of her hands by using her fingers and the gaps between them.
Kris stepped away from the edge and walked backwards until she was sure she had enough room. She crouched down and released a breath as she focused her mind. She mapped out the path of her blades and remembered the exact position of the altercations before she began to run. Her boots made thudding sounds as they raced across the grey concrete. Once at the edge, Kris launched herself with all that she had. Her body flew through the air and as it did, she twisted and released the blades.
As the silver blades cut through the air, Kris slammed into fire escape she had seen before jumping. Kris scrambled for a moment as the impact had been enough to shake her focus. Eventually, she wrapped both arms around the metal and she used her new grip to turn herself so she was facing outwards. Two of her knives had found the correct targets, two vampires were down but one remained. That one vampire had all of his attention now focused on the Slayer who balanced on the fire escape.
" That's right. Focus on me." Kris murmured quietly as a smirk lifted the corners of her lips. She hoped he would do as she predicted he would and he did. He started to make his way over to the building. Kris shook her head." Predictable." She turned and used all the strength in her one arm to vault her entire body over the side of the railing. She always kept one or two steps ahead of the vampire so he didn't lose sight of her. She didn't want him returning to his previous endeavour.
Once she was on another rooftop, Kris waited and as the vampire neared the top. She lifted her leg and slammed her foot into his face. The vampire nearly lost his grip on the ladder but he managed to recover and caught Kris' ankle before she had a chance to yank her leg back. He growled as he tugged on it and forced the Slayer from her feet. Kris let out a short almost surprised breath as her back met the very hard concrete and a wince was pulled from her as the vampire tightened and twisted his grip on her ankle.
Kris found Hayden's dagger which was sheathed across her back and brought the blade down to puncture the vampire's arm. The vampire released a pain filled scream but Kris ignored it as she simply yanked her dagger back out. Red blood dripped from the tip but that didn't deter Kris. She tightened her grip on the dagger and slashed outwards towards the vampire. It caught him across the face and removed a large chunk of his cheek. The vampire snarled from the pain and knocked Kris back with a backhand. As the Slayer fell back, the vampire moved onto the roof and lifted a boot to connect with Kris' side.
A growl was released from behind gritted teeth as Kris rolled to one side and her arms went around her waist. That had been one hell of a kick. She recovered and simply rolled forward and used the momentum to lift her body. Her legs caught the vampire around the neck and with a sudden switch of hands. Kris had its neck twisted and with a twitch of her joined ankles. Its neck was broken. The vampire's eyes widened before it fell. Kris' legs went with it but she didn't loosen her grip, in fact her grip tightened.
Kris pulled a stake from out of her pocket and slammed it right into the centre of the vampire's chest. Its body burned away and Kris' legs were freed up. She leaned forward to brush the dust from her denim jeans. Once that was done, Kris recovered her stake and slipped it away before she stood up slowly. Hayden's dagger turned in her hand and the blood splattered across the ground." Three down. God only knows how many more to go." She recovered a blue piece of material from her jean's pocket and ran it across the blade to remove the blood.
She slipped the material away and resheathed the dagger. Her body dropped to a crouch as she heard a familiar engine noise." These cops need to get lives." Kris ran across the top of the rooftop and dropped down one fire escape. She still had a lot of hunting to do and a police car wasn't going to stop her.
The only thing that could stop her was herself.
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| In the Land O Tea |
[29 Dec 2004|11:09pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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pissed |
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music |
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Gone by Sevendust |
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England sucks. Everything sucks right now, actually. The Council's just...they're all fucking insane. When they aren't 24-7 poking at Dawn and not actually coming up with many answers, they want to be poking at me. Just for something to do for a while I finally agreed to let Andrew give me this huge psych profile thing...
( firewalled )
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