Return of the Vampire

Summer 2021, Week 4

Wednesday evening

Velvet Rose, Port Victoria

Storyteller

As the Velvet Rose began to allow those with tonights password behind the red velvet rope, the master of the premises began to run down his final checklist before the night truly began, braving catwalks above the dance floor to check the lighting, red neon bulbs burning hot at such proximity. Darke ran a pale had through stark white hair, long black fingernails terminating in wicked points combing the strands from his face as he surveyed his palace, the dark and heavy synth music pumping through him like the very blood in his heart, thumping through his chest beneath a professional, well tailored black suit, a red paisley pattern embroidered into the vest and tie. After a few moments at the precipice of the nightclub, the proprietor resumed his walk, continuing his checklist until positive everything was as it should be, placing himself in his chair, a spot in the VIP lounge with both ample privacy and the ability to oversee the majority of the club, sipping his coupe glass of dark, pearlescent red liquid, the signature cocktail of the Velvet Rose.  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

Tonight was a special night. Tonight she would try to make this place part of her home. Something that would be a symbol for those who feel the same as she does. A safe haven. They'd been coming every night since Oliver found out about it, checking it out, doing their due diligence. She liked what she saw. Now she only hoped that the proprietor would feel the same way about her.   A night as special as this deserved a special outfit. She wore a stunning A-line dress with off the shoulder sleeves. The sleeves and the bodice were the same intricate lace. It had a sweetheart neckline that plunged just a little bit more than most, but still tasteful. The bodice ended in a skirt of silk with a layer of chiffon that moved with her as she walked. Her long legs were on display, as the skirt was shorter in the front and long in the back. Completing the outfit were spiked blood red heels and a four ring black leather clutch She had dressed to impress.   Taking Ryder's arm in hers, she approached the back of the line and sighed. "One day I hope we can skip all of this. I despise waiting."  

Ryder Stokes

"One day we will, love. One day we will." He put his hand over hers where it rested on his arm. He was dressed as spectacularly as she, though with certain touches that linked them together. He'd gone with his favorite custom made, single breasted, modern fit, dark gray suit. The tie was the same color, but had a red lace design made from the same lace as her dress. His shirt was white and crisp, his shoes were gray and lace up.  

Storyteller

They gave each other loving glances as they worked their way up to the front of the line. They caught a few stares now and then, especially at the deep scar over his left eye, but neither of them paid it any mind. Once they finally reached the front, the bouncer asked them for the password.  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Moonbeam, guapo. We have another coming, but we were hoping that when he arrives the three of us could have an audience with Señor Darke. Would that be possible tonight?"  

Storyteller

The bouncer, a tall, thick built, dark skinned man in an elegant black and gold suit with gold contact lenses, opened the rope for them. "You'll have to take that up with the man himself. He's around VIP, I don't make appointments." The large man shrugged, stepping aside to allow them entrance, the bright red lights pulsing with the dark synth music.  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Sure, sure. I'll do that. Gracias, guapo." Lara walked into the club with Ryder following behind. She found a small two seater table off to one side of the dance floor. "We'll wait here for hermano. I'm sure he'll be here soon. Then we can go see this Darke character together. Get me a drink, will you mi vida?" Ryder nodded and made his way to the bar.  

Oliver Lobelia

It wasn't much longer before the pure black 1967 Chevy Impala hardtop pulled up, and out of it came two suited individuals. On the driver's side was Oliver in a black three piece suit accented with a crimson tie, the combo he usually wore for 'business' just without the mask. On the passenger side was a woman in what seemed to be a less expensive suit of the same color with a matching tie, though the keen eyed would see that her outfit was designed for maneuverability and durability over looks.   "Careful with this one, Isabella, it's worth ten years of your salary." he says as she makes her way around the vehicle and gets into the drivers seat.  

Storyteller

"Of course, Sir Oliver. It shall not receive even a scratch while in my care." she responds before closing the door and driving off, leaving Oliver to wait in line to get into the club.  

Oliver Lobelia

"Moonbeam" he says plainly without being prompted as he approaches the entrance and the bouncer, who then steps aside. Placing his hands into his pockets as he walks inside, he begins to search for the others.  

