Off Balance

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri and Davia

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Seeing his wife, Dmitri felt chastened for shouting. She and the kids had never heard him raise his voice before, and he wished they'd never had to at all. Viktoriya had lived with an abusive first husband, the last thing Dmitri wanted to do was make her think there was going to be a repeat of that from him. He took her hand and squeezed it, drawing in deep breaths to calm himself.

Dmitri didn't have much of a temper. He was generally pretty placid - which was one reason he'd had a successful career as a Death Dealer, he didn't often get swept away by emotion. Right now, though, his family was in danger... and that was the one thing that had the power to make Dmitri truly and irrationally angry.

He mouthed an 'I'm sorry' to his wife.

Davia, meanwhile, seemed more upset by the attempts to calm her down, which she took as belittling. She shook off Antonio and rounded on Viktoriya. "It's not my fault!" she shouted. "You all blame me, but I didn't do anything wrong!"

Dmitri said calmly, "Davia, your quarrel is with me, not with her. Please don't direct your anger at the wrong person."

Suddenly her wrath was focused on Dmitri again. "Damn you! You cold bastard! Damn you! You don't care about me at all. You would hurt me without a thought by bringing that little brat here..."

Dmitri shook his head. "Davia, you're not listening. We're not trying to hurt you. This isn't about you. It's about what's best for Dawn."

"How dare you?" Davia was beyond reason... seeming to forget she was talking to Dmitri rather than Chauncey himself. "You did this to me! You did this! Now you want me to suffer more, you selfish pig!"

Davia slapped Dmitri suddenly, hard. Her hand left a white mark on his reddened cheek, and her ring cut a tiny gash along his cheekbone. Dmitri didn't retaliate, he just stared coldly at her - although he moved so his body blocked Viktoriya's from the angry Vampire, in case she decided to switch targets.

It was hard to tell who was more shocked by her action, Dmitri or Davia herself.

"That's enough, Davia!" Dmitri said sharply. "I understand that you're angry. You have a right to be angry... at Chauncey, not at us. You're taking this out on the wrong people."

"She's not coming here!" Davia insisted stubbornly. "I won't have it! I won't let you hurt me anymore, Dmitri!"

Dmitri sighed. "Since it seems we can't come to an agreement, I suggest we let Alexander arbitrate this, as the head of the Volkov family. Will you accept his judgment?"

Davia nodded, still glowering at Dmitri, although she was now clinging to Antonio's arm.

"Then I will too. I hope we can settle this as soon as possible. Poor Dawn is out there alone."

He hoped the arbitration would go in his favour. Alexander wouldn't leave Dawn on the streets... but what if he saw the best compromise as sending the whole family away, so Davia wouldn't have to suffer anymore?

Although of course, Dmitri didn't actually believe it would make any difference in Davia's level of suffering, only her level of denial.

Karina and Darya were doing so well here. They had friends, and seemed truly settled. Would he have to uproot them? That would be hellish. Still, they were a family. They couldn't abandon Dawn.

"Jasmine is probably never going to be willing to come over for dinner again," Dmitri said quietly as an aside to Viktoriya, trying to ease the tension.

[Corey]

Elena Sammartino

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/elenaunderworld.jpg

It won't be hard to get you some.

Elena replied to Dawn when she said she'd need birth control. Drugs were very easy to come by around the coven. She nodded her head when Dawn said to show her what to do. Elena didn't like knowing how to make drugs, this wasn't where she pictured her life would be when she was younger. She began to show Dawn how to cook the meth so Nathan would see that Dawn was making herself useful around the coven. Bruno returned from his mail run carrying packages for Turner. Two of them were costumes for him and Elena to wear at the circus.

Here's your-

He forgot what he was going to say to Turner when he saw Dawn's face. He didn't even have to ask what happened and it made him angry. He could put with a lot of Nathan's sh*t but raping a teenager...Bruno slammed the packages onto Turner's desk and stormed off to find Nathan.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Oh good.

