Long Form Roleplayers

Previous: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5

Characters:

You are not logged in. - Madison Jones

You are not logged in. - Tobias Kane

You are not logged in. - Volos

You are not logged in. - Copper Wolf

You are not logged in. - Scott Damm MD

You are not logged in. - Agent James Mason

You are not logged in. - David Johnson

Guest Characters:
Lord Borgia

The Author:
In the aftermath of the battle, many lingering questions remain. The events that took place have changed many things. Madison Jones has shown his dedication to the cause by stepping up and averting the catastrophe, and it was due to his dabbling in the mystic arts that allowed the Crimson Veil to be lifted. Likewise, David Johnson is now free from being the host of the Wolf Lord Volos. With Tobias and the Wolf Lord now reunited, the structure of their relationship is bound to change while the pages of this story come to a close.

Madison Jones:
It’s been a few days since we returned from the Red Star Base out in Utah. The Media is calling it the Utah Flash with my mystery and speculation about the event. Trying to return to normal after a near death encounter like that is a little tough, especially with so much on the line. Fortunately the endless supply of alcohol at the bar helps me cope. It’s the off season for SECW, and with my family research done in New Orleans, I figured I might just take the month off. At least that was the plan, something started brewing in my usual channels on the dark web, and it’s something that can’t be ignored.

There are reports coming in from a lot of Lycans no longer able to transform into their beast forms, clearly this is from the Crimson Veil. Its official name was revealed in that tablet I took from the base, the Purgatory Field. I like my name better, so I’ll mainly use it. More importantly though is that I know how to fix this by people, but it involves direct contact. It’s not a large number of people reporting it, but it is clear there are a lot who simply don’t know how to talk about it at all, not everyone knows how to access the dark web or even knows it exists. I can’t let people down with this though, I know how I would feel if Copper suddenly disappeared from me; these spirits inside of us are like companions, a part of us. Well I would like to think that, I know some of them are dangerous. I used to fear Copper but earned his respect; in others it is very likely the spirit takes control. Those stories of the Full Moon are no myth after all.

I started planning to set up something in Las Vegas, a good neutral ground people could come to especially with the cheap airfare these days. To keep up appearances, I’ve gotten a hotel room even though the connection to the Welcum Bar is stable in Vegas. I don’t want people asking too many questions about how Madiosn Jones is moving back and forth from Vegas and San Francisco, so it made the most sense to just take out a room there and be absent in my normal circles for the month.

Before I do that though, I think I should talk with Tobias about this. Should I even be sticking my neck out for some of these people… it’s possible the world is a better place with these animal spirits sleeping inside their human companions. At the same time though, I realize they deserve respect too… at least the ones that can exist peacefully in human society. Tobias should be here shortly, once he arrives I’ll take us into the back to talk more privately.

Tobias Kane:
After the destruction of the Red Star Base, Maddy began receiving word of the affected Lycans suffering from the effects of the Purgatory Field and decided to stay on in Las Vegas to use his newly-found abilities to lift the Veil. I’m getting used to being in concert with Volos again. I suppose this is how new roommates, or maybe newlyweds, get accustomed to one another. Volos has a vested interest in Maddy succeeding in returning the Beasts to his army so we have stayed on as well.

I head over to his hotel room to see how Operation Free-The-Beasts fares, not nearly quickly enough for Volos’ tastes but Las Vegas is a jackpot for an enterprising escort. I look at the vault over Fremont Street as the show begins. Then I grin as I see a feature I didn’t know about. I climb and buy my ticket to zipline through the heart of old Vegas. I feel the rush of adrenaline as I imagine my dearest fantasy - flying……

You are not logged in. - Super Tobias

I stretch my muscular arms forward as I hurtle among the neon signs and garish displays, only my Wolven vision preventing the sights from blurring to an incomprehensible chaos. I unbuckle from the harness after the flight as I touch my feet to the ground, as my fantasy disappears from view. I head to Madion’s hotel and ring the bell in his room.

Madison Jones:
Upon arrival, I’m quick to start talking about the details while hanging the Do Not Disturb sign on the door. I figured if anybody would be interested in helping me help these people, it would be Tobias given how he felt when he was without Volos for almost 2 years. I already have some drinks ready when you arrive.

“Hey, welcome to my room Toby.” I offer a hug and take a seat on the bed, the recovered tablet from the base on it along with my laptop. “I’m a bit surprised that some people are even wanting to be helped with this, it seems like it would be almost a blessing. I know how I would feel if Copper was suddenly missing from my life, as I’m sure you can relate to.”

Tobias Kane:
Maddy lets me in and we share a hug. I grab a conveniently already-made cocktail from the counter as I follow you to the bed to see what you’ve been working on. “How is the project going? I’m … we’re … glad that so many people are showing up to reverse the effects.” I look up momentarily at a corner of the wall. “Hush!” I say, clearly not to you. “I’m having this conversation for now.”

I look back to Maddy. “As we were saying….”

Madison Jones:
I get that the integration may take some getting used to, but part of me worries about Tobias’ means of having his life without constant observation. It is however what he wanted, so perhaps I shouldn’t question it. I turn my attention to my laptop and open the dark web forums I browse.

