I'm your friend.

 Xadus was wandering around while Markiss went off hunting. He thought to come along, but decided to let Markiss go alone. He figure he come along next time to help him, especially since he could use his Cleric powers again. While he was wandering, he saw Nine sitting by the river staring off. He frown some and would figure he go talk to him. Especially with what happen the other night, he wanted to apologize for it. He move and sits next to Nine, when Nine saw Xadus he tensed up.

He suspected Markiss not far "Go away. I already told your love toy that I wasn't going to bother you guys. Besides you have done enough." he state sternly to him.

Xadus would frown still "I know, but I came to apologize. I really wasn't trying to hurt you, I wanted to help. I wanted you to have someone, you are always so alone and unhappy. I just thought maybe I pay him and then you two meet and just bam magic."

Nine rolled his eyes "I am not taking the bracelet off, I meant it when I said I didn't know how." staring at the water." So you can go away now."

Xadus leans over and hugs Nine now "No, sorry but you can't get rid of me. I am your friend, you can try to push me away, but I am not leaving. I'm sorry for what I put you through, we do stupid things for love and it doesn't make it right, but Nine you are not alone." he told him.

Nine tensed at the hug and would keep staring at the water, hearing Xadus talk. He would frown some at his words "Why....why do you keep staying around. Even though I push you away."

Xadus sighs "Because I know what it is like. I know a person in pain,  I know when you push its because you are punishing yourself. I know because I did the same, I would do things to make people uncomfortable on purpose, to keep them at arms length, because I didn't think I was worth friends, worth any happiness. However Nine you are worth those things, even if you can't see it. You deserve friends, people and happiness. You need to stop beating yourself up, you have got to let go of that past. You don't have to suffer alone anymore." Nine would try to not cry as Xadus kept talking. He held his breath, those words hitting him hard.

Xadus go on "You can yell and scream and try, but I am not leaving you. I am not letting you be alone, I have lived a long long time. I manage to find happiness, if I can, then you most defiantly can and you haven't even done much. I know you hurt, I know you think you are unworthy. I am so sorry for what Basalisk did to make you this way, for what that demon Astaroth did to you when he forced you to kill those people, how your father tried to take your will. Nine I am so sorry for what you have endured in such a short time, I know it seems so bleak, I know it seems like there is no point. However I am here to tell you, you are worth it, you are worthy of happiness."

Nine closed his eyes listening still, few blood tears rolling down his cheek. Before he lean against Xadus, the Elf would stroke his hair "you are worthy Nine." he cooed to him. "I promise you, you are worthy. Don't put thought to what others think, their thoughts don't matter." Nine would murmur "Thank you." to the Elf. Xadus would smile to him "No need to thank me." hugs him tight. Markiss was not far, but he just watched and observed to make sure Xadus was safe, listening to their conversation. He sighs and turns to walk away, seeing as Xadus was ok, didn't look like Nine was going to do anything to him. He talk later about that with the Elf, but for now he give them some space, thinking that Elf was waaay to nice.

The book of godlessness.

 A book on Godlessness, by Thelderion *High Cleric Priest*

The book shows many information on Clerics and spells, most of which is now used as common practice. However in the time this book was written, it look like it was revolutionary. Spells that were not heard of, herb discovery that truly pioneered Clerics to what they are now and many infirmaries and how they hell people. Even spells on cleansing with succession of the being surviving them, how to pull demons out easily without harming the host.

There was also a deep section on how to practice without the use of gods or goddess's. Showing alternative practices and a long rant of how useless the gods/godess's were. Stating how they care not for the mortal realm or their followers, how self absorbed they are. Pointing out the many flaws of them and how to get on without them. It was a guide to turning their backs on the gods/godess's. It was defiantly a book to cause a revolution against the gods/godess's. Talks of tearing the churches down, the statues and burning the books on them.

One god being the focal point was chaos, with claims saying getting rid of chaos would get rid of the destruction of the world. There was even battle plans and details of chaos demons, how to harm them, destroy them. Many theories of destroying the god of chaos, theories of how to even entrap the god if need be.

There was plans on surviving apocalypses and a vision of a future burning at the hands of the Phoenix race, of how it would happen, very deep details in every way it would happen. How if they could turn from the gods/godess's, maybe they could save themselves, as the gods/godess's won't stop this from happening, that it was probably their design to rid them all.

This was not some crazy rambles of a mad man either, but a man who look to want to preserve his race, to protect the people he loved. There were designs of escape for when the Phoenix come to burn the cities of the Elves. A way to save as many from the tragic fate, that seem would come eventually. 

This was a book of a man who had, had it with the gods/godess's, possibly felt abandon by them and decided they should do the same.It was well thought it or so it seem, to anyone who had never spent time with the gods/godess's this seem well sound. How to gather numbers, build up armies, how to hone the Clerics abilities to be powerful. A lot of research went into this, lots of side notes and theories.

Tavern Talk

    Nine was working in the Tavern, still thinking about how calm Dorian heart beat was. Even when they kissed, hell even the one time Dorian was handsy on him it was calm, it really unnerved him. He stood there wiping a mug as he was lost in thought, to the point Ingrid came over and grab his wrist "Hey now, keep wiping the mug and it might disappear." she teased him.

Nine looks to her and then looks down to the mug "hmm oh...right." slowly setting it down. "Sorry, just...have alot on my mind." he told her.

Ingrid went to pour a drink for a customer "Anything I can help with?" she ask. Putting the bottle away and moved next to Nine, propping herself against the counter.

Nine stared at her and then sighs "Its ....nothing." he tried to say.

Ingrid arch a brow "This is about pretty boy isn't it. The one who was all over you the other night?"she ask bluntly "Hun there is nothing you can say I haven't heard or been through myself. Honestly I am the best person to talk to. Plus your slacking in your duties soo talk." 

Nine groan some, but slouched in defeat "OK fine. It's...it's just that his heart beat...its calm." he state to her.

Ingrid tilt his head "Really? All bent out of shape over a heartbeat?" she ask him.

Nine stared at her "No...its...ugh..like ok so people heartbeats races when...you get into situations." he tried to in the most awkward manner explain.

Ingrid stared at him "So you two fucked and his heartbeat never changed?" again blunt as ever.

Nine blushed and says "WHAT NOOO....WHAT!?!? We haven't..sheesh...no we kissed but like his heartbeat was the same and even if he is handsy its the same. Like....I feel....I feel like.." he groan some.

"Like he's not into it or you?" she ask him, Nine giving her a nod. "I see. Well I mean maybe you're not doing it right."

Nine grimace some "I know how to kiss and I am actually good at it thank you. I just don't know. He was paid to fuck me apparently..so its all weird now."

Ingrid smirked "Oh you actually liked this guy. Well I mean he could just be going cause of the pay, like he's just not into you."

Nine frowns "Thats what I am thinking...he's staying at my house..."

"WHAT!? OH honey. He is likely using you for a free ride." Ingrid states "Like free room and board and if the only down fall is sex, then he thinking thats not bad."

Nine just shrunk more "I didn't think of that." he say in a quiet tone.

Ingrid huff some "Nine...just becareful ok. One I don't want to replace you, you are a hell of a worker and two you should never let anyone walk all over you."

Nine looks at the counter and would start wiping it "Yeah." 

Ingrid would let out a small sigh "Just....watch him. I mean hell maybe he's dead." she snorts.

Nine stop and stared at the counter "Dead?" 

Ingrid nods "Well yeah, its a joke. Like he's dead inside." Nine just listen some and would say "Right." in a short tone. The two continued their work and serving the patrons of the Tavern, though Ingrid gave some thought for Nine to think about now.

lost cause?

  Xadus watches as Nine just seem to move about the Tavern in a zombie like state a moment. Frowning "He was suppose to fix him, not make him worse." he state. 

Markiss would sigh "I keep telling you sex is not the fix all things."  

Xadus looks to him "Yes it is....look at us." 

Markiss stared at Xadus "I love you...even if you are a beautiful idiot. Sex has not fixed us, it just brought us closer cause we love each other." 

Xadus stared at Markiss "Thats why I pick the hot vampire, they see each other....love at first sight and bam."

Markiss groaned "You hired a whore. Thats not how that works, the guys a whore, who only does sex."he tried to explain to Xadus. Xadus would frown still and just lowered his head, Markiss tilt his head "Oh please don't look like that, it was a good idea...really...just...sex isn't the answer to everything."