Greta smiled when Anya told her they didn't mind at all her being there. That relieved her because the last thing she wanted was to become a bother when everyone was so nice to her.

I understand and thanks, I'll keep it in mind.

Her smile got bigger when Anya added a congratulations for her as well.

Thank you.

It felt wonderful to be around people who thought her pregnancy was good thing, not something to be ashamed of.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Oh I know it's not. Maybe they can find way for vampires to enjoy food, but until then...Smelling your wonderful cooking is a good consolation prize. I hope my cooking will end up half as good as yours.

Jasmine told Viktoriya, she was enjoyed spending the evening with the family. Although she frowned when Davia and Antonio arrived. She told Viktoriya she understood when Viktoriya apologized. She wasn't trying to eavesdrop but it wasn't hard from Davia's yelling. She thought it was pretty bad that Davia had sent the girl away. She could understand being upset and feeling violated, but the girl wasn't too blame for that.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn wasn't sure whether she should be chagrined or proud when it turned out she had a natural aptitude for drug manufacturing. On the plus side, it would keep her alive. On the minus side... well, this wasn't who she wanted to be, or how she wanted to see herself. Being on the streets was better than this.

She only paused once, to inject herself with her medication. She didn't bother eating; her stomach still felt upset, like she'd swallowed live worms or something. No point trying to get down food that would just come back up. Dawn didn't attempt making conversation, although she would respond politely but distantly if Elena tried to talk to her.

What was there to say? The past didn't matter anymore, and the present wasn't something she wanted to discuss.

Mainly Dawn just did her best to memorize everything Elena was teaching her, so she wouldn't have to be told twice... and she also did a little learning on her own. For example, before long she knew where the sharps were locked up - including the razor blades. She also learned a few substances that were toxic, although she would need to research more how they were used. Something that absorbed through the skin would be best... although she rather liked the idea of the razor blade, particularly applied to certain areas of the anatomy. Seeing Nathan literally emasculated would be worth anything that could possibly happen as a result.

Maybe her parents were right not to want her, if this was who she was: a girl with a talent for drugs, who was planning cold and pre-meditated violence against her criminal lowlife employer. Maybe that criminal lowlife had recognized that she was just bad already. Whatever. If it was who she was, then so be it.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

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Elena didn't attempt at much of a conversation with Dawn. After what Nathan had just done to her, it wasn't like there was much to say. Although she did tell her which chemicals were dangerous and which ones to never mix. Although Elena was usually in the labs, she was supposed to go to the circus, so surely Nathan would order Dawn to make the drugs on her own. She didn't want the coven to blow up because then he'd kill her for not being a good teacher. Bruno found Nathan heading into his office to count his money after he got dressed.

What the hell Nathan?!

Bruno growled when he approached him. Nathan looked at Bruno with a bored expression.

What?

How could you...

Bruno almost said rape but he knew that Nathan would say it wasn't.

...make that new girl sleep with you?

Oh that. What are you jealous you didn't get to her first?

Nathan shrugged, Dawn was living in his home, he could make her do whatever he wanted.

No! She's just a kid!

Not anymore but then you're holding out for Jasmine aren't you? You want me to tell you about all the times I fuc-

Nathan was mocking him and that caused Bruno to lose it. Bruno grabbed Nathan by his shirt and slam him into the wall. Nathan got angry that Bruno did that and both vampires were glaring at each other with fangs flashing.

Let go!

No! You can't go around acting like rules don't apply to you!

Because they don't!

Nathan yelled back, the yelling was catching some of the coven's attention. Amy was surprised to see Bruno confronting Nathan, although she stayed hidden behind a door so Nathan couldn't see her.

Maybe someone should teach you that they do!

Oh really?! Try it Bruno, you'll be so dead!

You think I really care!

Bruno yelled back, he no longer cared what happened to him as long as he could wipe that stupid arrogant smirk off of Nathan's face. He had spent seven long years in the coven, doing whatever was asked of him. He tried to ignore things he didn't think was right, but he wasn't sure how much longer he could do it. Nathan glared back at Bruno.