“Right now it isn’t a lot of people, only a small handful who report that they are unable to shift to their forms. I imagine that the majority of people afflicted wouldn’t even bother trying to reach out, take a quiet blessing with their lives restored to normalcy. Keep in mind Tob…” I pause realizing I’m probably not speaking to just Tobias here… “Keep in mind that the Veil blanked the majority of the west coast. Not everyone who is a Lycan was afflicted, Stane’s notes guessed that maybe 15%, possibly 20% of the population. What happened wasn’t planned, and he was pretty concerned that Borgia was going to kill him for the fumble… maybe rightly so.” I take a drink to see what you have to say about that.

Tobias Kane:
I take a sip of my drink. “Well, Borgia didn’t kill Stane though, did he?” I think back to me blowing off much of the Technomancer’s head. I had never killed before and I suffered a moment of shock when I did it. My kills after that were surprisingly easy. I couldn’t blame that on the effects of the Wolf within as he slept at the time. Kind of a mindfuck to know what I’m capable of.

My eyes shift to a piercing blue when I look up. “Volos is asking … oh wait, he wants to talk with you without a mediary.” My body starts to shift, gaining mass, sprouting sable fur, fangs and claws growing, snout elongating…..

Volos:
“Greetings, Madison Jones. As you may discern, I thought a conversation with you directly may be in order.” Glancing at Tobias’ half-full cocktail, I ask, “I do not suppose you can conjure some Bloodrose for the occasion?”

Madison Jones:
There is a light sigh as I realize we really should have done this at the bar and not in this hotel room, but I wasn’t executing Volos to emerge like this. He’s putting me on the spot now… I seem nervous. “I’m afraid I don’t carry that on me, and without access to the bar’s inventory, I can generate it big guy…” I finish my drink quickly, “I could order some wine though and have them leave it outside the door.”

Volos:
“That won’t be necessary, while it would have been pleasant. Perhaps you are not fully equipped yet to be called ‘Vinomancer.’” I hear your elevated heartbeat, your pulse. Your voice is slightly strained. “Do I smell fear, Madison Jones? You need not. Not only do you share a body with Copper but you delivered me from the Crimson Veil. I would not harm you….

… regardless of how this conversation goes.”

Madison Jones:
I never told him about the dream I had a year ago, well the one specifically involving him. It still lingers in my mind from time to time, but after this recent success I think I don’t need to worry about that anymore… or so I hope.

[This event can be seen in Samhain Nightmares.]

“Sorry, it’s more that I’m nervous about this whole thing. I’m nervous about how you might react, nervous how Plato might react. I want to help these people and have the means, but I have a feeling he would see it as me undoing a cure on people. The old man wouldn’t understand what it is like to suddenly be stripped of part of yourself. Here, let me get into the details.” I go and start to pull up the forum.

Volos:
I raise a massive, ebon-clawed forepaw. “You can spare me the details, Madison Jones. What I need to know is if this Veil can be lifted from all the affected creatures, not merely those who manage to find you. The suppressed Beasts are part of the army I need to take down Borgia and Red Star.

“I understand the mechanism that caused the Pulse is destroyed but is there the means, and the power source, to restore them all utilizing the same reflective nature of the aquifer as Stane inadvertently did?”

Madison Jones:
I close the laptop now. “I’ll try to be concise then. No, I don’t have the means of blanketing the west coast with some sort of anti-veil magic. The method for removing it involves me going into their mind and finding the afflicted spirit… something I might add is very dangerous. The best I can do is set up a spot here where they can come to me for help, and then through word of mouth and other whispers, more will become aware of what I offer.”

Volos:
A low rumbling growl vibrates in the room. Nearby hotel occupants may think it an aftershock to the tremors from the Utah Flash they felt earlier this week. I lean toward you, “I do not welcome this news, Madison Jones. I desire all the Beasts restored, my campaign against Borgia requires every power I can muster. If you cannot accomplish this, do you know of another entity which can?”

Madison Jones:
“I knew you wouldn’t be happy with it.” I sigh, “What they did was pretty clever, it’s almost like a mystical parasite inside of people, feeding on the spirit in order to power itself while keeping them stuck in a dream.” There is also the issue of me not wanting to help all these people, some of them are legitimate monsters who are better off having their spirits… their weapon sealed.

“It’s possible that you… that we will have to write off some of these soldiers as a casualty, but consider this. Aegis Stane is dead, and with him gone, so too are the means of ever repeating this.” I pick up the tablet, “Stane was high ranking, one of the big guys right under Borgia, the ‘Technomancer’ they called him. These files mention another, some sort of Artist but the details are scarce. I would say that even if you lost some of your army, taking out Stane is still a major victory against the Red Star, perhaps even crippling given they lost their highest ranking technology expert.”

Volos:
I take a sip of Tobias’ cocktail as I consider my response, lapping it with broad moist tongue, thinking my host’s taste is not as inferior as I thought. “Indeed we scored a major victory but I cannot afford to lose any troops who may be reconscripted.

“I suspect that you are being selective as to whether these victims wish to be restored or whether those you deem unworthy receive your largesse. I have little concern for your morality. I need my army!”

Madison Jones:
He knows me well enough to know that I wouldn’t let murders run free, or any number of unsavory characters who would use that power to kill, bully, and control the innocent. Those people can stay stripped for that matter, and who knows… maybe one day I look into a means of sealing spirits myself. I dare not say that now though.