Xadus huff "I am gonna make him fix it, he broke him worse, he fixes." he spoke with confidence.

Markiss blink some "I don't think you can blame him for...that....I mean how is he suppose to fix him anyways."

Xadus looks to Markiss "Not my issues, it his. He fixes him, cause if Volty finds out we broke Nine completely......you and I both really will be in trouble. Markiss would grimace and shiver to the thought of Voltaire coming after them. Shaking his head, he did NOT want that, that was for sure.

"Right....ok well.. you need to tell him that." Markiss told the demon "Saint and Devils...how come all your friends are so damn complicated?" shaking his head again slower this time.

Xadus would shrug "I don't know, but I go find and speak." and he was gone and Markiss blink some "Saints and Devils. Always go go go. I really don't want to end up on Voltaires bad side." He would get up and start heading out to go on a hunt, really hoping Xadus could get that guy to fix whatever or maybe the Vampire rally before then. Either way he was praying for a miracle for sure.

Breaking again

   Voltaire was sitting at the bar just watching Nine who was in a booth by himself, he was seeming to be talking to himself. Grabbing his head some, almost like having a whole break down. He was quiet there, not making a scene, but Voltaire was watching. Xadus came up behind him and spoke "Whats going on?" seeing where Voltaire was watching. Voltaire sighs "Watching a friend break into pieces.......again." Xadus frowns. "He needs someone." he told Voltaire. "He had Aiden...but....Aidens gone off to do his own thing." shaking his head. Xadus tilt his head "Aiden?" he ask, Voltaire nods "Yeah Gabriel...his new alias." Xadus gave a nod "Oh."

He then leans on the counter "Is there anything we can do?" he ask him, but Voltaire shook his head "I'm afraid not. I really don't know what to do anymore. He keeps me so far away, I'm trying to be respectful but...seeing him like this...bothers me."

Xadus gave a nod "Me and Markiss are gonna play match maker." he told Voltiare.

"Do as you please, I doubt he will be keen on anymore you send his way. He really is just, losing it mentally." Voltaire told Xadus witha sadden tone.

"Well Markiss made it known you were here just so you know, Nine knows." Xadus state.

Voltaire sighs "Right.....perhaps  I should have a chat with Nine....oh great..." he state and Xadus would arch a brow "What....what is wrong?"

Voltaire pinches the bridge of his nose "He's smoking.I bet its probably a drug."

Xadus shrugs " Might not be a bad thing....I need to check on Markiss, but I will be back down." Voltaire gave a nod and heads over to Nine.

He sit at the table and stare across to Nine, who stared at him "What?" Nine would ask, taking a puff.

Voltaire would watch him and waves a wrench over "Can I get rum please..I feel I will need it." 

Nine would just set a flask down and says "Why...are you here." as he takes a swig from the flask.

Voltaire looks to Nine "You know why. Don't play coy, you know I am here cause I care."

Nine would roll his eyes and says "Yeah whatever, care less." he told him, still smoking.

Voltaire frown some, paying the wrench when she brought over the mug of rum for him "Nine I don't like seeing you like this and neither did Aiden....you need to move on. You need to get better, not worse."

Nine smirked "I am over Sephi if thats what you mean.....I know she is passed, I know she want me to move on and I have." he told him "do I miss her, yes...but...I don't dwell on that moment anymore....."

Voltaire furrow his brow "Then why are you like this? What is wrong you can talk to me."

Nine stared at the flask and drank it again "What does it matter why I am like this? Like I'm not harming you or anyone. Why do you always have to but in? Maybe I am just tired."

Voltaire look at his mug some" Tired of what?"

"Of people trying to control my fucking life, I am tired of being told how to act or be. I am so tired of always being threaten for things I do, or say or just...I'm done. I am tired of it all. I get it...I can't do anything right, but I don't need people down my fucking throat every time I screw up." shifts in his seat a moment. "Tired of people thinking they know what is best for me....can't leave me alone."

Voltaire looked at Nine "Is alone what you really want?"

Nine took another swig and says "no....but I tried the whole be around people...it didn't work. I got a nice reminder that...I am what I am...people don't believe me...people just don't care if you are good."

Voltaire nods "Kind of like Xadus..." 

Nine sighs "Oh come on, you know he was fine with the holy water....let me guess his little boy toy blab to you."shaking his head and he down the rest of the flask.

Voltaire sighs "It was rude. Whether it hurt him or not...."

Nine shook his head "I get ice down my pants and told get over it, your over reacting by being mean, how could you accuse somebody with no proof.....but..I splash Xadus with water CAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH A CRYING DEMON. Suddenly I am just the worst guy ever....I tried everything to get him to stop......I....hug the guy..." 

Voltaire arch a brow "you....hugged Xadus."

Nine nods "Yes...and I tried to get him to talk, but he just screamed RUINED, ITS ALL RUINED!" shaking his head "Thats it and so at the tavern I thought, if I splashed water, maybe he stop or open up....I didn't know he be naked.....in the tavern." 

Voltaire shook his head "And you still thought it a good idea...."

Nine looks at Voltaire "You splashed me in a tavern once, lets see I have had my head dunk in water....told to rally...."

Voltaire sighs "OK...I see where this became a good idea to you." he waved his hands. "But picking a fight with Markiss? Its that self destructive path again Nine....you trying to get yourself killed?"

Nine smirk some "No...he just...it reminded me of Phinn and z all over again, where I am the worst person in the world...so I just decided I be....the worst person ever. He already made his mind up about me and I didn't see a point in trying to argue. I am shit in his head....all humans come to this about vampires anyways..so why change it?"

Voltaire shook his head "People can be different, if you give them a chance Nine. I know...you feel alone right now and like everyone abandon you...I know Aiden going out on his own hurt you....I know it must hurt to see people happy together and you...just ..you are still alone. It's easy to go back into old ways...but Nine...you need to move forward."

Nine just snickers some and Voltaire tilt his head "What is funny?" he ask him 

"I'm alone.....always..." he laugh "Its the one thing that never changes.....even when I try." he leans on the table laughing. "Even fate says nope...alone or if you have friends you can't be you." Nine just cackled in his seat, Voltaire stared at him with a frown. "I wish... you peace....I really do." shaking his head. However it was clear Nine had more then a smoke going on, that flask seem to have been a type of drug too. Voltaire would look at the mug, Xadus had come down stairs again and Voltaire wave him over. 

When Xadus got to him "Can you escort Nine home. I don't think he is in a state to travel alone....don't want some low life taking advantage of him."Xadus nods "Of course I can.."

Nine snorts "Oh there goes bossybob fancypants telling people what to do." cackling more. Xadus looks at Voltaire a moment and then leans to grab Nine and help the stumbling Vampire out of the booth. "You look like you are having fun." he told him.

Nine just looks around "Where is snarkiss?" he ask. Xadus blinks some and then says "Oh...Markiss..he is busy." Nine nods "Yeah wouldn't want him to know you took the evil Vampire home...he'd likely loose his head. "Xadus sighs some and says "Come on...lets go.." Nine grabs Xadus "HEY.....don't eat my garden out front.....I know you and the veggies." Xadus snorts. Voltaire just shook his head, as the Demon moved out of the inn with Nine and just sighs "Oh Nine.....I know you are in soo much pain. I just wish you trust, someone." Slowly got up and moved off himself.

When Indari's fight.

   Gabriel was wandering about when he heard a shout "YOU!" and just as fast as he heard the shout, he felt something push into him. He react and manage to push back from being fully pinned, but he was still shoved against a tree. Growling as he saw his brother, who was looking half transformed. His left arm look horrid, his eyes were solid pale green. His strength was greater then when he left him, seems Lilith blood had done some things. "You did this to me." he hiss out. 

"You gave me no other choice, you were begging for death." he hiss back to him. 

Nine stared at him and growled as he pulled and threw Gabriel who went rolling and catching himself. "So what you going to attack me for trying to help you?" he knew nine wasn't in a good state, but atleast he seem to be fighting. Nine was faster then before, seem Lilith blood did ALOT. It was all Gabriel could do to dodge the slash, he figure Nine just in a feral state. He was sure once he calm he feel better, but at the moment if it was a fight he wanted, then Gabriel give it. Move and then turn to kick Nine, who stumble and this just pissed off the vampire more.