Storyteller

Within the club, sections seemed to be marked out by intent. The dance floor for those who wish to dance, the bar a ways away, and the VIP lounge above, ruled over by Mr. Darke himself, another bouncer placed at the top of the black staircase. The crowd assembled within the Velvet Rose was... diverse. People from all walks of life, brandishing different styles of dress and tattoos, differing greatly from the standard clientele of night clubs of such class and sosphistication. Many in attendance, from bouncers to bartenders to those on the dance floor, bore much more visible EVO mutations, horns or wild eye colours or altered physical forms, though... none here tonight seem to notice, or at least care.  

Ryder Stokes

Walking back to the table with a drink in each hand, Ryder catches sight of Oliver. He makes his way over to the man. "Looking good as usual, man. Lara's over here waiting for you. Come on." He takes the lead and heads over to their table.  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

The woman is engrossed in conversation with a random clubgoer. It happened often; she drew people to her no matter where she was. Seeing the men approaching, she suddenly stood and ran to throw her arms around Oliver. "Oh hermano! It is so good to see you. You look dashing tonight. Muy guapo! Do you want a drink before we go make a new friend?"  

Oliver Lobelia

No one seems to care about evos here, so I guess it's safe to be a little liberal with analysis.. Oliver scans the room as he goes, letting the faint red glow fill his normally green eyes as he observes some of the transformed individuals and people actively using their powers in particular to gain some insight on their powers. Can never be too careful, never know when a fight's going to break out. The red glow fades again as he sees Ryder approach, simply nodding in response to the compliment. "I'd offer to shake your hand but they seem to be occupied." he says jokingly before following along.   He briefly hesitates to return the embrace but ultimately does, much like an older brother would when ambushed by a younger sibling. déjà vu "I missed you too, Sis. It's been far too long since all of us got together in person like this, that alone calls for a drink in celebration."

[Interactor: x6 Minor, -6 EP (9/15)]

 

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Si! Familia is too important for us to stay apart this long. Let's hope this place is... nicer to us than the last. Ryder, stay with our table? I'm going to catch up with hermano while he gets his drink."  

Ryder Stokes

He says nothing, just nods as he takes a sip of his rum and coke.  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

She goes and gives Ryder a quick kiss on the cheek. "Gracias, mi vida." Then turns back to Oliver. "Catch me up while we walk. What's the latest updates? How are you settling in?"  

Oliver Lobelia

"It's been slow until just recently. I'm sure you heard the news about what happened this weekend, everyone is talking about it and AERI these days. Plus, it seems En has inherited my parents' wealth but told me yesterday that she wants me to run the company and doesn't care what I do with it. Seems things will be getting interesting, you showed up just in time."  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Yes, Bolt Blood or Blood Bolt? Some lightning Evo gone rogue and caused a scene. If we can just keep our heads down this time... But wait, you say you have the company now? That could prove very useful, hermano. Very useful. Do you have any plans for it yet? Even just a smidge?" She caught the bartender's eye with a wink and a smile just for them. They motioned they would be over to them next.  

Oliver Lobelia

"Growing the company to use its profits is an obvious boon, but its reputation in the medical field could be of use to us as well." He pauses for a moment, glancing around to ensure no one was close enough to easily hear. "Not to mention being another pool to recruit from. Though if we do any of this it might draw more attention to us, and as you say we should be trying to lay low after what happened with Blood Bolt."  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Si, and in Houston... The powers that be may be interested in me now. I'm not sure if they figured out who I am, but we'll assume so. So I have to be careful, hermano. Very careful... and yet? I think we came at the right time. With all of this chaos, a lot of people are going to be looking for something to turn to and we will be that something. Perhaps this will be the someplace too. We shall see."   "Speaking of what happened this weekend, could you work your magic and find out who was involved? Good, bad, and indifferent. I want to feel like I know them. No surprises this time. Entendido?"  

Oliver Lobelia

"Yes, I know how you feel. I've already found someone that can help us be more thorough in such searches, someone who can do in person what I cannot do digitally. I'll make sure we find out everything there is to know, one way or another."  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Perfecto. Call me as soon as you have results. Now, have you heard anything about this Señor Darke that we'll be seeing tonight?"   The bartender came over and asked what she'd like to drink so she motioned over to Oliver. "Not for me, love. For my friend here."  

Oliver Lobelia

"I'll take one of what he's having" he says as he looks to the bartender and motions to someone else at the bar holding the club's signature drink before placing down a hundred dollar bill. "Keep the change." he says and then turns back to Lara.   "Jonathan Darke. He's careful, basic background checks don't even pull up a date of birth. The first traces of this place and it's owner are comments on obscure sites mentioning they exist, the earliest of which started about 5 years ago.. Though it's likely it was established sometime before then. He seems to have a fondness for Evos considering much of the staff and clientele seem to be evolved and welcomed here, so he's potentially an Evo himself. I could find better details with more invasive measures, but that would require additional time that we don't have."  