“Well you’re right that I am using my judgment here. Right now on those forums there are 10 people speaking up. A conversation is starting about the victims, but it’s very clear that some of them are a liability to your ‘herd’ so to speak. It’s a small fraction, maybe 2 or 3 out of those 10, but there are many voices that cannot be heard right now. You want your army, that’s understandable. You army spans the entire world though, this is only maybe 20% of the west coast that army… so if you ask me, not that big of a loss in the grand scheme of things.”

I poke our glasses with my hand glowing with amber light… the light given from your Copper Wolf that enhances me. Making our drink refill, I take a sip and continue. “Besides… can’t you just make more soldiers?”

Volos:
“As in all wars, many troops will be cannon fodder. Those whom you deem unworthy are likely to take down more of the enemy before they fall than others. And yes, as much as I regret my creation of werewolves early in my exile in this realm, I would create more to further my banner in war if needed.

“I ask you, Madison Jones, do you wish me to turn more of whom you would see as ‘innocent victims’ into Lycans rather than cede me those already affected?”

I run my ebon claw along your jawline and stare into your eyes. “Copper, we will be together again soon. Madison Jones, I will cede this body back to Tobias.”

My frame diminishes, the fur withdraws, the snout becomes a nose, and the fangs and claws shrink to teeth and fingernails.

Tobias Kane:
“I suppose that could have gone worse.” I sip my drink and wrinkle my nose. “I still don’t like the taste of Wolf spittle.”

Madison Jones:
I linger on your question while you run your claw along my jaw, my eyes changing to Amber Topaz with our gaze met. I don’t respond to the question if only because there is a clear conflict. I was asked for this, I volunteered myself as part of a bargain, and I’ve lived up to my end so far. I do not approve of forcing people… of drafting soldiers into a conflict like this.

As Tobias returns I relax some as my eyes shift back to Blue Grey. “I’m honestly not sure how I can make everyone happy Toby. I either piss off Volos, piss off Plato, or piss off myself by caving one way or the other. At least there is the benefit that whatever happens, Borgia and his Red Star will be gone.” I take a long drink now.

Agent James Mason:
The light was already fading, night was coming on, but here I was still trapped at my desk doing paperwork. Paperwork. I sigh, and reach up to massage my neck, my thick arm flexing and stretching the seams of my white button down , then switching the desk lamp on. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t end up trapped behind a desk. It’s why I’d left the SAS when they tried to make me an officer. But here I was. At my desk. It was all Bedlam’s fault. Two years ago, after the … Bedlam incident … I’d been put in charge of MI6’s paranormal investigation division, over my protests, because frankly, no one else in the department wanted to touch that shit with a ten foot pole. And according to the director, I was the most “experienced” agent in paranormal activity.

One of my duties involved clearing up loose threads left over from the messy end of that whole affair, tracking down missing personnel among them. I had a raft of reports to finish reviewing with possible leads on the whereabouts of several of our people, among them Agent David Johnson, who had disappeared in the chaos of the whole Bedlam mess. I still hadn’t given up looking for him. He had been under my command during the Estonian raid, and one thing the SAS and MI6 had in common, we didn't give up on our people. Never. Finding him was my responsibility. All right, back to these reports. Eventually, I’d find the lead I needed.

David Johnson:
I wasn’t sure if Tobias would honor his commitment to replace me as the Beast’s host. I still do not understand why he craves that connection as fiercely as I want release from my servitude. But I will not question it, I see the Wolf move into Tobias as he releases me. My mind clears of the confusion of being myself and … being … gone. I look at Tobias, taking the Wolf back in with satisfaction on his face.

Tobias Kane:
“David, you are free once again. Your destiny is now once again your own.” I look at David’s handsome face and wish we had met under other circumstances.

David Johnson:
I nod to Tobias, knowing that is true. “May I use your phone? It is time for me to report in.” Tobias hands me his phone and I text to Mason, “I know you don’t know this number. This is David Johnson, reporting for duty - and a debrief.”

Agent James Mason:
Just as I’m sitting down to start reading the next report, my phone pings. I reach down into my pocket and pull it out, reading the message in growing disbelief. David Johnson? After two years, sending me a message from an unknown number? Of course, it might not really be David. But there was one way to settle that question decisively. I reply, focusing on the important things first. “Are you safe? Where are you? Do you need a pickup?”

David Johnson:
Text comes through. “I am safe now. I don’t exactly know how but I’m in San Francisco. Please send transport.”

“Had you not seen what happened in Estonia, you would not believe what I will tell you.”

Agent James Mason:
I read the message, sending a quick reply, “Hold tight David, further instructions incoming.” I shake my head once or twice, taking a brief moment to stand up, stretch and wander over to the window, looking out at the nightscape of London while my mind travels back in time to the Estonian raid, memories triggered by David’s text. I snap myself out of it quickly, this is no time for woolgathering. Briskly, I pick up my phone and make several calls, pulling rank shamelessly, bullying and threatening as required to make the arrangements.

A few minutes later, I replied back to David’s text, “Head to the British Consulate and pick up your one way ticket to London Heathrow, along with some emergency cash. They are expecting you. Your flight leaves in three hours. I’ll be waiting for you at Heathrow.”

David Johnson:
I read James’ response and I not only have my instructions from MI6, but a message from him. I can’t stay to say goodbye to my new …. Is “friends” the right word? as he’s made the arrangements to take me home. To take me back to his care. I text them, as impersonal as that feels.

Madison and Tobias have taught me to use Lyft and I order a car to the British Consulate in San Francisco’s Financial District. They have the info and process my passage back. Within an hour, I have priority transport from the Consulate to SFO, a direct flight, first class to Heathrow.