Gabriel was feeling proud he got some good shots in, though so did his brother. However it made him feel better to see Nine fighting, atleast he wasn't pleading for death and sulking. So this was better, he just wish Nines anger was pushed onto someone else, like their father. However his thinking got him to make a mistake and Nine had him pin down to the ground. He could see that ungodly claw go up to strike, but no strike came. Maybe Nine came to his senses, but when he look he saw Raven had grab Nine " YOU WANT A FIGHT! I'LL FIGHT YA, I BEEN DYING FOR  A REMATCH!" he shout as he threw Nine off Gabriel.

Gabriel got up "Hey wait...Raven, he's just abit wired." however it fell on deaf ears as the two went at it, not in a nice way. They were like rabid dogs, slashing and trying to actually tear one another apart. Gabriel blinks "HEY DON'T KILL HIM!" he move to go stop it, but a hand hit his chest "Are you nuts?" Voltaire spoke. "Sheesh I know you gave him your mothers blood, but damn did that jump start him. Also are you crazy? You can't just jump in the middle of an Indari fight, they will eat you alive... Literally." 

Gabriel blinks and then growls "I am not weak as before.." but Voltaire push him some "No, but neither is Nine in the same state as before. Also Raven if you haven't notice is not holding back like he did with you. They are going at it full force and speed, as if they will die any second. This is the life they know, you jump in and they will tear you apart not thinking." Gabriel stared at Voltaire and then at the two as they bit flesh from each other in this fight. "i don't care I am not weak I will stop them." he move to try and push the two off, but just as Voltaire said it went south. Raven latch on to Gabriels upper arm and Nine lached his jaw on Gabriels shoulder. 

They were in the heat of the battle for sure, however Raven pulled back and then went to kick Gabriel in the stomach to send him flying out of the fight, while Nine let go of Gabriel and went to slash Raven across the face, sending the Indari rolling in the ground and Nine following fast. He tried to strike again, but Raven manage to dodge. Gabriel winces as Voltaire stood over him "Gee how did it go?" Gabriel growled "I don't see you doing shit." Voltaire sighs "Cause I have seen these two fight before. Its nothing new at all. This is how real Indari fight, you may think you can be one, but you are not like that. Sure you are more wild, but these two thrive in it." Gabriel watch his brother and Raven as they fought. 

"Ravens alot stronger now though." Gabriel state, Voltaire shrugs "Nine is a wild card, you put him in situations like this and he tends to surprise people. He grew up like Raven in this life style of fight or be eaten. This triggers his fighting spirit, the will to live. Its actually good for him, perhaps after this he will calm out some." Gabriel frowns "I just don't get why he keeps pushing me away." Voltaire snorts "Pushing you, he came to fight you yes. It wasn't to push you, it was an overwhelming need. You gave him the blood, he sought you to redeem his failure to keep fighting. He wouldn't have killed you." 

Gabriel stared at Voltaire "Sure felt like he was going to." Voltaire points "Just watch." as the two who were a bloody mess just kept at it. Till Nine pinned Raven down and bit onto his throat to hold him there. The Indari trying to struggle under him, screaming and growling in rage, but eventually concedes to Nine. Gabriel blinks some, proud of his brother but surprise to. "Well he has no excuse now." Voltaire chuckles "Thats the spirit." Nine got off Raven who hissed him "I will beat you one day Nine." 

Nine stood up panting and stares at Gabriel, marching at him. "You...do you have any idea what I been through?" Gabriel stood strong in front of his brother "Being a real Vampire?" Nine blinks and says "I....." stood there and thought a moment as Voltaire laughed. "I...I have this deep thirst and you...."stood there still " YOU TURN ME INTO A MONSTER!" Since he really couldn't bitch about the fact he did act more like a Vampire.

Gabriel went to speak, but Voltaire cut in "Oh shut up, you will return to normal looking as soon as you learn control." Gabriel smirk "Yeah just accept this side of you, its part of who you are. The time of fighting it is over." Nine stared at Gabriel a while and points at Voltaire "I will kill you." Voltaire rolled his eyes "Yeah ok..sure..I came to check in and you two or well three are alive so bye." Leaving as Raven walked over. "He is right you need to stop fighting yourself. Let go like you did in that fight." Gabriel nods "Yes. Stop sulking, be a Vampire." 

Nine stared at them and then looks at himself "You both go to far." Raven growled snapping his jaw. Gabriel however "You gave me no choice, its on you." Nine glared at him, but sighs " maybe if I drink enough I can get this to go away." he grumble. Raven rolled his eyes " Come to check on you on find you both fighting." Gabriel hiss "I was holding my own just fine." To which Raven smirked "That's cause he was going easy on you." he tease.

Gabriel growled "I am not weak!" the two looked at him " WE KNOW!" they say. Raven spoke up "You have done well, I am certain before you been dead or a pulp before I got here so yes you have improved." Nine just stared at Gabriel "You could have gone easy on me." rotating his shoulder. Gabriel smirked "Pff no way I was letting you take me easy." Raven grunts "Food. We need food." sniffing about. Nine grimace " ugh I hate this, but I agree." Gabriel jabs him " You don't hate it, you just want to....stop saying that." Nine glare at him, but sighs as they go to hunt. "How about we all have some fun." Raven grab Gabriels throat " Offering yourself to me huh?" Gabriel smack Raven " NO! Sheesh. Offering we get some food and have fun." Raven look him up and down " just the same you break to easily." Nine snorted. Gabriel glared "Um no you just couldn't handle me...I am saving you the pain." Raven laugh with Nine. Gabriel rolled his eyes " You two can find your own food." as they headed off.

New visitor

   Gabriel had been hunting and felt better, it been a few days and Nine finally finish detoxing. Which made the house a little better emotion wise, however still was overwhelming for Gabriel. He was still trying to learn how Raven could shut his empath off, he'd ask the Indari, but they were still away. So he would figure it out himself and maybe impress Raven. He walks up to the house and when he got in, he was hit right off the bat with a feeling. He didn't see anyone and could gather real fast the tiefling and his brother done hooked up. Figure he rather just leave that alone now and so he run out of the house, panting some. He look to the bracelet and growled some, he wanted it gone so bad. He wander the forest some and came across a very beautiful woman who spoke "Ah you must be Aidan." she spoke. Gabrie figure she seen him around probably.

He also thought what luck, since the house was just pure lust of emotions, he could maybe swoon her. He move to her and says "Well what's a gorgeous woman like yourself doing in the woods? See you have heard of me." went to lean in and right as he did the women hits him and he goes flying back to the ground surprise. He look at her and she giggles, he growled "Ok who are you?" he ask. She fold her arms, she was tan skinned, with dark wavy hair. She wore a rather nice outfit too, more romani style, that added to her beauty. Her yellow hues watched Gabriel with amusement "Don't worry I am not here to attack, I just merely got rid of the lust that was in you with a simple spell. I assume the cottage is rather filled." 

Gabriel was guarded now, this was weird. She then spoke more "I am Voltaires mate, ask to check in on you. My name is Anastasia." Gabriel blinks a few times "Voltaires...mate....." Now he knew the man had lovers, but Voltaire did not seem like the type to settle down with one person. Anastasia laugh some "Yes." He then stood up "So he sent you then. To check up on us? Why couldn't he come himself this time?" Anastasia shrug some "He didn't say why, just ask I come see how you all are doing." Gabriel nods some "Ok. Im kinda amazed Voltaire settle down." he smirked.

Anastasia seem confused by this "What do you mean settle down?" Gabriel shrugs " I didn't think he was a marrying type, won't lie I am kinda insulted he didn't invite me to the wedding. I thought I was his friend." he then heard Anastasia bust into laughter and stared at her. "While yes we are mated, neither of us believe in the ceremony that is marriage. We love each other and are content to be together, but why do we need to do a ceremony to prove it to each other?" Gabriel nods some " I mean I get that and honestly I agree. I never really found the point of such, just surprise I guess. Although he was once with an angel. So if you don't mind me asking, what are you?"

Anastasia smiled "Oh yes I am aware of the angel he was with. I was around that time, just I wasn't as involved with him. Not like I was with his kids, he had ask me to keep an eye on them, cause he didn't trust the angel. I could not blame him, as for me though... I am the same as Voltaire." Gabriel blinks and stared at her " Excuse me? Like you are a chimera?" She nod to him. "Yes I come from the same place as him." Gabriel would just step back, not of fright but of sheer shock. "WAIT...you said you perform a spell. Voltaire can't do magic, yet you can."