Storyteller

The bartender, a man of average height with shoulder length wavy brown hair and a fair amount of stubble, eyes hidden behind black sunglasses, nodded as he took the bill with a smile, revealing blackened teeth set in bright blue gums. After a moment, he returned with a collins glass of a dark red, swirling liquid with some sort of luster, garnished with a blackberry and a raspberry on a thin metal skewer set atop the rim, one side decorated with a red rose. Giving a small nod as he placed it before him, the man returned to his station behind the bar. "Brahm's Goblet, sir," he said in a low, raspy voice. The drink itself was a bittersweet raspberry, lemon, and gin drink with a surprising herbal note hidden somewhere.... elderflower, perhaps? It was certainly a unique drink.  

Oliver Lobelia

He nods back to the man before grabbing hold of the glass, taking a drink after giving his summary on Darke to Lara. He checks an eyebrow as the taste hits him, but overall it is an expression of pleasant surprise. "And it seems he only hires talented staff as well. From first glances the security with obvious abilities seem more well trained in their use than the average evolved person with similar powers, and their bartenders know how to make a good drink."  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"For our purposes here, obscure is good. We want something known only by the right people and only in the right way. Evo friendly is a must. Talented staff, excellent. Let's hope they are as discrete as the owner, though I would assume so given your notes. This Darke character is turning out to be better than I'd expected and we haven't even been properly introduced. Come, let's go grab Ryder and visit the man himself."  

Storyteller

They made their way back to the table. Ryder stood as they approached and handed Lara her drink with a kiss. Offering her an arm again, the three of them made their way towards the VIP area the bouncer had mentioned when they first entered and asked to meet the owner.   The VIP area at the top of the staircase was currently blocked by a red velvet rope and a security guard, a woman in a purple suit, her black satin vest emblazoned with the symbol adorning the exterior of the club. The woman stood near six feet tall, black snakebites peeking from beneath her purple lipstick, a set of dark glasses resting on her face. She tilted her head as they approached, arms crossed in front of her crest. "I'm sorry, VIP lounge is off limits to general admission. I'll need your names to check with-" she was cut off by the visage of a snake, impossibly black, slithering from the riggings of the nightclub lights, turning its face towards hers. The snake's scales seeming to waver between irridescent shimmer and the darkest flat black a creature could be, continuing to slithering down before vanishing into the shadows on the floor as though no floor were there. The bouncer nodded, taking a breath before turning back to the three, removing the velvet rope and stepping to the side. "He has heard of you, Mr. Darke is in the booth at the end of the lounge. No displays of violence, no rowdiness. Enjoy your stay."  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"So nice to be known! Thank you, dearies. We'll be on our best behavior." She smiled and blew a kiss at them both before making her way through the lounge towards the suggested booth.  

Ryder Stokes

Ryder just gave a nod of his head and put his hands up as if to say no trouble here before following along.  

Oliver Lobelia

"Just the way I prefer it." he says as he continues with the others.  

Storyteller

The VIP lounge held a different atmosphere from the dance floor, some twenty feet above, the ever present thump of the bass in the music that permeated the very air merely buzzing through the air as opposed to the heart shaking downstairs. Indeed, wreathed in shadow, a man adorned in a black and red suit jacket sat in the furthest booth, only the slightest hint of a black snake slithering from beneath the table and up his sleeve visible to the most perceptive.  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Hola, Señor Darke. Thank you for seeing us. I love what you've done with the Velvet Rose. Es perfecto. Don't you agree, mi vida?"  

Ryder Stokes

"Mmhmm."  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"I am Lara. My strong, silent type of a man is Ryder. And this dashing gentlemen es mi hermano, Oliver. We hoped we could bother you for a short conversation together? What do you say?"  

Oliver Lobelia

Oliver bows slightly as he is introduced but doesn't speak up either.  