I catch up on my sleep until I feel the plane touchdown on the runway.

Agent James Mason:
After confirmation that David has safely made it onto his flight, I let out a huge sigh of relief. I had begun to wonder if I would ever find him again. I hated to lose a man under my command. And in David’s case .. It was a bit personal. As a senior MI6 Agent, we were expected to be professional, expected to keep our personal feelings separate from our work. But in David’s case, that was just something I couldn’t do. He was stunningly handsome, but so were many other of my coworkers. There was just something about him I had never been able to put my finger on that caught my eye, gave me a catch in my throat when I looked at him. Sometimes you can’t analyze the laws of attraction.

Regardless, he was finally coming back to us. I left the office heading home to catch up on some sleep. I woke up in plenty of time, got myself ready and arrived at Heathrow. I used my rank to get past security, and stood just outside David’s arrival gate, wearing a crisp white button up, grey slacks, sensible shoes, with a simple grey jacket, concealing my Glock in an inner holster. I never took chances. I never deliberately dressed to show off, but my suits rarely did a very good job of hiding my thick,muscular build.

David Johnson:
I slumber on the plane. Crossing the Pond to return to my homeland, wondering what was left of my life there after two years. James has pulled out all favours to get me back to the Majesty’s service, but I wonder if the urgency is only professional, and not personal too.

The plane approaches the Heathrow runway, only circling three times in its queue to land. I realize that I am dressed in Tobias Kane’s clothes that he lent me. I deboard the plane, walk down the hall, and see James waiting for me, an unprofessional grin on his face. DAMN, he is even more handsome than I remember!

Agent James Mason:
And there he was, walking through the gate. I started to grin in relief and recognition. It was the same handsome man, with that unshaven scruff adorning his chiseled features. But he had clearly aged in some ways. A man who has … seen shit … carries those experiences in a way that a trained eye can spot. I step forward and grab David in a bearhug, again unprofessional, but not uncalled for. I hold him tight for a few moments, then let him go. “David… it’s good to see you. C’mon, I’m taking you home with me. My home is secure, it’s my second office really. We’ll debrief you there, get you back on your feet, and figure out our next steps.”

David Johnson:
I see you waiting for me. The handsome face, the muscular body. Our affair was unsanctioned but we made it work. We could always distinguish between work and pleasure.

Our eyes lock as we remember our time together. We both step forward and embrace one another. I nestle my face into the crook of your neck, strong bodies holding one another close, my discipline breaking as my tears drip onto your shoulder.

“I didn’t think you could ever find me, James. I thought I was lost forever.” I release one sob and whisper, “Yes, please, take me home?”

Agent James Mason:
As I let David go, I feel that slight quiver, that slight tremble that signifies tears. I feel a sense of shock run through me. Whatever had happened must have been deeply traumatic to make a man as strong and disciplined as David Johnson cry like this. My fiercely protective nature awakens, and I pull him back in for a second hug, even tighter than the first one. “It’s okay David, you are here now. I’ve got you. We’ll sort this out.”

As I held David, I remembered the fling we had a few years back, the result of our mutual attraction. I realized, in some ways, I had never gotten over him. Finally, I broke off that hug. “C’mon David, follow me. I’ll get us through security in no time flat. My home isn’t far from here, we’ll be there in about half an hour.”

True to my word, I quickly got us past security, into my car, and back to the doorstep of my home in under 30 minutes.

David Johnson:
I grip your muscular thigh. I gaze sideways at you while your eyes are on the road. You pull up to the driveway of your home and I think “senior agents must get compensated well.”

But what I say is, “Thank you, James, thank you.” I don’t know what is yet to come but it is solace after the last two years.

Madison Jones:
I open my eyes while holding the hand of this small fella in the Freemont here in Las Vegas. The Mystic Red Gem glows brightly as it absorbs the Crimson Veil afflicting this man. To the people passing by, they probably just think I’m doing some funky psychic trick and conning people out of money, but to this man with me… I’m a miracle worker. On the outside, he seems like a scrawny fella, but on the inside he is a fearsome Lion who had been put to sleep by the Crimson Veil. I can see the relief in his eyes right away, and with a brief exchange of words, and him insisting on giving me some money for my time, we part ways.

It's been about a month since the Purgatory Field Generator was destroyed, and there are so many who need help. Of course… I don’t remove the veil from just anybody. My Dark Web ad makes it clear that I’ll only restore people who use their beast form responsibly. I get the impression that some people view The Crimson Veil as a cure for their affliction, and I can see that. Some people didn’t ask for a beast form, it was forced on them from infection or other means. I've also received some threats from people I’ve turned down “treatment” to, thugs and criminals who misuse that power for the sake of oppressing others. At times like this I could really use an authority figure to help me sort out what is right… the one good thing about this whole saga is that some folks afflicted with the Veil have a chance at a normal life again.

I smell a familiar scent approach, it’s Dr. Scott Damm. “Hey Scott, fancy meeting you here.”

Scott Damm MD:
I knew the dive into the Fremont area was going to be soaking in washed up “Chippendale'' dancers and street magicians. They do well to keep the rentals off the street here. I do my best not to raise an eyebrow at the choice of the El Cortez Hotel. It takes so little to get a nice room somewhere in Vegas, without selecting a dive. When I come into the suite on the third floor, I realize we’re not here for savings. We’re here to keep the damage low and the visibility lower. I mean, who expects werewolves to convene at The Bellagio?