Anastasia just smiled sweetly "While I am from the same place as Voltaire and created by the same beings, I was not created the exact same. Voltaire was created for fighting, I was created to be a catalyst of sorts. So my genetic makeup is different. I can perform magic." Gabriel listen and nods "I see, no wonder he mated to you." Anastasia giggles again "Yes. I see you are doing much better then before. I have heard alot about you from him. So how is your brother fairing then?" Gabriel sighs "He is still alive. I just....I want to help him, I just don't want to do so that is controlling. You know?" Anastasia nods to him "Oh I get that, but you are there for him so that is already good start." 

Gabriel nods " Then I have this on me." She look "Ah yes...I was told of it." Gabriel ask "Do you think you can remove it?" Anastasia inspects it and says "I possibly could. I can see my books and ask someone I know. You will have to atleast give me a week, cause the person I need to find is a little hard to track at the moment." Gabriel look so relieved that he hugged her. Anastasia giggles and hugs the man back "I will take that as you approve good." He then says "Look my brother and the tiefling have cuffs too "Anastasia nods "I am aware, but...that now...I can't removes right off. There is a special eclipse coming up and then I can remove that. However I was told of it, since you spoke with Voltaire a day ago." Gabriel nods " When is it?" Anastasia thought a moment "It will be a month."

Gabriel sighs "Right...well...I suppose we will be fine till then. Thank you soo much." Anastasia nods to him "You are welcome. Now I really came to help train with you on your magic. I hear you are very good in blood magic. I would love to train with you on it." Gabriel smile "I would like that actually. Its easier to train with another." Anastasia nods "I know what you mean. There's a wonderful spot we can go to." Gabriel nods to her and follows as they go to train. Finally a easy day for the poor vampire.

Cant get worse

     Gabriel woke up in a sweat, something was wrong. He could feel it, he wasn't sure what. It felt like everything was wrong, now everything was out of whack. He move out and head to Nines room, he was a sleep, but was shivering and squirming from nightmares he always had. He sighs as he rather not disturb his brother, as much as he like to wake him and say its a dream, Nine needed the rest. Though as he moved away he heard a sound, a sob sound. He moved to Zantro room and the tiefling is all curled up sobbing his eyes out. Gabriel could feel it, he thought it was all Nine. However now Zantro was depressed? He couldn't understand why, he had thought Zantro was fine. Took the bard out, he seem happy. Now he was sobbing and depressed and yet STILL filled with lust. Gabriel groan "whoever cursed you really hated you." he mutter to himself.

He wonder what or who the tiefling piss off for such a curse, though at the moment all this depression was even getting Gabriel down. "Why can't anything be easy." He would get his nerves together and move into the bards room. "What is wrong now?" he ask. Zantro looked at Gabriel and turned away "Go away." he say. Which caused Gabriel to blink "What no witty come back, no oh come to be with me remark?" Zantro just curled up tighter "Please leave." he say. Gabriel huff "I can't cause of this bracelet I feel everything HARDER!" he growled, but watch Zantro just shut down more. 

Gabriel took some deep breaths "Look, just....why are you crying? I thought you were happy, you got to be free in a brothel for abit." Zantro grab Gabriel "I don't KNOW WHY I'M SAD!" he say. Gabrie tense some and says "What do you mean you don't know?"  Zantro hugged on the vampire "I don't know. I woke up crying and I can't stop. I feel so depressed." Gabriel blinks "Oh god please don't tell me you are a empath." Zantro shook his head "I'm not." Gabriel felt soo uncomfortable. He pat the bards head "I...then why are you sad? Figure you have fun making my life hell." Zantro even though was in a deep depressive state, still had to adhere to the curse and grope Gabriel ass. To which without thought Gabriel launched the bard across the room. 

Gabrie wince as the bard laid there on the ground and sob more. "Oh god stop..." he told him. Now tears were running down Gabriels face " GAH.." he hated this. He move to the bard " Look you can't grope me..." Zantro whined "I can't help it...I...can't stop..... I feel like a failure and I don't know whyyyy." Gabriel frowns and sat on the bed "I feel like it too, but....I haven't even been here long enough to feel like a failed. Nines.......ARE YOU SURE YOUR NOT AN EMPATH!" Zantro curled up "I'M NOT...I KNOW I'M NOT...I USUALLY ONLY FEEL LUST AND NOW I FEEL SO DEPRESSED AND STILL FEEL LUST AND I HATE MYSELF AND JUST I WANT IT TO STOP!" 

Gabriel grabbed his head "Stop...you need to stop. Get a hold of your emotions. You are effecting me too damn much and I need to be strong for my brother." Zantro still laid there "I can't....." Gabriel growled, tears still running down his face "YOU HAVE TOO!" Zantro just curled tighter "I can't.....I'm alone....I don't have anyone." Gabriel stared at the bard a while. Just watching him, when the bard wasn't trying to get in his pants, he realize that there had to be some pain that was theirs. However he could explain why they felt Nines. Until he say the bracer a moment "What is that?" he ask. Zantro slowly looked to see what Gabriel spoke of and then the bracer "It was a gift." 

Gabriel narrow his eyes "From who?" Zantro still sob "I don't know...some guy came here and gave it too me. Said I never be alone if I wore it. BUT I FEEL EVEN MORE ALONE!" Gabriel blinks and says "Well well well...seems Astaroth turned on you, like I said he would." Zantro sat up  "He'd never!" 

Gabriel folds his arms "And yet here you are, with a bracer." holding his arm "Feeling everything." Zantro shook his head "I know it wasn't him. He'd never do that to me...he saved me when no one else would." Gabriel raised a brow. "What do you mean by that?" Zantro tried to wipe away the tears "When I was slave to a cult, he saved me. No one else would, they just laughed or said I got what I deserve for being a tiefling....but he didn't... he saved me!" Gabriel frown some. It seem the pain was mix between Nine and the bards.  Now Gabriels stuck fix this one as well. 

"Zan... Astaroth is a demon." he tried to explain, but Zantro yelled "AND I'M HALF A DEMON SO WHAT?" Gabriel winced some "He doesn't care about you." Zantro cried more "YOU ARE LYING!" Gabriel sighs, trying to not sob from the overwhelming feeling. He move to the bard and grabs him "Right now you are not alone." he told him. Zantro stared at Gabriel "I am..you hate me..everyone hates me. I can't stop this stupid curse and I am alone. Always alone.... " Gabriel trying to be patient "Right now you are not. You are here with me and my fucked up brother. Now I gotta fix you with him. I can't do that if you sit here self loathing. You are making me wish you were your normal whore self." Zantro cried more "I hate it!" 

Gabriel groaned and thought why he couldn't have it easy just once. "Zantro I swear...." but he stop a moment and notice the bard was doing more then feeling Nines emotions. He was broken out in a sweat and shivering. He move to put Zantro on the bed "How...do you feel aside from the depression and lust." Zantro stared at Gabriel "I...I hurt sooo much." Gabriel ponder something "like you are coming of something?" Zantro nods to him. "Did you take all those drugs with Nine?" Zantro shook his head no. "Yet you are detoxing." Zantro wiped his face again "What does that mean?" Gabriel moved away "STAY!" and headed to Nine room, he look and saw the same bracer on Nine "FUCK!" 

He knew it had to be Astaroth, but he couldn't convince Zantro. He just rub his temples a moment and then heads to the bards room "Ok... look what you feel is mostly Nine emotions ok... you are not alone. I need you to be really strong." Zantro was sniffling "I...what if I can't?" Gabriel stared at him "You survived Raven torture. This is nothing compared to that right?" Zantro thought and shook his head. "Right so I need you to...and I regret this sooo much...I need you to give into your curse more to combat this." Zantro would try to focus on this. Gabriel moved and went to make some tea, figure if he drug the boy he could get some rest himself. He move back in "This will help with the detox." Helping him sip from the cup.

After abit, Zantro was knocked out and sleeping. Gabriel move to his bed and flop in it. "I swear I will kill that demon." groaning as he would now try to get some rest himself, cause tomorrow was going to be hell.