Jonothan Darke

The man motioned to the booth opposite him, his face obscured by the shadows cast from the many club lights, pale fingers tipped in long black nails. "I have heard," he said, his deep voice smooth and velvety as it wafted through the air like a fine perfume, spoken softly, but registering loud enough to be heard above the dark synth music below. Adjusting his red tie, running fingers across the black felt paisley design, Jonothan Darke leant down, allowing the light to grace his visage, revealing himself to his new guests. High cheekbones and gaunt cheeks, pale skin and dark lips, the face of the patron seemed... unnatural, like something from a rennaissance painting. His platinum blonde hair was combed back, shaved high and tight on the sides, blue eyes peering from beneath the shadows perpetually cast across him like the sea before a storm. "How may I be of service?"  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

She started talking as she slid into the booth. "First of all, I love what you've done with the place. It has a very good feel. Don't you agree?" She looked over to Ryder.  

Ryder Stokes

"Very good feel, yes."  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

She squeezed his thigh with a wink under the table and continued. "It's off the beaten path, but still gets good business." She rested her elbows on the table and leaned in. "The right business." Ryder put his arm along the back of the booth and she leaned back again into his embrace. "Those are the things that have drawn us here. We are new to the city, you see, and we're looking for a place that we can belong, a place we can consider a second home. We love a good drink, and to dance, and to gather with our family. They're very important to us. I feel that the Velvet Rose has the environment that would see our family thrive. So we wanted to see if you would be interested in a deal of sorts. We would like to host the club one night a week. We would have a theme, draw a crowd, and utilize the VIP area. We're not kicking you out of course. No, no. Not at all. We would be more than happy if you were to join us. In exchange, you would have the profits and a boost in the sort of clientele that you enjoy. We could pay as well. If there's anything else you seek, we have a wide variety of resources and we can find a way to make it happen. What do you say, Señor Darke? Do you have any desires that we could fulfill?"  

Jonothan Darke

The proprietor watched her with a relaxed face, but full attention, eyes narrowed but sharp, a lion observing hyenas. "You make a point," he said, tilting his head slightly, "my clientele is... unique. We happy few are able to enjoy ourselves within my establishment, an escape from the chaos and social collapse surrounding us, surrounding... our kind. I, too, have built a place for family, a place to belong. I understand your intentions, to be sure, but what makes you think I would hand over my kingdom to you, even for a night?"  

Oliver Lobelia

"I doubt you would need to hand anything over at all, a union is almost always preferable to a takeover." Oliver quickly responds, still standing near the booth. "You can still be king of your kingdom, as we are all rulers of our own domains, but together we form a federation of sorts; One where everyone benefits from working together. For example, you can provide a space for us to gather together as well as seek out new comers, and I can provide financial and technical support.." he says before pulling out a small device and setting it onto the table near Darke. "This flash drive is set up as a cold storage bitcoin wallet, currently worth one million USD. Consider it a donation to the Velvet Rose from the Lobelia Corporation, a sign of goodwill. We do what we can for those we care about, we only want to bring you into that circle for everyone's benefit."  

Jonothan Darke

His eyes darted from one to the other as Mr. Lobelia spoke, the beacons of blue unnatural behind the haze of shadow, a cat in the night, his presence felt despite his calm demeanor. Glancing quickly to the flashdrive as it was placed before returning to his conversation partners, his head tilted a bit to the side at the mention of the Lobelia Corporation. "I must say... at the very least I admire your confidence. Your offer carries weight, as does your money, truth be told. My priority is to our people, our very own Morlocks, hidden from the public. You say that you can help them, help us, bring our family together... I have no reason to believe you, nor do I allow this opportunity pass, for the sake of many more than myself." A pale hand reached slowly across the table, fingers folding to leave an index extended, the point of the long black nail resting atop the flash drive as the shadows pooled around his hand, forming into the mouth of a pitch black viper, swallowing the drive before slithering across the table, seemingly extending from within the table itself before curling beneath the edge and vanishing from sight. "I am tempted to accept, our power and abilities combined may be an unholy alliance our world needs. I must ask, how do you intend on amassing followers, let alone leading them here?"  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"That's where I come in. You see, I have a certain way with people. They're drawn to me like moths to a flame." Her hand mimicked said flames as her eyes caught the light just so, giving them a glint. "I have taken care to not affect you or your people, of course. I would not wish to sway you inappropriately; this should be a willing and mutual decision. But downstairs just now I met a young woman. Her name is Lyla. We had a brief conversation, only long enough for mi vida to get me a drink, but it was enough. I know the outline of her tragic life story. I have promised her that I will help her get the support she so desperately needs and craves so that she can stop drowning her sorrows in drink and men. She will find family amongst us. She will thrive. In return, she will protect those that have saved her. And if she is not able to do so with her own power, then I have ways of bestowing other gifts to her as well that will ensure her survival when the time comes."   She paused and took a sip of her drink. "We also have people traveling the country, waiting until we settle before they come find us again. Word will spread through a variety of methods, Señor Darke. You will see."  