Maybe not but you'll care if Jasmine dies.

You can't touch her, she's at that community and you wouldn't be welcome there. You don't play "victim", remember?

Not me but I could send someone....Like Sia or...Sacha. He'll do anything I ask and you know it. Even if it means killing the woman you don't have the balls to tell you're in love with. Why don't I call him over here right now?

Actually once Nathan thought about Sacha, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea sending him to that community. He knew Sacha wouldn't be weak and turn against him just because a few people were being nice to him. Bruno knew Nathan would do that and as much as he wanted to just rip off Nathan's head, he couldn't just risk Jasmine's life. He and Sacha had a bond but Nathan was Sacha's master and Sacha did whatever Nathan ordered. He had the feeling if it came between him and Nathan, Sacha would side with Nathan. Actually Bruno wouldn't be surprised if Sacha was watching right now. Bruno was still angry and breathed heavily as he let go of Nathan's shirt and moved back. Nathan smirked, he knew Bruno's weakness and he was able to keep himself from being seriously hurt.

You better watch out for that compassion of yours Bruno, it's starting to get on my nerves.

Good.

Bruno grumbled and headed off to his room. He should have convinced Jasmine to run off with him that night he dropped her off at the community. He wasn't sure how much longer he was going to take living here before he truly snapped and got himself killed. He looked at his cellphone and knew he needed to talk to Jasmine before he did something really stupid.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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When they were getting close to the end of the workday, Dawn's nervousness started to increase. She tried not to show it, but she couldn't entirely hide that her hands were trembling now. Was Nathan going to come into her room again tonight? She wasn't ready to kill him; she didn't have a plan she was sure would work yet. She'd have to think of some other way to keep his hands off her - and she'd have to do it quickly.

Something had been gnawing at the back of Dawn's mind, growing stronger with every explanation the other woman gave. She finally turned to Elena and said, "I don't get it."

Looking around, she elaborated, "Today you've demonstrated that you know - what? - about seven different ways you could blow this place up or burn it to the ground. You're surrounded by toxic chemicals and things that could be used as weapons. There are lots of you, and not many of you seem to like... him."

After the night before, she couldn't bring herself to say Nathan's name.

"So how is it that the best advice you can give me is to lay back and take it? Why do you do that? If you hate it so much here, why haven't you guys... you know... actually done something about it?"

Trying to be conciliatory, she added, "I don't mean to be a jerk. You've been really nice to me. It just... doesn't really make sense to me."

[Corey]

Elena Sammartino

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Get what?

Elena asked as she started to put things away and when Dawn explained, she sighed. Not too many people actually liked Nathan that was true but everyone was either scared of him or had some warped sense of loyalty to him. Plus they had no where to go. Most members of the coven had had nothing going for them when they accepted Nathan's offer.

Where would we go? We'd get arrested if it wasn't for Nathan. Turner's a thief, I make illegal drugs, Bruno used to be a mob enforcer, a majority of the girls were already prostitutes before they came here. No one would help us. We're the part of society others like to pretend don't exist.

She ran her hands through her hair in frustration.

You think I like living here? That this what I wanted to do with my life, make drugs? Ruin people lives...I wanted to a scientist but I didn't have the money to leave Italy to go to school, so my brother got us involved with a gang that forced to make me their drugs. Then Nathan came, he had that gang and my brother killed and decided that I should make drugs for him instead. If I don't work for him, he will kill me. He's killed a lot of people. If he doesn't do himself, then he has Sacha kill them. That kid is so creepy, he actually likes being Nathan's little killing machine. No one wins against him Dawn, he always has someone willing to do his dirty work. Whether it is because they are too scared to say no or because they have some sort of twisted loyalty to him.

She looked down at the floor.

I'm nice because that's who I am. Nathan can make me work for him, not let me go outside, force me to...He can do whatever he wants to me but I'm not going to turn into him. I'm a better person then him.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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Dawn sighed. "Elena, I... I'm sorry your life has sucked so bad. You deserve better."