The guy meeting me at the door has more fur than most badgers, a common side effect of years living as a Lycan. I’m sure he can smell my entire life on a scan. I have countermeasures in hand, but really don’t want to start something here. I see Madison working on the other side of the suite. “I was invited by ‘Copper.’ I’m a doctor and here to help.”

I take off the tie and jacket and approach Madison. “I see taking you to lunch is out of the question. I got reservations for us at The Kabuto without having to kill anyone. What can I do to help?”

I kneel next to you and check the man you’re working on and see his eyes reddened like he’s been mildly concussed. Lycans heal fast so I’m not worried much. “Is this a typical case?”

Madison Jones:
I watch the brief examination of the man I just cured while finishing up my drink. “Just finished up with him, he should be good. Could use lunch if I’m being honest Scott, let’s go and I’ll fill you in on the way.” Without lingering too long we head to the Kabuto while talking. Like you I am actually wearing a suit, though I didn’t bother with a tie and left the collar open on account of the heat, it is late September after all. One of the best parts of Vegas is that nobody cares what others are talking about, so even crazy shit like this goes basically ignored by whoever.

“He was a standard case. The mystical effect hit him through the aquifer, it didn’t even wake him during the night, and when he woke up his life was changed. He told me he was born that way, with a cub inside of him that grew up and presented itself when he was bullied in school. For it to suddenly fall asleep on him was really ruining his life. In any case, I fixed it so now he can shift again. …I made him whole Scott.”

Scott Damm MD:
It’s not a long walk to anywhere on the strip and I’m not hiring a cab or a driver, considering how many international agents work in this area. I listen to your idea of “wholeness” and shudder. I get it. I was not born a Lycan and really don’t know what that’s like. Plato’s people have different views on monsterkind among us and I feel stuck in the middle.

“I’m not sure about wholeness. I know our common enemy was thrilled to find a device that can deactivate more than a third of their internal enemies. I still think we’re putting a band aid on a bullet wound.” Walking briskly through the bustle of clueless tourists. My mind plays out this scene, usually in nightmares what this place looks like when this conflict gets a real appetite.

Madison Jones:
“A band-aid on a bullet wound… That’s one way of putting it. I wish there was a better way I could advertise this ‘Service’ I am offering. Regardless, I honestly don’t want to fix everyone who was afflicted as not all of the people use their beast forms productively. They are considered monsters for a reason, though I do feel I’ve encountered some rather worse monsters parading around in human skin if I’m being honest.” Almost to the restaurant, I slip off my coat as the weather is too much for me; I’m used to the cool breeze of the ocean keeping the city in check despite half of California being on fire this time of year.

“Scott, I can’t help but to wonder… How does your boss feel about what I’m doing here? I suppose from his point of view, the incident with the Purgatory Generator worked to ‘Cure’ a lot of people from this state. Sometimes they are right to be afraid of these people, but not all of them are bad.” I decide to see how you respond to that statement.

Scott Damm MD:
I let out a deep sigh at the turn of conversation. My boss. The immortal philosopher-Mage Plato and his plan to rid the world of monsters with an old-man smile and carefree nod. I’ve found myself roped into his plans and no, I’m not soft on my mission. Madison has no idea what I’ve done over the last year and I’m not telling him. Yes, I knew we’d come to this and I have news to divulge. I watch you strip out of your jacket, even through a dress shirt showing off a rugged muscled body, seemingly more in size and stature since our last meeting. I have being cagy but I need to do something… “Madison… uhhh. Please cover your ears.”

Madison Jones:
I simply nod and comply covering my ears. Part of me always gets excited when Scott busts out a spy toy… but I am not as impressed as I was a year ago. Now I’ve seen things that are deadly serious, and have been a target as well; Scott’s gadgets are no longer toys to me, but tools with very serious consequences attached to them.

Scott Damm MD:
My hand slips into my pocket and I wait for you to comply. I thumb the control on my phone and an ultrasonic burse rips through the air, inaudible to humans but enough to make any Lycans wince. The crowd on the sidewalk doesn’t seem to be horribly affected. I watch you shiver even through your covered ears. Pretty sure we’re not being followed, I take your hand and we head into the Kabuto.

“Sorry, I had to see if we’re being followed.” I spend a second looking at you to see if you’re ok and then move to get us seated.

Madison Jones:
Finally entering the restaurant, my ears ring a bit, I can hear Copper howling. My eyes flicker a little to Amber Topaz, but I control it as I calm him down. “That’s quite some tool you have there Scott.” Once we are seated I order us a bottle of Takatenjin or Soul of the Sensei for those of you who don’t know Japanese. Once we order some food, I continue. “So nobody was following us, that’s good. I’m concerned about… shape shifters lately, but that’s a story for another time. Let’s continue with what we were talking about, how does Plato feel about all this?”

Scott Damm MD:
I watch you order, and your pronunciation is flawless. An old adage among the Greek, “Scars make elegance” seems to play well about you. We’ve both been thrust into this conflict with the only stated rules “Play or die.” The waiter moves away.

“It’s not that simple. If it were, I’d do this over text. Of course, he’s elated that Stane is dead. And not even ‘un-dead.’ But his ideas on whether you and your kind are expendable, he’s vague about. He’s said that fangs don’t make a monster, it’s what they do. Borgia is looking to make his loyalists monsters and servile, and kill everyone else. Plato leaves me to my devices.”