When Jester visits

  Gabriel had locked himself in his room, trying to get a hold of himself. He felt so very overwhelmed and just even in his room the emotions poor into him. He couldn't make it stop, he was curled up and just struggling hard. Between Nines slow detoxing and dark depression and then Zantro ever growing lust. WHY WAS IT GROWING, he wanted to leave them. He slowly got up and figure maybe he could get the bard under control. Just maybe, that could help and get the damn bugger to take the bracelet off. He move to Zantro room and open the door. Zantro was right at the door staring at Gabriel and leans on the frame "I knew you couldn't resist me." he say with a playful growl. Gabriel just looked mortified a moment and says "NO." he then took a slow deep breath "Get this off me." the bard look at the bracelet "I can't." 

It took everything in Gabriel not to just gut the bastard there "What do you mean you can't? YOU PUT IT ON ME?!" Zantro frown some "Yes but... I was told too. I can't take it off, I don't know how." Gabriel brow twitched "Let me guess Astaroth?" Zantro nods. "WHY DO YOU WORK WITH HIM!?! He doesn't care about you and he'll just kill you when he is done." Zantro stared at Gabriel a while and then says "You wouldn't understand." Gabriel pinch the bridge of his nose. "Ok look you either got to go or control your damn lust."

Zantro shook his head "I can't go I am paid to be here and so yeah no. However if you just gave in...." reaching to touch Gabriel as he about jumped out of his skin "DO NOT touch me." he hiss. "Fine atleast let me have the other, he was willing." he whined " YOU CAN'T HAVE NINE. He is not in the right state of mind." Gabriel growled out. Zantro whined more "I need to feed my curse or else I black out and then I never know what happens. I just wake up from the after math...do you even know what its like to not know what you did?" Gabriel froze a moment and then groans "You are never leaving are you?" 

Zantro huffed, but then Gabriel heard someone and turn to see Jester just staring at them "So I was um...coming to check on Nine.I heard of Crow passing and well I am just gonna guess he is fine and leave. I am not trying to interrupt anything." Gabriel shout "STOP! Nothing is happening." To which Zantro slinks up against him, rubbing himself against Gabriel "But there could be." Gabriel shoved the bard off and Jester was out the door. Gabriel chased him "JESTER STOP!" Jester look back " Hey look I just came to check on a friend soo.." Gabriel pleads " You can't leave me alone here." Jester stared at Gabriel "Wait Gabriel?" he ask and the Vampire nods. " Did you lose your eye?" Gabriels and then says " what no...new body." Jester nods "oh well red hair looks good on ya." Gabriel stared at him "You can't leave I need you." 

Jester leans to see Zantro and says "Yeah I am crazy, but not crazy to touch that." Gabriel smack his face and said "I just need help. I'm trying to help Nine and now this bard won't go away and I'm overwhelmed." Jester kept a distance each time Gabriel tried to get closer. "Keep a six feet distance, cause I am need space to dodge if you jump me." Gabriel stared at him "Jump you? I am asking for help." Jester shook his head "Yeah I hear your words, but your face and body look like you want to jump my bones and yeah I might be bi but you are not my type." Gabriel paled and felt so embarrassed " I AM NOT TRYING TO FUCK YOU! I AM NOT THAT BARD!" Jester just kept his distance "Yeah ok like this whole conversation and everything is very uncomfortable right now. I... you are a empathy and I guess the bards lust is strong cause I can tell you are a little effected." he said kindly. Gabriel held his arm up "THE BASTARD PUT THIS ON AND NOW MY EMPATHY ON OVERLOAD!" 

Jester sighs and says "I see...I don't know much in that stuff...... maybe I can go get you someone to help you." Gabriel thought a moment and says "That...would be great. Could you? I just need someone to handle Zan." Jester then frown "I..... yeah I don't know anyone that crazy." Gabriel frowned "I thought I was just going to help Nine, I didn't think I have to deal with him too." Jester sighs "I'd ask maybe one of the girls I know, but I am terrified to put a girl in the mix with you guys."  Gabriel looked rather insulted " EXCUSE ME?" Jester state "The way Zan effecting you, you all would jump her not meaning too or she could jump you. Either way she kill all of you in the amid sex." Gabriel just looked bewilder " WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!?" Jester shrugged "Sahara." Gabriel then just says " That crazy succubus bitch?" Jester nods "yeah but she might handle Zan or she could go nuts...that would not help you.....um.OH HEY! You remember Bob?" 

Gabriel dead face Jester "Bob? As in Bob who is dead?" Jester nods "Yes Bob who is undead. He is dead...like waist down nothing...unless of course you fuck Bob, then that be awkward for you and Bob...." Gabriel eye twitched "WHY WOULD I FUCK BOB?" Jester shrugs "I don't know you are the empath on overload here." Gabriel groaned. "I thinking here?" Jester shouted. "Ok ok...um....hmmmm....well I could travel to this place I heard Zantro was locked in. A library." Gabriel looked so lost "He was lock in a library?" Jester nods " Yeah its run by a dragon, maybe they know how to control him. They kept him there for some time." Gabriel sighs "Fine whatever....I just...I don't know what to do." Jester then adds "Take the lad out to get some." Gabriel blinks a moment "Get some yourself too. Nine is not going anywhere is he?" Gabriel look at the house, of course Zantro out of sight. "He's locked in his room." Jester then says "See leave him there, you two go out and come back. Should help. There's a place over in the village Alocoil. Private low traffic place. Perfect place to take him and just let him go lose. That's got to cut some of his lust down." Gabriel sighs. "Ok.." Jester nods "I'll go find some information come back." Gabriel nods and move in to the cottage.

He found Zantro in Nines room and grabs him "We are going out Nine, we'll be back." Nine growled " You are leaving me tied here?" He was sweating at as the detoxing was starting. "Yes, you need to get all that stuff out of you. We will be back." Zantro look at Gabriel "Where are we going. Oh Do you need private time with me...want me to handle you." his hand sliding at Gabriel pants " STOP IT! I am taking you to a place to feed your lust." Zantro was bouncing in Gabriels arms " YEAH!" Gabriel grimace.

While they were out, Astaroth moved into the cottage. He head to where Nine was "Tsk tsk. Look at you, once a strong warrior. I actually thought you could beat Caine. What was I thinking. You are nothing. Couldn't save your wife, couldn't save your friend or the town. You are a failure." Nine just stared at Astaroth, but said nothing. Astaroth shook his head "Just a husk. Maybe I should end you.....no that be too easy for you. You want that. No you will suffer longer." He put the bracer on Nine arm like Voltaire instructed. "Pathetic waste." leaving.

Few hours passed and Gabriel had to drag Zantro out. "HOW CAN YOU STILL BE THIS ACTIVE!?" Zantro groans "I told you I am cursed." Gabriel get him "I need rest DON'T...COME INTO MY ROOM OR NINES. IF  you do I will lock you up." Zantro sighs as Gabriel went to his room. Slowly Voltaire emerged "What a shame, he doesn't understand the pain you go through." Zantro turn to see Voltaire. Who walked up to him and caress his cheek "I understand. I know what it is like to feel soo alone, to never feeling like you belong anywhere." Zantro frowned and look down "Its ok. I come with a gift." He pulled out the brace "Where this and you'll never be alone." Zantro looked confused "How is that?" Voltaire smiled " you have to wear it and find out." Zantro seem hesitant, but Voltaire had that smooth voice so he trusted it and put it on. "I don't feel different " Voltaire smiled " Give it time." and was gone.

Just when it couldn't get worse

  Gabriel was sleeping, he had brought Nine to the cottage and in a bed.  Still unsure how to help him, but he was going to try. Slowly woke up and just stretched some. He got out of bed and slowly began to emerge down the hall. Which lead him to a doorway to the kitchen/dinning area. He head through and looks to his right, which was the living area. To which he finds yet again Zantro with his brother, who was smoking opium. Gabriel blinks "You....how...how did you get in here?!" he shout. Zantro turn to see Gabriel and says "He let me in."  Gabriel saw a variety of drugs on the coffee table before them. Zantro was once again straddling his brother. Gabriel march over and just as soon as he did, Zantro  stumbled off Nine "Hey he ask me too. You need to stop coming at me like this."

"Get out." Gabriel spoke coldly as he move to open the door. Zantro stared at him and then sighs "Fine..." moving like he was going to leave, only to shove into Gabriel last second and kiss him. Pushing the Vampire against the wall, while he slyly shoves the bracelet on him. The bracelet immediately got snug on his wrist and he felt like a shock went through him. He wasn't fully aware of what it was, all he knew was now he was overwhelmed. Between the lust of the bard and his brothers depressive state, it was worse then ever and when Zantro step back Gabriel feel to the floor. He even felt another feeling, who was this even coming from? It was loneliness and sense of wanting to belong, he thought maybe it was Nine. Nine always sort of felt like that, so to Gabriel there was hope maybe that Nine was still in there. 