Maybe she really was naive, like Nathan said. Imagining saints were going to come save them if they could just get rid of Nathan? Yeah right. Dawn should know better. After all, she was one of the ones who had fallen through the cracks. She was one of the ones no one cared about. Sure, she'd heard rumours about some community where they helped people... but that community had rejected her. What else was there? Nothing. No one.

Perhaps she should have tried to talk to her father after all. She could have done it discreetly, not told the wife, not ruined anything, she could have just... made clear that she was around, and could spill the beans if her hand was forced. It made her feel icky to even consider that kind of extortion, but at least it would have spared her some pain. If she could have afforded her medication, she wouldn't be here. Maybe he would have given her money to get an apartment or something, just to get rid of her.

It was too late now, though. If her father would ever have helped, he wouldn't now that she was working in a drug lab and being used by Nathan for sex. To an upstanding citizen like her father supposedly was, she might as well already be dead.

Dawn had no one. Just like everyone else here. Maybe it was fitting that she was stuck here. Maybe it had always been inevitable that this was the sort of place she'd end up.

"I just... can't live like this. Not forever. I'm sixteen years old! I can't spend the rest of my life just... living here, doing what he makes us do. I'll go crazy. Seriously, I can't take this. I'd rather be dead than live like this. I really would."

She met Elena's eyes for the first time all day. "I'm not going to last very long. One way or the other."

Dawn just had to make sure that, in the process, Nathan paid for what he had done.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen smiled at her two daughters, proud of them for being so warm and welcoming. She knew that it hadn't always been easy for them - especially Zora - to socialize with strangers, but it meant a lot to their family that they were making an effort.

"We're very proud of Anya and Zora's progress in school," Helen said. "Anya is in medical school, studying to be a doctor, and Zora is taking her university entrance exams soon to be a teacher. The other responsibilities they mentioned are that Anya volunteers at our medical clinic, and Zora helps me at our community school. And of course, they're both a lot of help around home."

She didn't mean to brag, but the way the girls had explained things rather downplayed their accomplishments and hard work, and Helen wanted to make sure there was credit where credit was due.

[Tigers]

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Viktoriya


Viktoriya was not so much worried for her own safety, or even her children's. It was the yelling and shouting that worried her. It had startled her at first, but she trusted Dmitri and felt no reason to fear that he would do anything to her or the children. Karina would likely be confused and have lots of questions that they would need to address. But Darya, she was the one Viktroyia was worried about the most. It hadn't been that long ago that her home was destroyed and her parents murdered by the military.

Although she was getting better, she was still shell shocked by sudden explosive situations. She would likely be up with her all night, not that Viktoriya minded. She was a mother and her concern was for the safety and well being of her children, which was why she was very irritated with Davia at the moment. She could understand the vampire's blight, but Davia's inability to deal with the situation was directly affecting everyone around her.

Slapping her husband in the face had only lessened Viktoriya's sympathy for Davia. Her behavior was childish, something she would expect from someone younger than Karina, or even a toddler that hit out of frustration. Davia was missing the point, that Dmitri's anger was in no small measure due to Davia's misplaced judgement that he would not want to know about Dawn, and that she had let the young girl alone on the streets without at least contacting their allies, if nothing else.

"If Alexander is what is needed to settle this, then so be it." Viktoriya replied.

"But Davia, the only one that is having an issue with this is you. There is not a person here that would have looked down on you or blamed you for allowing Dmitri to bring Dawn home. And there isn't a person who wouldn't have sympathized with what Chauncey had done to you. The only person having an issue with being reminded of that is you, the sooner you learn that it was beyond your control and that everything will be fine, the better of your life will be."

Viktoriya gently returned the squeeze that Dmitri had given her and released his hand. This was not exactly the kind of call she wanted to be making to the head of the Volkov family, but standing here and allowing this to continue was not an option.