You see my molars grind on saying that, an indication of hours of conversation unspoken. “You’re doing some fine work here, and it’s like any war zone, you set up medic services and hope people come to use them. In Allepo we went to Mosques and camps and said we’re taking any patients. But our ability to sell our services was limited. You’re going to have to get used to the idea there will be many unable or unwilling to come to you and they will miss out.”

Madison Jones:
The Sake arrives on a heating plate, the usual method of serving this particular one. One thing I have to say about people building Vegas is they know how to keep their glamorous location cool even in the middle of a desert. I pour us both a cup from the bottle, and given that in this case we are both helping the needy, I raise the glass. “To… healing the sick.”

Once we complete the toast, I raise a followup question. “When I first accepted Copper, I was scared to death that hunters would come after me. Now I’m realizing that the ones who are most dangerous are not the random cowboys out there looking for supernatural creatures to kill… like what my grandfather was doing. Instead it is something bigger; Borgia probably being at the end of everything.

Scott Damm MD: The toast is appropriate. It’s good to keep in mind the huge area of common ground we have, instead of looking at the possible day I have to find a metaphorical silver bullet for this guy. “I’m sure Borgia sees you like he sees Volos, competition for his authority in the Red Star Cult. There’s a groundswell for normalizing life as monsterkind. Peaceful co-existence. I could go on about my opinion on that, but remember the war zones I’ve been working in. I just don’t even buy that as a human trait any more.”

I take a deep breath and finish the cup of amazing sake, and with it take a moment. “So the hard news. I found out some details on how Plato works. You need to know them.” I really don’t want to look Madison Jones in the eye right now. So many things could be said wrongly.

“So… when Plato selects a field operator. He does almost nothing to order him or rein his actions in. He talks and coaches, sure. There’s significant training. But he leaves us all to our own devices. He knows I’m healing war wounded Lycans and Werebears without exterminating them or handing them over to hunters. There’s many in the organization like me that don’t.

“But there’s many that are hunters and they get my intel.” Deep breath. “I’m pretty sure, you and Volos, and Tobias Kane are all exposed as targets. Might have been targeted for some time now and truly not sure why you haven’t been eliminated. This operation and the use of the red Gem, this is lighting you up like a beacon.”

STILL not looking into your eyes.

“Las Vegas is a special place. It’s a no man’s land no one seems to want. This place is a safe haven to many other beings, monsters, or types that seem to be. You’re probably safe enough here. But… I found out my calls to you and my friendship with you have been exposed.”

Our eyes meet. “I’m sorry.”

Madison Jones:
I listen careful to what you are saying, your body language carrying some shame to it. You’ve always looked me in the eyes when speaking, professional, respectful. This must be real serious, and so I sip and listen to every word.

“Exposed… does that mean that you yourself might be at risk in all this? Are there people in that organization who might see you as a traitor to their cause? Or are you trying to simply say that I should expose some of Plato’s men to come after me when I’m not in Vegas?” I take another sip of the sake.

There is one thing I should express concerning this little red toy I have. I found out that it has been bound to my bloodline, just like the gun I have. It came to me in the bar for reasons I don’t completely know, but I believe that if I were to die, it would move on to the ‘Eligible’ person in the bloodline. This gem probably makes me a target, but it is a treasure that cannot be looted from me, no matter how dead I may be.” I finish my glass and then pour myself another.

Scott Damm MD:
”All that’s possible. I’ve been in danger since I took it on myself to shoot Borgia in the head to get the Medallion away from him. The surprise to me was finding out that this group doesn’t correct their straying members with a talking to. They just use them to find other monsters. I’ve had three of my ‘patients’ killed. Not just them, their whole families. They turn up dead and no one knows anything. You and I are in the middle of two sides that have been at war for a long time. Neutral ground is thinning.”

I take another deep breath. “There’s more.”

Madison Jones:
“I do find myself worried now that some of the people I am fixing may be at risk. Being without their companions for weeks, a month now, it may take time for them to acclimate to their complete form again. As for me playing around with what neutral ground there is, you may be right that I need to take a side. I basically already did when I chose to attack that base with Volos. I’m not sure I really had a choice though given what was at stake.”

Scott Damm MD:
“I thought I was shooting a bad guy. Not the physical manifestation of a Fallen Angel. The problem is still with that medallion. I don’t think you know the extent of what Bedlam is.” My eyes shift to the door quickly… it’s a habit when I say that name. “He’s not really an ally to any side. He was summoned for a purpose long ago, one that would be devastating on a global level if he were let out. You saw the explosion in the desert when he was just left to his own plans. That was idle mischief compared to what he can do. That was acting with safeties of a human host in place. If he gets free, completely free, it will be carnage.

“Volos is treating him like a possession. Like a toy. Like a pet. The truth is more harrowing. I think Volos is being used and it’s not going to finish well. The first temptation I can see is Bedlam convincing Volos to put on the medallion and become the physical vessel for Bedlam. That nexus of power will be impossible for anyone to beat. Except Borgia. That’s how we got Borgia. He’s wearing a medallion of his own.” My eyes fleet to the door again.