Gabriel tried to get the bracelet off "What did you do." he hissed. However in this time Nine had gotten up, grabbed Gabriel by his foot and tossed him outside. Then locked him out of the cottage, Gabriel blinks and sat up "ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!" Zantro blinks as he watched this and saw Nine go back to the couch. Gabriel sat there a moment, remembering Ravens talk how his uncle tortured him till he became numb. He take this as a new lesson, get control of his empathy to the level Raven could, so he slowly got to his feet.

Gabriel moved around to try and find another way in.  As he does move, he gets to the side near the window that was next to the couch and could hear talking "You know he is trying to help you. " Nine groaned "Just shut up. I didn't pay you for your opinions." Zantro would keep talking, as Gabriel listen in. "I'd given anything to have someone like him to have been there for me. I mean maybe they would have stop me from doing something stupid..." Nine cut him off "Is there a damn off switch to your mouth?"

Gabriel rolled his eyes and moved to find a way in again, while Zantro stared at Nine. "Of course." He would move to prep opium for Nine, but in a different way. He grab a syringe and put some of the opium on a spoon and over a fire. He then get it in the syringe and moved and sticks Nine with it. He growled some "What the hell." Though the effects hit him faster and he relaxed. While Zantro had taken a cup of drugged blood into his mouth. He sat on Nine and went to kiss him, forcing the special blood into his mouth and making him drink it. In the short time Zantro had notice Nines lack of eating and thought this be a way to trick him into atleast eating.

Nine only ever so slightly struggled, but then just was relax again. Zantro leans back "I really hate people like you." he say "You have people there, who actually care. You treat them like shit. I'd given anything to have that. You are on this self destructive path and people still keep trying to help. I'M CURSED AND NO ONE CARES!" choking Nine now at this point "Its not right, why should some selfish bastard like you get kindness, but me who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, am just doomed to be kicked around and told get away."

Nine couldn't really stop the bard from strangling him, However Gabriel happen to get back in and grabs the Tiefling off Nine. He had the boy by his waste and carried off with him, heading to the hall and opens a door to one of the rooms and tossed him in there. Then locks the door, Zantro blinks at being tossed in a room and not outside. Figured Gabriel had made a mistake, moving to the windows, it was no mistake, there was no window big enough for Zantro to get out of due to his horns.

Gabriel then grabs Nine and drags him to his room, there he cuffs him to the bed with special enchanted cuffs that he couldn't break. Not that in his current state he could, Gabriel hissed "You are going to detox." moving out and then punch the door to Zantro room "You want to be here so bad, THEN FINE!" moving to the living area and finds Voltaire coming in. "I take it every things going well?"

Gabriel glared at Voltaire, out of all the emotions he could feel, Voltaire was a void still. While it was a relief to not have an extra emotion upon him, it kind of bothered him that Voltaire was just that a void. Nothing came off him and Gabriel knew that is not the case, he then sighs "Can you get this off?" showing the bracelet. Voltaire inspects and hmm some. "Possibly I need to look into it, I haven't really seen anything like this." Gabriel sighs and rubs his temples "I....its like I am overload of feeling emotions." Voltaire raise a brow "I see." Gabriel plops in the chair "On top of it all that tiefling bastard keeps showing up and won't go away." 

Voltaire smirk some as he slowly move to stand next to the chair "How are you handling that?" Gabriel looks up "Got him locked in a room, since he keeps coming back. Plus he tried to strangle Nine." Voltaire arch a brow "Thats...kind of different." Gabriel looks at the empty fireplace "He was upset that Nine push me away. Saying stuff like he wish had people like that." Voltaire leans on the chair "So he wishes for friends who care it seems. Must be real hard with that curse." Gabriel looks at him "What is this curse..." Voltaire looks "Have you forgotten... perhaps Caine took that from you. Zantro is curse with hedonism. He can't not be lewd and such, must make, making friends so hard. Probably very lonely and never really belonging anywhere. I mean then he's a tiefling and that already outcast him."

Gabriel then realized the feelings he felt before where Zantro. That the bard could feel outside of well his lewd ways. Gabriel groaned "I can barely help Nine, I can't help this creature too." Voltaire leans to him "And yet you put him in a room and not outside." Gabriel scowled some. "Perhaps this bracelet affects you too much, I will get on how to get it off. I merely came to check on you." leaving as Gabriel groaned again.

Voltaire headed to a tavern and sat next to a man "Well everything going off quite well. I think." Astaroth smirks "Oh?" Voltaire nods "He's got Zan in a room locked...the bracelets on him and he's rather confused." Astaroth "interesting. Would have love to seen his face when that bracelet hit him." Voltaire nods "I have my comeback." Astaroth looks intrigued "OH?" Voltaire sets down a bracer set "These I am going to have put on Nine and Zantro." Astaroth looked surprise "You are going to get one of your own in this?" Voltaire nods "Oh yes. You see these connect the wearers together. They can't travel far from one another or else they pass out and won't wake till reunited. They bother can feel to a point of what the other feels. Gives Nine a sense of empathy, Zantro well lets see what a mope hedonistic bard like. All while Gabriels super charged. Lets see what happens." Astaroth ponders "We are starting small, but growing. Ok...Ok... would you let me do the honors?"  Voltaire taps "Both of us will. You get Nine and I will get Zan." Astaroth smiled "Deal."

The start to aid

  Gabriel followed the note to where his brother was said to be at. Voltaires final parting words still ringing his mind "Now when you find your brother, just know he is in a dark place. A path you, yourself once walked. Maybe not the same way, but you will see things similar to your own struggles and things that are that of Nines. Remember the knowledge you gained on your travel of life and use it to aid your brother." 

Gabriel came to a tavern and sighs "Of course it be a place like this." He wasn't trying to judge Nine, who was he to even judge anyways. He just hated to be here, knowing its not of joy or cheery reunions, but of woe and sorrow. He figure he find Nine deep in bottles of some sort of alcohol, moving in and gives the place a glance. So far he had not seen Nine yet, so he moved around, the tavern had many off side rooms. It was a rather large place, but then the city was large too. He move to one of the rooms off to the side and was NOT ready to be grace with what he came to. 

Nine was there and bottles were everywhere, but not only that. The damn blue bard was sitting on his brothers lap, seeming to have his fun teasing at his brother. Though Nine just seem so empty, he also seem very well drugged. Sitting there as the bard nip and bit at his brothers neck, but Nine didn't seem much there. There was a familiar smell in the air, one Gabriel knew well and found a pipe off to the side. Seem his brother had taken up his own issue of addiction. Gabriel was more pissed off at seeing Zantro though, he stormed over and snatched the tiefling off his brother. Pinning him by his throat to the wall, Zantro was only mildly freaked out, not suspecting to be grabbed. He saw Gabriel and still not to sure of this new body, but he knew, he knew the guy from before. "Oh its you, finally come to get what all the fuss is about?" Gabriel pulled the bard back and slammed him into the wall again.

Nine just lazily looked at his brother and what he was doing "Get out of here." he say, but his tone was so dead and just empty. Gabriel stared at Zantro still "Hey he ask me to. I am not doing anything wrong here." Nine adds "Yes I did so fuck off." still sitting in the chair like a zombie though. Gabriel hissed" I'll get to you in am minute, as for you though." he growled to Zantro "You will not touch him and stay the hell away from him." Nine shook his head and got up, leaving.  While Gabriel was threatening the bard "Hey, I told you he ask me too, I mean if you wanting a threesome I can totally work with that. I wouldn't mind being sandwich between two hot vamps." Gabriels grip tightens. "I'm not playing bard."

Zantro tried to tap on Gabriels arm as he notice Nine left, but Gabriel was not in the mood for his games. While Gabriel shouted at the bard, Nine move out of the Tavern passing Astaroth, not even noticing the Demon. He was in a disguise anyways "What a waste." he say as Nine went out the door. Voltaire leans next to him "Yes well, give it time. He will recover. With Gabriels help." Astaroth looks to Voltaire. "I thought that was him. New body?" Voltaire nods and sips from a cup "Gift from Lilith. I doubt you tell Caine." Astaroth scoff "Fuck him. I'm free and don't give two shits about him. Though.....wouldn't mind having fun with those two again." he grin. Voltaire looked annoyed "Don't do anything that gets them killed." Astaroth chuckles "Thats not a no from you." 