***********************


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Antonio





He had expected her to push him away, it wasn't the first time she'd done so and he knew it wouldn't be the last. But Antonio had at least hoped that she had gotten to a point that the yelling and sudden explosion of anger was all there would be. Love was a difficult thing, when the one you loved could be difficult and Davia was certainly giving him a challenge tonight. He was angry with what Chauncey had done to her, Dmitri and Dawn, but her behavior was out of line.

He would have preferred that she had struck him and not Dmitri. He knew by her tone, by the struggle she was having that her real anger was directed at Chuancey himself. Unfortunately, being able to extract that anger on the right person was no longer an available option. When Davia hit Dmitri, there was a level of shock within the entire room, and Antonio saw it on her own face.

"Davia stop it!"

It was a plea a little too late, but her actions seemed to have momentarily tempered her anger. Enough so that instead of pushing him further away, she had actually taken hold of him. Lessons the hard way with her it seemed, always learning after the fact. His anger at her did not diminish his love for her, but it did create a need to want to distance himself from her. Now the long awkward silence until Alexander arrived. The sooner this night was over with the better.

[Tigers]

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Alexander Volkov



Katherine had just laid Jakob down to sleep when the phone rang. After a day full of surgery and emotional struggles with her older children, Kat couldn't help but wonder if there was something wrong. When she answered the phone to find Viktoriya on the other end she was both relieved and immediately concerned. There was tension in the other women's voice as she spoke, something very uncommon for Viktoriya.

After a brief conversation with Alexander, her husband headed over to Dmitri's house. Viktoriya had not gone into details on the phone, other than saying there was an issue at her house and they needed Alexander to resolve it. Alexander kissed his wife goodbye and headed out the door. He wasted no time in arriving at Dmitri's house. He knocked on the door and Viktoriya let him in. Seeing Davia and Antonio there only made him wonder more what this was about.

The scene was too tense to exchange a bunch of pleasantries, although Alexander did greet each person when he walked into the room.

"Davia, Dmitri, I understand there is an issue. Would you care to fill me in on what the problem is?"

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova



"Thanks V." Roxanna replied.

Talking to her sister was something she needed, it helped. Rox was glad that Veronika felt the same way about Kat and Alexander, even more so that Veronika felt that she even loved them. It helped to think that if anything happened to her, that Veronika had them for safety and security. Could she get past her own feelings about love though? To Rox, she didn't really believe in it, she still could not see a difference between love and sex.

Although for the sake of those she knew, like her sister, she was glad that they had found the ability to love and that it seemed like a wholesome thing. Maybe...maybe one day she could see it and find it too.

"It's not weird at all."

"We both had sucky lives, but...I think talking with Millie. I think it will help."

"You too V. You should go, really."

Rox leaned back against her sister. She was exhausted, she couldn't imagine how Veronika felt.

"Think about it. Tomorrow we can talk to Kat and Alexander about going to the circus and hopefully you'll be able to go home."

The girls chatted for a bit more, but each conversation seemed to have longer breaks before the next one began. Soon the girls were fast asleep, Roxanna sleeping close to her sister.

[Corey]

Elena Sammartino

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Life sucks, I've accepted that...

Elena replied with a shrug. Actually she had accepted a lot in the last couple of years. She didn't remember what life was like without someone like Ricky or Nathan telling her what to do. Other then the few true friends she had made here, she had no one. Jasmine, Bruno, and Turner were her family now. Her own parents thought she had died with her brother. It was better that way, her parents would just be ashamed. She was the smart one, the one who was supposed to make something of herself. Yeah she sure did that... She knew deep down the only reason she survived this long was because of her friends. They made it bearable to her. She wished Jasmine was here, she would have stopped Nathan from raping Dawn. She always tried to protect Elena.

You shouldn't accept it though.

Dawn was only sixteen and Elena believed her when she said she wasn't going to make it. She could tell that she had fought Nathan last night and eventually he could get tired of that "game" and kill Dawn for being ungrateful in his mind. This was no way for anyone to live, Elena didn't like thinking how she was going to be here forever or until Nathan finally killed her. Which ever came first.

