✞ first bite; the dhampir awakes ( action )

[sonofdracula]

genessia city
[ Waking within a coffin isn't anything new to him. One might even say that to eventually one day wake to an entirely different world would not be so far a stretch for him to experience. However, to be taken so abruptly from his comrades and mission to put an end to his father's madness, that is new and potentially frustrating, let alone confusing. Add to that the fact that the coffin itself had been surrounded by water (a nightmare in itself) and, well, it had been a rather trying moment for him to get himself out of that situation, but he had, with minor injury involved. Thankfully.

The dynamics of this world are different and foreign to him, the device he has been given almost magical with the way it functions. However, as always with keeping himself calm and composed no matter the situation, it's only after he has come to learn that it is only him and that neither Trevor nor Sypha have accompanied him here, that he makes his way throughout the city.

It is both during day and twilight that he will be found around the city, wishing to learn as much as he can about his new surroundings and what this might mean for him given his mission has now been placed on hold. Pan's Grocery is one place he ends up and it's clear with the look on his face that he hasn't any idea what much of this stuff that lines the shelves are. The Library is another place he finds himself, having an affinity for the older books that are shelved and always one for obtaining more knowledge. He's already grabbed a few books that have caught his interest, having them neatly stacked beside him to the point where they reach just a touch higher than his own height. Careful not to knock them over? The Garden Park is where he can also be found (though not near the pond), keeping to himself mostly on a bench under a colouring tree, trying to figure out how to properly work this device he's been given. So long as you have no qualms about the sword which he keeps by his side or how unnaturally pale he looks, he will not shun anyone who comes near. He might even appreciate some help with this device. ]

everglade
[ It's no surprise that he would end up within this city, is it? Come dusk or midnight itself, he will be found wandering the foggy streets of the city, not at all looking perturbed by its so-called reputation it seems to have. Although, should one seek to challenge him for whatever reason that may be, it will be with a hand on the hilt of his blade at his side that he offers an "I wouldn't" as means of a warning. Otherwise, The Rabbit's Foot is one place which has piqued his interest given the so-called essentials for one living within this city it claims to have; it's a place which he will be found looking around, if even for idle curiosity. As with the library in Genessia City, Periodicals and Paperbacks is a place he can be found within, the tips of fingers gently caressing over the spine of each and every book that catches his eye, perhaps even intending to purchase a few that he holds within an arm. He will be around the Cloak and Dagger but doesn't enter the shop for whatever reason. Otherwise, it's Mystic's Alley where you might find him making his way through. ]

Comments

[Action; Garden Park]

[holyswordarm]

[Bedivere is out for a walk today, enjoying his day off from work. For that reason, he chose to come to Genessia City for a change of scenery. As much as Fayren reminds him of home, there's also something comforting to him about twenty-first century settings. Perhaps it's a connection to his Master.

As he's on his walk, he notices Alucard fiddling with his communication device. Curious and willing to help, he walks closer.]

Excuse me. Would I be able to give you some assistance?

[Bedivere's appearance is about as anachronistic as Alucard's own. He's wearing a medieval set of armor and his own sword hangs at his side. His right arm also appears to be made of silver, and his shoulder gleams in the sunlight.]

[sonofdracula]

[ He takes note of the other's appearance and how familiar it looks to where he hails from. Perhaps he is not so alone as he thinks in that regard.

Gently, he straightens on the bench, a fleeting glance given to the curious silver arm he seems to have. ]

Yes, I suppose so.

[ After a moment's pause. ]

I am not familiar with this sort of thing.

[ Phones that is. ]

[holyswordarm]

I see. I should be able to help you, then.

[It's thanks to the process by which he was summoned granting him knowledge of the present day. For him, that was 2016, so he knows all about smartphones.]

The device you're holding is known as a smartphone. Its primary function is to communicate with people who aren't in the same location as you. And unlike correspondence, that communication can happen in real time.