Voltaire arch a brow "I can't stop you from doing what you want, but I can ask you not gravely harm them. They do have to learn how to beat you." Astaroth nods some "Agree." Voltaire glance and then saw Gabriel bolting out the door to find Nine. "Lets have some real fun" he say. "Nines in a bad state and could use someone and your bard can't seem to keep anyone around long enough. Plus Gabriel needs to be kept on his toes with Raven not around." Astaroth now arch a brow "Are we really planning here?" Voltaire smirks "Zan fun to watch. Let your bard stir things up some." Astaroth ponders "I'm still going to have some fun. Atleast maybe can break that damn Vampire Nine out of that, he's not fun when he's numb." Voltaire nods "No one is." 

Astaroth then adds "Besides how is he to beat Caine so broken. I want revenge against him." Voltaire grins "I knew we were friends for a reason. Lets get those two ready in the way we can." Astaroth smiled "Agreed." Zantro staggers out some and Astaroth calls him over. "We have a task for you." The bard look confused and Voltaire smiled "You like those two don't you?" Zantro felt like this was a trick but nods "Well yeah.." Voltaire then leans forward "Then go follow them, I'll make it worth your while if you just be yourself." Zantro look to Astaroth who gave a nod and so the bard slowly move to follow Gabriel.

Astaroth shouts "Oh and um Zantro." the bard turns to catch a bracelet "Can you put that on Gabriel. A gift from me to him." Voltaire smirk "Thats mean. He's the only stable one there." Astaroth shook his head "It's not gonna make him mad, just why not sharpen that empathy more." Voltaire sighs some "You are forcing him to feel Nine pain more?" Astaroth shrugs "He'll feel alot of things more, like...through walls." Voltaire laugh some "Oh god. I feel horrible now. You do realize this is sort of war between us." Astaroth chuckles "I am curious to your come back then."

Gabriel chase Nine "Stop." he grab his brother, who wasn't in much of a state to stop him. Stumbling abit as Gabriel went to help him not fall "Nine... I'm here for you." Nine just groaned "Go away." Gabriel ignored his words "Lets get you to a better place" Remembering Voltaire said he had a cottage outside this town, another safe house. Figure he take Nine there and get him hopefully in better condition. "Its going to be ok. I know about crow and the farm." Nine just stared blankly as he couldn't really fight where Gabriel took him. He just look so defeated then normal, like his fire really went out. "You can't get rid of me easily Nine. We will get through this." he told him. Not realizing Zantro was following them, keeping back and waiting.

At the Bottom

Gabriel had been training hard with Raven, he was wandering around the village nearby. Raven was out at the moment and they had agreed to meet up later at the tavern. Gabriel was actually enjoying this whole training, he was learning a lot and got to see a different side of Raven. Even enough to feel like the Indari was a friend.  Gabriel was also enjoying time with Naomi, they had gotten close even.  Naomi had went back to the city for a bit so it was just Raven and Gabriel again. He moves to head to the tavern, but didn't see Raven yet. Figure maybe Raven was busy still and decided to wait. Ordering a drink as he waited, few hours pass and Raven never showed, this concerned Gabriel.

Gabriel headed to the house first, to see if Raven was there, possibly hurt. He walk into the house and saw Raven and Voltaire sitting at the table in kitchen. He saw a look of pain on Raven face as the Indari glared at him, as if he had disturbed a secret topic or something. Raven bolt up and moved out the room fast, heading to his bedroom. Gabriel looked confused and look at Voltaire who also seem pained a little. There was bad news, he knew it. Did something happen to Naomi on her way back to the city? He moved slowly as he saw Voltaire signal for him to sit. Gabriel sat and looked at Voltaire, who slowly looked to him "You can gather there is something I need to speak to you on. We lost someone few days ago. Well means more to Raven then to you I guess. I really don't know your relationship with them was." Gabriel looked confused and lost "Who died? Was it Naomi?" Voltaire shook his head "No she is fine. It was crow."

Gabriel sat there a moment, he knew the Vampire. Crow was well known in the army, he was Caine's most trusted guard. He trained many and fought in countless battles for the whole race. Crow came from nothing and built a house name for himself. He was kind and proud Vampire, who even tried to train Gabriel. Though he gave the poor Vampire hell and refuse to listen. Even still Crow would smile each day and kept trying. Never yelled, he never lost his temper despite the hell Gabriel put him through. 

Voltaire sighs "You remember the town Nine was in?" Gabriel eyes lite up a moment in fear "Yeah." he said in a quiet tone. "It was under attack and Crow had led a charge there to try and stop the force attacking it. The enemy had a dragon and burned pretty much most of the city down, Nines farm included. Nine tried to help but..." Voltaire pause a moment. Gabriel felt cold with fear, was he about to be told his Brother died too. Voltaire frown "Nine couldn't stop them and watched as they beheaded Crow. Nine was real close to him, he hasn't taken it well at all." 

There was relief as Nine was still alive, Gabriel was use to his brother being a mourning Vampire. Though something about Voltaire tone didn't make it feel right. "So he's gloomier then normal?" he ask. Voltaire shook his head "If you thought he gave up before....well....he's just bumping around taverns and drinking. He just doesn't care. "

Gabriel was a little salty, he tried to speak to Nine before, when he had the farm. The way Nine seem to have given up just bothered him. So he scowled "So what, he'll just push everyone away and be destructive as always." Though he still cared about his brother, it just pained him to see his brother in such a state. Voltaire brow furrowed and he grab Gabriel " Come with me." Gabriel blinks and looks back to where Raven went. "He's going home for a bit to mourn and prepare for Crows funeral. He will need time. For now you will come with me." He took Gabriel and dragged him through a portal.

They were in a different place now and Gabriel looked around confused. "Where are we?" Voltaire then corrects him "When is the correct question." Gabriel looked confused. "I brought you into a possible future. A very strong possibility." Gabriel looked around and saw Jester who was older, with a few others he assume was whom his brother and Voltaire once use to travel with. Then he saw a real sight, Nine was with them, but smiling? Gabriel spoke loudly "Nine!?" Voltaire smirk "They can't hear us, I have not allowed us to be seen. Would you like to see him?" Gabriel look to Voltaire "He looks ... happy." Voltaire would snap his fingers "I will allow us seen, but they won't know its us. You can't say who you are, but you can speak to him." moving forward. 

Gabriel followed him, they group looks over "Well howdy there travelers." spoke Ash as he waved. Others gave a greet. Voltaire waved " hello there, we are merely passing through and thought we greet you all." they gave a nod and went back to their business. Voltaire look to Gabriel, who stared at Nine. Nine just seem soo different here, he was not at all the same broken Vampire he knew, no this was who Gabriel wanted to see Nine become. "Excuse me sir." Voltaire says to Nine, who turn to look at them and slowly walks over "Yes?" he ask. Voltaire spoke up "My friend here is having issues with his brother, they are really down in the dump and we don't know how to help. Perhaps maybe you had some advice?"  Nine arch a brow some and just smirk "I mean I have a brother too." he look to Gabriel "I'll tell you something, I too was once in deep depressive state. I use to push people away and just wish for my own destruction." he told him. All things Gabriel knew, but he merely says "How did you get pass it?" 

Nine looked up and sigh some " I had an annoying brother." he state, Gabriel looked irritated as hell, but Voltaire elbowed him. Nine continued "No matter how many times I tried to run him off, tried to get him to back off, leave me alone, let me be. He kept coming back over and over. To be honest I am glad for it. He help me trust again, cause no matter what I said or did he was always there. Always trying to help me, listened, even if I didn't think he did. So if you really care about your brother, be there for him. No matter what he says or does, cause even if it doesn't show, he appreciates it. You are who he relies on deeply." Gabriel blinked and was trying to not tear up some. Voltaire pats Gabriel shoulder "Thank you sir, wise words." Nine chuckles "I don't know about wise, but I hope it helps." he heard his name called and moves to head back. Voltaire pulls them back to their time and says "So next time you think Gabriel that Nine doesn't care. He does, he just...needs help. Its not about getting over Sephitia. It took me a long time to realize the real issue. He has masked it by using her death. His fear is what Basilisk brain washed into him. It is what keeps him broken, we have to break their hold on him once and for all so he can finally actually feel free."