Madison Jones:
It’s clear that you don’t like talking about the big guy by name. “Alright, we can talk about… Clifford. You are right that he was brought here for a purpose, talking ancient stuff like Solomon binding demons to a ring. He wants his freedom, and I agree that if he were to be let loose, it would end poorly.” I sigh and finish my second round of sake, then pour some more. “Maybe I should have done what I was tempted to do when Volos and Copper were under the veil. I thought about…” Long drink, “I thought about killing David to end Volos, freeing Tobias from his Stockholm captive, and throwing the medallion in a place nobody would find for a very long time. Borgia is too much of a threat though.”

“I don’t think Volos will be as tempted to put on the medallion as you think Scott, not now that Tobias and him are reunited. Oh and the thing about Clifford; One day I would like to return him to his home. In my eyes, he didn’t ask for any of this, he was forced into bondage, and even if he is a crazy rage fuck machine set on destruction, I don’t blame a scorpion for being a scorpion.”

Scott Damm MD:
I could work hard to suppress rolling my eyes. With your enhanced senses I’m sure you can sense my frustration. “Yes yes.. It’s still a scorpion and isn’t ever going to be sweet and cuddly…” I realize I’m raising my voice. Taking the second round of Sake you pour and drink it slowly. One should never slam a cup of sake, and this is Takatenjin. I remind myself we’re trying not to be monsters here.

“I’m trying to get my mind around a notion and I have to confess, it scares me. I don’t think the road we’re on has any turns. We may have to go through Plato’s gambit anyway. He schemed to actually put the medallion in Borgia’s hands. I actually messed that plan up badly.

“The Medallion, if worn by Borgia when he convenes the assembly of the Red Star, will set off a cross rip reaction and eliminate Bedlam and Borgia. Your people will be much safer in that world than this one. And Volos and Borgia will have no more war. All other alternatives end in a story much more apocalyptic.”

Madison Jones:
“Every other alternative? I’m not sure if I should buy that. You just suggested destroying a unique being like Bedlam, using him as fissionable material in a moment that will nuke an old world European city in the process. This isn’t surgery, it’s amputation. That sounds barbaric. We need other options.” I take a deep drink, now going for a buzz more than the flavor of the sake. I quietly poke the bottle and make it refill.

Scott Damm MD:
I’m disgusted with myself as I hear Madison outline the shit I just said. The irony of being lectured about ethics by a ‘monster’ is also not lost on me. “I’m not sure I buy that plan either.” Watching your trick with the bottle… I realize maybe I just don’t have enough data for any of this. We will however have enough sake. “I’ll look for more options. I agree, that sounds horrible. We can do better.” I let out a deep sigh. One night acting like a hotshot in Prague and all this happens…. Some days I wonder about myself.

[This event can be seen in A Little Night Music.]

Madison Jones:
Our sushi orders finally arrive, and I’m quick to mix some wasabi with a few drops of soy sauce for dipping. It seems like I’m holding something back, a question while I eat the first nigiri. “You’ve been a friend Scott, I don’t want that to change. I’ve been trying not to cause problems with your boss, but I’m getting the impression that he sees only one option. I would hate to think that the father of philosophy is a man who is unwilling to bend his stance; but we know that as people get old, they often become less flexible with their views.” I let you respond while consuming some more sushi.

Scott Damm MD:
I chuckle. “I have no idea how flexible he is. I just have no realistic counterplan to try and sway him to. I’ve let him know I’m not a hunter and not a killer. I’m a doctor and work to heal the problems of the world, as pompous as that sounds.” I decide to stop complaining and relax, knowing I delivered the words I hoped to.

Madison Jones:
A few moments later while we are both finally enjoying the meal, I get a message about another man needing service. “Looks like I’m needed again Scott. Anything I can do for you before leaving?” I drop some of the money gifted to me by my patient earlier on the table to pay the bill with.

Scott Damm MD:
I chuckle a little. Been here, trying to get lunch and the next crisis looms. And my friend the monster pays for lunch. I’m feeling like I need more intel on all of this. Indeed, what can he do? “I’m ok. You need to understand our next meeting will be less structured and our existing communication channels will fall dead after you leave that door. For now, this is good-bye. It’s for your safety.” It’s so hard to say that. I feel a welling emotion as I say it. I may even have to leave my sometimes lover Erik Atlas out of the loop until I can get a handle on my life. “I’ll be watching. Expect a word about new contact information soon.”

I make it clear I am picking up lunch. I set the cash aside and pull out my card.

Madison Jones:
It would seem that you insist on paying for the bill despite my desire to do so, and I’m not one to argue with that. Perhaps I’ll donate the money later, or throw it away at a casino. All that aside there is something more pressing than money here, a realization that Scott may not share the same optimism I do about a happy ending.

Monsters and humans, is there really a difference? If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said yes… nowadays, I’m less sure about that. After all, I accepted Copper as a way of fixing my health issues as well as being able to save lives and make up for my mistakes, but it is still highly unnatural. I would hate to think that Scotty views me as something that might need to be wiped away, but I sense he is a good man and can see I’m doing things for what I view are the greater good.

“Thank you Scott for coming to check up on me. It’s been a crazy year for me, and somehow I think things are only going to get more complicated and serious going forward. Now if you will excuse me doctor, I have a patient to fix.” And with that, I rise and make for the door.

Scott Damm MD:
Before you go, I stand and give you a tight hug. There’s a trick I learned and use now. I hug your face to the pulseline of my neck. It’s the truest show of trust to a wolfman. It’s yours right now if you feel you have to. I hold you and wait for your reaction…

Madison Jones:
You embrace me in a hug, it draws some attention from the patrons. I pay them no mind and hug you back, both arms around your back. “I’ll be careful, you better be too. Next time I’m paying for the meal.” I hold you a little and then break away to tend to the next victim of the Red Star.