[Bedivere then takes a seat on the bench next to Alucard and pulls out his own.]

But there's much more that they can be used for.

Everglade - action

[immortalrose]

[Trouble is afoot in Everglade tonight. Once the hour strikes twelve, all manner of beasts prowl these streets, some more fiendish than the next. This is indeed the case for Augustine as he patrols these desolate streets dressed in his signature red frayed coat.

It's been months since he last stepped into Everglade, his worries constantly easing him away from this nightmarish city. While Everglade does possess an ethereal charm to it, Augustine knows better than to let it charm him. He's skittish, his nerves on edge as he walks along these cobblestone streets. While he's indeed a creature of the night but Augustine is far too human for his liking.]

Ah? [The dhampir comes to a sudden halt once he senses someone near. While the shadows play at his vision and the mist conceals their approach, Augustine can still sense them.]

Who goes there?

[He asks as raises his hand out before him. Little red sparks dance upon his fingertips as he summons forth his magic. While his link to the Frontière is weak, he can still tap into that reservoir of power even here in Genessia through the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, the Lesser Key of Solomon. His ability to summon the fiends of that grimorie has steadily diminished, Augustine is very much a mage.]

Show yourself or burn.

[That's no idle threat.]

[sonofdracula]

[ Now where has he been in this exact same predicament before? Perhaps Sypha truly is here in spirit.

From the shadows of the fog and mist, he allows for a pocket to be cleared from around him, revealing his locks of blond and golden eyes, coat draped around him so elegantly. Of course, his hand carefully remains placed on the hilt of his sword, yet not coming to be drawn from his side. ]

I assure you I mean no harm. I am simply passing through.

[ If it comes down to needing to stand his ground, then he shall. Though with appearing within a strange world which he is so early in the process of coming to understand better, he would rather not engage in petty disputes that may very well end with injury to either party. ]

[immortalrose]

[Golden eyes? Surprise lingers within his crimson gaze once the fog and mist clears. The only other person who possesses such a gaze is none other than Vlad Tepes himself. This young man looks very much like the old king in some regards. While Lancer is much further in his years, the swordsman before him almost looks like he could be Lancer's son.

A pang of jealousy settles in once that thought crosses his mind. Despite of his similarities to the Tepes of old, Augustine looks far too strange to be human despite his gentle demeanor. This always irritated him, much like a rash. He possess his mothers dark gaze, the eyes of a monster.]

No harm you claim. [Augustine scoffs at that.] What reason would a vampire have for prowling these streets so well armed?

[A good question. Those who lurk here in Everglade do so out of sport. They hunt for human flesh under the guise of night. That's well-known in Genessia.]

[notquitedracula]

[While he lurks around the Cloak and Dagger, he may sense a presence at once familiar and alien. Unfortunately, it isn't coming from inside the shop - it's coming from behind him. Should he turn to look, he'll find a raven peering intently at him from a nearby roof's edge, watching with far too much intelligence to be any normal animal.

Further away, that same presence - muted by distance, but still very much there, and approaching. The raven's continued gaze can, perhaps, be taken as a sign of non-hostility - or perhaps a warning. In truth, it's neither - it's only there to keep track of Alucard, so that its master can find him.

As the distant presence approaches, there's the sound of... an engine? Machinery? Surely the castle is too large to bring it here, so -

Wait. On the street. A figure in white, on a... horseless horse?]

[sonofdracula]

[ The presence does not go unnoticed, nor does the raven which peers at him from a ways back. To any mortal who lacks a sort of knowing or magic within, if you will, the raven would seem rather fitting and almost normal given the aesthetics of this city. But for him, he knows better and it's precisely why he stands there with caution, not moving to touch at the hilt of his blade (yet), but quite aware that this may very well be a familiar who is watching him, if not something else entirely.

However, when the presence closes in, enveloped in a blanket of white it would seem, he stares with those golden eyes of his, noting the horse and its lack of a head. Again, rather fitting almost for Everglade it would appear.