Gabriel takes it all in and sighs "Right then that's what I will do." Voltaire smiled faintly "Right now he will be mourning the lost of crow, but this is going to be a hard road and quest. I know you can do it. You two are closer then you may think. Just keep being you and keep trying to help. Now go find him. For he truly think he has hit the bottom and that means there is nowhere to go but up." Gabriel gave him a nod as Voltaire handed him a paper "This is his last location." he explains. Gabriel took it and moved to go find his brother.

Don't wine about it.

  Gabriel had been traveling quite abit lately, he wanted to sit and rest, so he found a local tavern.  He was still abit on edge of taverns, ever since the incident with the blue devil and Astaroth, he learn to keep his guard up. Plus he was in his Aidan disguise and was sure no one would recognize him. He ordered some blood wine and just relax, when a group of soldiers come in, loud and seem in good mood. The were not normal soldiers either, Gabriel could tell they were his fathers men. He recognized a few of them, especially crow. He was only a little nervous, mainly cause crow was an old vampire and one who just great at pinning people out, even in disguises. However he hope and knew his will hold up, after all his mother aided him in creating this look.

Crow glance to him, raising a brow. Gabriel only stiffen slightly, but gave a nod. Crow turn away and just seem to carrying on with the rest of the soldiers. Drinks were being ordered and the crowd seem to be cheery, soldiers had split up all around the tavern.  Gabriel was planning to visit his brother again and hope Nine was still doing well, he seem in better health. He also was going over the note Voltaire left him, which he found odd and amazed nothing got passed him either. Voltaire seem to have already known Gabriel change bodies and the whole plan behind it. Gabriel had this feeling that Voltaire may have been the one to help Lilith with the plan, despite his claims to distance himself from the family.

Gabriel knew Voltaire would never abandon him or Nine, even if he claim he was going to. Gabriel sipped his cup and watch as various drinks were ordered, he then spot a being he knew very well. That black hair with crimson tips. He groan a little, but he defiantly sure Raven never figure him out, Gabriel always thought Raven a simple minded brute. Though Gabriel found this interesting, to see Raven seeming happy with the other soldiers, but of course to the Indari those are strong respected people.  Just he never seen Raven smile before or seem to laugh and carry on, so it was an odd sight for him.

Gabriel looked away for abit and seem to get lost in his mind, thinking back to the days when he and Nine travelled around together, the trouble they got into, the fun times they had. He long for those times again, when it was him and his brother, going on their own adventures, he hope that Nine finally accept being a vampire. However this memory was cut short, when a person clumsily hits against the counter. "HEY! BAR KEEP!How about another glass." the dark rasp tone spoke and Gabriel saw that Raven was now RIGHT NEXT TO HIM. 

Gabriel looked confused, Raven face was flushed and he just seem to giggle alot as he waited for his glass. How many he had at this point who knew, Raven looks to Gabriel. He smirk and leans close" well well well..." he say. Gabriel still looked confused, he never seen Raven in such a state so this was just unknown territory.  "The gods must favor me, they sent such a cute vampire in my path." Raven didn't seem to care about personal space, nor was he shy at all to try and grope at poor Gabriel, who now lept from his seat "Hey now!" Shoving the Indari back some." Raven leaned back against the counter and laughed. "Awe don't be shy...I can treat you right... or you mean, at this point I don't really care."the way Raven spoke, it made Gabriel all sorts of uncomfortable. 

For one, he never seen Raven flirt, with anyone at all. He didn't even think the vampire had any wants beyond killing and bloodshed. Yet here he is, trying to woo him. Raven move closer to Gabriel, who wasn't sure what to do. Should he help get Raven somewhere else, where he is not making a scene of himself, or should he just let the mess unfold? Its not like Raven would know it was him right?

Oh but Raven leans into Gabriels ear and spoke something that put a cold freeze up Gabriel spine. "Gabriel...you owe me a rematch. We can wrestle in bed and see who wins." AND right when that was said, Gabriel threw the Indari across the tavern into a table that broke and collapse under raven. Sending drinks everywhere that was on it and all over Raven, who was laughing like a maniac. Crow moved fast to defuse the situation "ALRIGHT! SOMEONE JUST HAD ABIT TO MUCH, EVERYONE GO ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS!" he look to Raven and then to the group of soldiers he was with " Who the hell let Raven have wine? You know what it does to him." He look at Gabriel, who looked as if his grave been walked on. 

Raven on the floor now and just says "Ugh is hot in here...." and yeah he was trying to de-pants himself, Crow was fast thinking and grabs the Indari "Quick you idiots get him to a room, since you all thought not to stop him. You all can baby sit him and deal with that wrath later." shoving the drunk Indari to the group who all help move him to a room. Crow turns and Gabriel had already headed out the door. Gabriel was moving down the way, when Crow blocked him "I thought I recognized you, I mean sure there are some differences, like aura, eyes and such, but still you are in there." he said. Crow was a outcast, barred from his family name and heritage. Hence why he went by the name Crow and nothing more, why his outfits were nothing fancy, they were nice, but not fancy, when he wore regulars cloths. Even his armor was less glamorous then the other soldiers. 

However even if he was shun and stripped from his family and clan, that didn't take away his ability. Gabriel look at him "Are you going to inform my father." Crow smirked "I didn't lie when I said I swore loyalty to you. I am not going to tell your father. However I came to check on you, your mother made me your guard for a reason and then you disappear and come around only to be closed off by the king. I don't honestly know what is going on anymore, but seeing you disguise....I heard from your mother of this." he explain. Gabriel sighs "Well mother must trust you so...however how does Raven know?" Crow look confused "I don't know. He knows?" Gabriel nods.

"He knows cause I told him and no offense Crow, but you are getting up in years and a giant target to spot. Raven however is skillful, excellent tracker, master in covert operations." spoke a voice of a being who walks up to the two. Both of them turn to see Voltaire, Gabriel furrow hsi brows " Really! You told him, knowing.." Voltaire cut him off " Knowing your past, yes and why? Cause Raven is the only vampire who can truly give your father a run for his money. He can actually keep you safe, give you time to run if your father ever did find out about this. Also he is one of the very few vampires your father can't track. Raven aura is rare, it blends into others, its part of his abilities, since his father was secretive of his abilities and disappeared thanks to Ravens uncle. Much of the abilities Indari possess are still mysterious." Crow listen and took everything in.

Gabriel would roll his eyes "I don't need a babysitter, I can fight in this form." Voltaire sighs "Yes, you can, but neither you or Nine are healed enough mentally to handle that battle. Raven is both of yours best bet." Gabriel then says" what makes you think he will be willing to do this?" Crow then chimes "Cause everyone knows your mother is the strongest between her and your father, which means Ravens loyalties are to her, not him. If she says to do so, he will, without question." Gabriel made a face "I don't need him around." Voltaire shook his head "You do and he will be around. Deal with it." Voltaire said sharply.

Gabriel folds his arms "Only if he will listen." Crow snorts and Voltaire smiled "Gabriel...you can fight now. So why not earn Ravens respect?" Gabriel stared at the two and then grimace "You earn mine, you earn Nines, Raven no different. He's just.....harder to get to. Honestly, you two would get along so well, if you both put down your egos." Gabriel growled, but Crow spoke "Not wrong, you both are stubborn and strong will, its why you two clash. Both rebellious, angsty young vamps. Close in age and both have fickle taste in blood, both like to look your best and both are smart but judge others to fast." he state. Voltaire laugh "Hit the hammer right on the nail. Raven is the opposite of you, he is a fighter, you are a mage. Both loathe the other, its really funny. If you both got over this and realize this, you two well... would be a headache to Kaine for sure. " Gabriel grumbles still.

Crow would look back to the tavern "Explains Raven goodbye then." Gabriel look confused "Goodbye?" Crow nods "Yeah he was stepping down from head of the royal guards, something about being pulled to another job, but was hush hush on it. Now I know." Gabriel sighs and Voltaire pats his back "Extra precautions, it will be fine. Nines healing and you could use a buddy right now...I know you are lonely and honestly Raven could use friends. Real friends not soldiers he orders around. This is good for both of you." He then moved to leave. Crow looks to Gabriel "When he has slept off the wine, advice, don't give him wine, he is something else." Gabriel rolled his eyes "I can tell." Staring at the tavern too now.