Lord Borgia is reviewing the final moments of the base’s destruction. Perhaps laments that the Purgatory Field is no longer viable, but has learned that now Volos inhabits the body Tobias Kane.

The staff was forbidden to send the video of the Utah Flash through electronic channels. They were to use courrier and an encrypted network. The Utah Flash, as it’s being called, is an international mystery. Some bloviating experts are getting grants to study this new geological phenomena. I will have thrills watching their conclusions. The Red Star knows the truth.

The Flash is what happens when a summoning grid twenty miles wide tries to encompass an improvised Gateway to the Infernal planes. It’s a tragic loss, truly. I was not surprised. In fact I had planned on walking away. The incident covered tracks nicely.

I say that ironically. Many from the Infernal Planes would know what happened without investigation. The mystery is a human problem. I am still eager to see the exact details. That eagerness is instantly challenged when my “vessel” is brought in, accompanied with a crash of glassware and swearing..

You are not logged in. - Borgia’s New Vessel

He used to be a biker. He used to be a feared elder werewolf from the North American west. I recall he died on the tip of my gladius in the control room of Stane’s laboratory. They repaired him well, and he was still amazingly powerful and handsome.

The art of Necro-byte storage is still a new and glistening paranormal science. Some mistakes are expected. I just wish those would occur out of my sight.

His handler, Exador Blunt, walked into my business chambers hoping to show off his new toy by having him carry a tray of drinks. It’s been known for centuries that zombies make terrible sommeliers. My temper rises and I feel the morphic fields holding my face and shape shiver. I make myself calm and turn a withering gaze on the dead man’s handler.

You are not logged in. - The New Lord Borgia

My servants come to my aid and clean the mess and bring us drinks properly. “Will you need a bib and a sippy cup? Or can you have drinks without a mess?” Blunt had no space in his mind and life for complexities like shame and remorse. I guess those get in the way over time.

He sat and ignored my rebuke. “This is your memory vessel. Plug in and he will give you a trans-temporal digest of what happened at Devil’s Playground.” He took the glass of red wine my servants offered and sat quietly.

Looking over this handsome “vessel”, warm skinned, muscled and large, staring with red eyes straight forward. I touch his body and feel the thickness of muscle and power. My arousal is instant when I touch him. I sense it’s part of the creature’s design. “How does this work exactly?”

Blunt drank the fine Cabernet noisily and came to the bottom of the glass. The server rescued the glass from his hands, the man knows tech but is challenged by delicate stemware. “You plug in. You already want to. Get on with it.”

The system is brilliant. Only a rare few would plant his cock in a dead man so that limits the number that might even dare access this information. My clothing is less real and more a courtesy to civilization and my pants fall to a black dust and then vapor. I touch him, his heart shivers. “Oh you remember me?” I kiss his neck, it smells better than I recall. My cock throbs hard and I understand.

The system is built from orgone energy, in short, energy drawn from the human orgasm. That one spark of life is enough to drive suns, if only humans could access it. The geniuses of the 1930 that wrote the first treatises on the “Orgone reactor” were imprisoned in Wyoming and never heard from again.

My arms close around this beast's waist and he shakes the floor when he lands. His loincloth stripped casually. My cock drives into home and my mind washes with a storm of visual details. There are few perks that come for working with me. One is having drinks and watching me retrieve data.

I slam my cock aggressively and feel the internal wail of what’s left of the warrior werewolf that died by my hand, wailing his hate for me. All that is now turning to ash as the details of the destruction of the base come to me.

The database is amazing. I can access any moment from when I left to its destruction, from many points of view. With my howling orgasm I take it all in with one solitary explosion of power. The transfer is instant and mentally engrossing.

I withdraw and extend my left hand. My servant hands me a towel and I wipe my cock, dropping the towel. I am not the human my mother birthed, not any more. The towel is stained black and burns. The servant collects it with a pair of tongs.

I turn and look at Blunt, nearly drooling at the performance I just gave. Of course, I tolerate his perversions. He owes me dearly now for admission to this show. That will be addressed later, my mind now awash at the staggering depth of Ageis Stane’s failure. Oh, what I now know.

Copper Wolf, he is the mystic Madison Jones.
He was sired by my legendary Nemesis Lord Volos, now hosted by Tobias Kane.
They are assisted by Doctor Scott Damm, the man that blew my head off.
And oh so complicated, Dr Damm is working for my long nemesis, Plato.

I will find out who authorized the use of a 20 mile summoning grid. I will find out where Tobias Kane lives, and he will find his life difficult. I will find Dr Damm, and he will have to choose whose tool he is. And Madison Jones. Who is he really?

So many questions.

In my hand is a glass, I’m told it’s wine. The sommelier sips it for me and shows he survived. One must test these things when they reach for power. I turn to the tech. “Blunt. That’s a brilliant achievement. I wish to use this vessel repeatedly.”

“You know my fee,” Blunt says. He takes another glass of wine, this one served in a plastic tumbler that looks like glass. He doesn’t even notice the slight.

My mind turns again to the archdemon, Bedlam. He has so many uses. Sadly I have only one. He will ensure I destroy Lord Volos… completely.

Published: 2022-10-05, viewed 52 times.