A hand to his hip, opposite of the side he keeps his sword, he stands there, gaze fixed on this stranger with the familiar yet strange presence wrapped around him. ]

[notquitedracula]

[As he draws nearer, it becomes apparent that the 'horse' is no such thing, but a mechanical contraption with wheels. It's actually pretty sleek, come to that, with plating that puts one in mind of armor but probably isn't. Its engine has a bit of a high-pitched whine; the name on the fuel tank reads 'Banshee', and it certainly sounds like it could let out a scream if it wanted to.

The figure in the saddle is a little shorter than Alucard, with short, shaggy white hair (currently windblown, as he isn't wearing a helmet), a white long coat of a style similar to but more modern than Alucard's own, boot-cut jeans, and a black turtleneck shirt. He isn't wearing a sword, but that means nothing, not with that naggingly familiar aura of power hanging around him. Still, he approaches with his hands held open at his sides, an obvious preference for peace over violence.]

Well, this is awkward. Hello, Adrian. You... probably don't know me, with the way this place works. My name is Soma, and you've been lurking outside my shop long enough for me to get here from across town, which means you probably have some questions.

[Action, Everglade]

[scarlet_devil]

[ The Night Law may be in effect, but over time Remilia had grown to dislike it. Surely there must be another way to generate the fear required to keep the barrier around Everglade strong.

The vampire was still going to intervene on any trouble she comes across. Like some serious looking vampire with a sword, but she doesn't confront him right away, she tails him for a while instead to see if he intends to cause trouble in her town or not. ]

[sonofdracula]

[ There's that prickling feeling which runs along the nape of his neck, the very one that even humans themselves seem to get whenever something feels off or that one is not quite alone. For the most part, this never bothers him, for look at who and what he is; what is there to be afraid of after all?

However, with being a world which is not his own nor fully aware of the inhabitants of Everglade despite numerous rumors and so-called accusations, he chooses to remain on his guard and even comes to stop a little ways down a particular street, turning some with a glance over his shoulder. ]

If it is concern you have for my presence within this city, I mean no harm to you or those who reside here.

[ This is not directed at Remilia per say, given her own ability to keep to the shadows, one assumes. However, it is for whoever might be around, watching, curious... very well to Remilia if she so chooses to answer. ]

[scarlet_devil]

[ At that, Remilia decides to make her presence known... her rather...diminutive presence giving that she appears to be rather childlike. Yes, some twisted individual turned a kid into a vampire... nearly five hundred years ago, that is. ]

Good, then. I've got enough to deal with already on top of the cursed dolls causing trouble lately.

[Everglade - Action]

[leekspins]

[Orihime isn't afraid of Everglade. She never really has been. She's sure to exercise caution of course, but her powers revolve around spirits and ghosts, so her perspective on the creatures who literally haunt the town is somewhat unique.]

[Even though she was a prisoner in this city for two weeks, it's not the city itself that bothers her. She just doesn't care for dirty dug-up basements and crawlspaces for a while.]

[There are five fresh graves in the cemetery that she came to visit. Each one has been given a small pot of purple hyacinths next to the grave marker that bears no name. It was a flower that was supposed to mean 'forgiveness' so...that seemed appropriate. She still isn't sure if they were just crazy or if someone was manipulating them to be that way. It doesn't matter now. They're not coming back.]

[Realizing that the sun is starting to set, she rises to her feet and makes her way past the wrought iron gates to the cobbled streets. No sense hanging around and tempting hungry night monsters, she has no intention of making the lives of the deputies any harder than necessary.]

[As she reaches the plaza, she notes two men with locked gazes, neither smiling. One has a hand on his sword, the other has a growl bubbling up in his throat. She freezes in place, not sure what she's stumbled onto, but she sure doesn't want the matter to escalate.]

Excuse me! Is this the way to the public restrooms?