Storyteller

As the meeting took place in the VIP area, the partygoers below enjoyed a night free from persecutions. Inside the world of Evo's, there was a split. The 'Hidden', or ones whose powers didn't manifest in a way to make them visually different from the Normals. And the 'Exposed', the ones whose powers made them appear different. The wings, horns, vibrant eyes and hair. The signs that made it obvious someone was an Evo. While life in New Victoria might have gotten easier for the Hidden, with them not needing to worry about the EHEA in case their powers slipped out, the Exposed weren't so lucky. The world hadn't changed so much that people with purple skin weren't looked at by thousands of eyes.   In the Rose though, none of that mattered. Here they could be free and enjoy themselves. And they did so with abandon. Mingling with them were Hidden or Normals, most of whom wore the red and gold ribbon of the Pro-Evo movement. Some had eyeliner or their nails done in those colors to show their support for the Evolved. And here, in the Rose, they gathered together and lived.  

Jonothan Darke

Darke's eyes twitched at the mention of bestowing power to others, tilting his head slightly. "Family is the most important thing I do here. I have given the outcasts a family, a place to live as free as those who stomp us down. You say this is your goal as well, then I see no reason to usher you out. For now, our interests align, but only time will tell if our hearts will." Sitting up a bit straighter in the black suede booth, the proprietor of the Rose slowly extended a pale hand across the table, the blackness of his nails spreading half an inch up the tips of his fingers, melding his extremities with shadow. The shadow on the table, however, reached for Mr. Lobelia, rising from the flat surface as the familiar ebony viper before melding in the light to resemble a negative image of Darke's outstretched arm, taking position beside him before vanishing into the cast shadow which covered his side of the booth, leaving only the air within the darkness, as if the very darkness around them formed to Darke's image, though only across the threshold of light.  

Oliver Lobelia

As the shadow reforms the only initial reaction from Oliver is the return of the red glow which replaces his normally green eyes. He studies the darkness as it reshapes in front of him and gleans as much from it as he can. Once the change is complete he takes hold of the arm offered to him and gives it a firm shake.

[Interactor: x1 Minor, -1EP (8/15)]

 

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

Gingerly, she accepted the man's handshake. "What day should we plan for, Señor Darke? Wednesday? Thursday? Friday? What would be best for you, hmm?"  

Jonothan Darke

Both forms of Darke shook their hands with individual motion, though both crossed their hands on the table once finished, becoming mirrors once again. “Friday evening, be here at 8, both of you. If Mr Gold is not at the door, knock twice, then twice, then thrice and you will be allowed inside. Gather your family, I await our meeting, and if all goes well… our business dealings stand to improve a great deal.”  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Friday then. Que bueno! Hermano, we've got some planning to do and very little time to do it in. Would we be allowed to bring in some... decor with us? Who could we arrange that with? I'm thinking we make it a theme night of some kind."  

Jonothan Darke

“You wish to bring… party streamers? Very well, I can make some changes for your nights. It’s settled then. I trust you will garner quite the following, with our… combined recourses.”  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

She laughed and shook her head. "No, amigo. I do not wish to bring party streamers. Something with more... flavor if you will. I want to make a statement. We'll see you soon. Do we have anything else to discuss, men?"  

Jonothan Darke

The proprietor shook his head, dismissing the shadowy form beside him. “I believe we are done for tonight, I’m afraid I have business to attend to soon. You may remain, if you wish, the Rose is rather welcoming to our kind. If not, Neon can show you out. I trust you will make your preparations by Friday night. I am quite sure we will be in touch.” He stood from the booth, giving them each a nod as he turned to the purple haired woman at the top of the stairs, who promptly made her way to the booth.  

Oliver Lobelia

Oliver simply nodded in return, having nothing else to add.  

Lara Torres | Mother of Lost Souls

"Beautiful. We'll see you Friday. I don't know about mi hermano, but I plan on staying. I'm not going to waste such a beautiful dress! It deserves to see some dancing. Come, Ryder. Let's go show them how it's done." The two scooted out of the booth and made their way back down to the dance floor. We'll soon see how well the night of La Madre will go over with the city of New Victoria.