[She puts on a cheery smile, rubbing the back of her neck. Nothing breaks the tension like a reminder that toilets exist!]

[sonofdracula]

[ Truthfully, he wouldn't blame her for her lack of enthusiasm concerning dug-up basements and crawlspaces. Even with being part vampire, he still holds some class for his surroundings.

However, if there was ever an ice breaker to cause pause in the moment, this would surely be it. Although, perhaps the situation that had begun as a mere warning would develop into something else entirely with an outsider, of sorts, now having been added into the mix; he doesn't wish to see anyone harmed. ]

I'm afraid you may have taken a wrong turn.

[ Even as he says this, his gaze remains fixed on the one across from him, hand still touching the hilt of his sword. He doesn't wish to start nor end anything here within this city, but if the other man does not wish to back down and take his gentle warning as a means to depart, then... one needs to be ready. ]

[action : Everglade]

[priceofmagic]

[Being a Detective in Everglade, Satou is often patrolling the area at night to be sure the laws are being followed. With the recent updates, this has often meant making sure no illegal hunting is taking place and then directing the hunters to their alternative options.

So even if it feels rude, she follows after spotting a stranger in the area. With her magical girl wand in hand and little pink ankle wings to support her speed, Satou waves the man down.]

Excuse me! Are you alright, sir? It's awful late for a walk, even in Everglade.

[sonofdracula]

[ Little pink ankle wings is not anything that he can say he's ever seen before and so when this... girl? Young woman? waves him down with what appears to be a magical tool of some type, he stops and stares to her, expression rather blank for the most part. ]

Yes, I am fine. Though I would say the same could be said for you.

[ Given what he's heard of the city, it's no place for someone like herself. Then again, he is well aware how looks can be deceiving. ]

Everglade

[lancerofblood]

[For someone who'd been so set against any connection to this place, Lancer spends most of his time here these days. To be expected, when he both lives and works here, and where he's become determined to separate his distaste for one particular vampiric stain on his legacy from his feelings regarding vampires and other non-humans in general.

Or at the very least, to allow that there may be exceptions to the general distaste he holds, based on the individual in question.

It's not often he finds himself perusing the bookshops here, given that most of what he needs can be found at the Genessia library. But with certain plans coming together in the back of his mind, he feels that some more Everglade-specific works might be of value.

Though by the time he arrives, it's not really the books that take his interest. He's very aware that it's impolite to stare but there's no shaking the family resemblance - and given all of what that could mean in a place like this, he can't help but be suspicious.]

You must be new.

[It's not really a question. He's pretty sure he'd remember if he'd seen him before.]

[sonofdracula]

[ Well, Lancer, should that particular vampiric stain be the very same one which he himself is attempting to stop, they may very well have something in common among other things.

Ordinarily, the staring is not something that would bother him much. He is aware of how he looks, the presence in which he carries himself with, and the fact that he never quite looks as human as those around him. Close, at times, but never one of them despite being half.

However, there is something about this man which has him gently look over when he is singled out in this bookshop as being new. Yes, nothing that he intends to deny given his assumption to be truthful. ]

I am.

[ As he says that, he gently closes a book in his one hand, carefully setting it back onto the shelf as he looks over a few more there. ]

I would say that it is not by choice but it appears to be a common thing here with those who find themselves within this world.

[Action: Everglade]

[singinghuntress]

[The foggy streets of Everglade were like a second home to her and something Rip loved to play in whether she was visiting the city for her own dietary needs, work or her own amusement. Tonight, just so happened to be for her own amusement before heading to work for the evening.

As she wanders the streets, she felt something brush against her senses that made her pause and just kind of turn her head slightly towards his direction. Something felt familiar and off at the same time...It took her a few moments to realize that whatever she was sensing felt a lot like at least three people she knew within this realm which got her curiosity going enough to try and track down the source.

Hopefully he doesn't mind one curious woman who sort of appears out of the fog with long black hair, a rather nice black suit with a lavender dress shirt with tie with an amusing little skull and crossbones tie clip. Her sapphire eyes peer at him through wire rimmed glasses and for the most part, Rip looks harmless. Just ignore the fact she's a vampire.

Even though she wasn't as strong as some of the other vampires within the city, Rip could still defend herself if need be. Hopefully, she wouldn't need to.]

You're a new face I hafn't zeen before.

[sonofdracula]

[ To be honest, he's becoming used to the fact that there are quite a few who seem to be curious about his presence within this world.

Even before she appears out of the fog, he is aware there is another relatively close around him and when she finally makes her own presence known, he stops and allows his gaze to fall upon her. Despite her looking nothing more than a well-dressed woman who is simply out for an evening stroll, he knows better than to judge ones appearance and it's why, while he doesn't come to touch the hilt of his sword, he remains aware of her and everything around him; he is not looking to start anything with those who dwell within this city. ]

That would make two of us then.

[ As she is clearly no one that he recognizes, though is clearly not mortal. ]

Cloak & Dagger

[innocent_royal]

[Despite all the time Adrian and Soma speak inside of the store, there was, in fact, another lurking in the back.

After some time, she appears. Dressed in a black collar dress when she sees her boss talking with a customer.

Anastasia sheepishly approaches and gently taps him on the shoulder.]

I'm sorry to interrupt, but... Soma? There's a box in the back that's growling at me and I'm scared to see what's in it...

[If Soma goes to look, this will give her a chance to speak to Adrian on his behalf.]

Um, welcome to the Cloak and Dagger. Are you finding everything all right?

[notquitedracula]

[He will indeed go to check, giving her plenty of time to ruin his already suffering reputation. Assume he's busy for the duration of their conversation.]

[sonofdracula]

[ As Soma departs for the back of the shop, he remains there with this girl, a simple glance given to her before he thinks to answer her inquiry. ]

Yes, though it appears to be more than I thought I would.

[ Regarding information, that is. ]

I take it you work here.

Pan's Grocery

[keymemory]

[ Sora was probably the best grocery bagger there ever was at Pan’s Grocers. At least he thought so as he was, yet again, going above and beyond his duties in the store. Honestly, he just had a lot of fun here. He liked helping who he could, going shopping with them, helping them with items, bagging it up, taking it out.. whatever. He was happy, definitely content, the pay was a bonus and if he could keep out of school, all the better.

After what he’s been through, school was about the last place he wanted to be. Even bagging was better than school! So, he didn’t have much to complain about and he was competitive by nature so he tried to do his very best in all the tasks asked of him, even those tasks outside his job description. He liked those too, something different to do each day made it less boring.

He was all finished decorating for Halloween, and the store looked fantastic. If he did say so himself, and he did… to anyone that listened. Of course he’d started about the second day into October and he just about finished now. There were streamers, ribbons, cut-out cardboard shapes, monsters displays on the end caps of the aisles, and all sorts of fun drawings that he got to do for the decoration. It was his proudest moment, this moment, as he looked up in aw at the swaying decorations above the aisles.

He stood there for a good five minutes before he started down one of the aisles with a big proud grin to his lips. He comes to a tall stranger he hadn’t met before and he takes this opportunity to greet the other, hoping that he’ll become one of Pan’s regular customers! He did like seeing his regular customers! ]

Hello there! I’m Sora! Can I help you shop today?

[sonofdracula]

[ The decorations are not anything that have gone unnoticed by the dhampir, they simply weren't the very things that held his attention. Rather, it's the assortment of foods and drinks that line the shelves within this store that has, for the most part, puzzled him a touch as he doesn't recognize much of anything save for produce and most freshly packaged meats.

When the offer to help is chirped at him, he looks down to the boy who has introduced himself as Sora and he blinks eyes of a soft gold as he gently places a box of some sort of cereal back onto the shelf. ]

There are many things within this shop that I am not familiar with, I am afraid.