Are you sure you don't have anyone? Maybe Amy or Bruno could get word out to someone to help you.

Amy already felt responsible for Dawn and Elena knew Bruno would help Dawn. She had seen his face when he realized Dawn had been raped...She hadn't seen him a while that scared her a little. She wondered if Bruno had been killed by Nathan. She hoped not, she didn't know how she and Turner would survive without him, especially with Jasmine gone.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

That's great, you should be very proud.

Greta replied when Helen told her about Anya and Zora's accomplishments and hard work. She didn't think Helen was bragging, just she was proud of them. Greta thought that was wonderful and it made her a little sad though. No one was proud of her. What was there to be proud of? Former prostitute and drug dealer, yeah that's the type of jobs parents were so proud of...Not knowing who was the father of her own child...Not like her own parents would be proud of her no matter what she did. She remembered when Luther ran off to join the military. Most fathers would be proud that their son became a soldier and served his country, her father had told her and Fritz how ungrateful Luther was for leaving him after all he had done for him growing up. Thinking of that, made her think of Fritz. She hoped Stephan's contacts would be able to reach him but...He would be so disappointed to know what became of her after they parted ways. Maybe it was better not to see him. Still watching the Yeats Family interact made her miss him so much.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Although Jasmine had enjoyed dinner before Davia and Antonio arrived, she felt uncomfortable being here. Not because Viktoriya and Dmitri had made her feel unwelcome but because there was clearly some family issues going on and she didn't think it was her place to stay. She finished her blood and washed out the goblet so Viktoriya wouldn't have to clean up after her, when she heard everyone agree to wait for Alexander to come and mediate, she quietly told Viktoriya after she was off the phone.

Thanks for inviting me, I had a good time before the unexpected company. Maybe we can do it again sometime.

Although as soon as she said that she wondered why the hell she said it, she'd be going back to Nathan soon. She needed to remind herself that this was place was only temporary.

Tell Dmitri and the girls bye for me.

She told Viktoriya and said she'd come see her at the cafeteria soon for more cooking lessons and headed out. She left just before Alexander got there. She headed into her guest room and frowned when she looked down at her cellphone and and saw all the missed calls from Bruno. Since she came here, they were communicating by texting. She wondered what was wrong and quickly called him. He answered on the first ring.

Bruno is something wrong?

I'm not sure how much longer I can put up with Nathan before I just rip his f*cking face off.

What happened?

Jasmine replied in shock. It was rare to hear Bruno talk so angrily. Bruno couldn't actually remember Dawn's name, having only heard it once or twice. He, like Jasmine, didn't make much of an effort to know the new girls when they first arrived. Many didn't last long, after the girls had been there a few months then they started to remember who they were but not get especially close to them. He told her how Amy found Dawn wandering the streets alone and needed medicine. Amy had brought Dawn into the warehouse to get that medicine when Nathan found out.

No offense but Amy should have known better then to bring a teenager inside.

What did Amy expect would happen? Just because there were a few decent people in the coven, many wanted to stay on Nathan's good side and told him everything. Bruno sighed.

Yeah well I should have to. She's sick and...You know what? That doesn't matter, he had no right raping her.

No...He doesn't have the right to do most of things he does.

I know...Jas I just can't...When are you coming home? I don't know how much longer I can put up with him without you here. You're the only reason I...I need you.

Bruno knew the only reason he hadn't killed Nathan right then was her. She was the only reason he couldn't give into his anger. He wished Jasmine was back home and then things could be normal. Everything felt so different without Jasmine there.

I'll be back soon. This circus is this weekend-

At least she planned to be home, but then who knew? If Nathan's plan didn't work he might make her stay at the community longer.

That's too far away.

I...I can't leave right now, Nathan would be so-

I know! It's just...I love you.

Bruno said, he had been pacing around his room trying to calm down when he said the words. He stopped in his tracks and wondered what Jasmine was thinking. Oh sh*t, he shouldn't have said it on the phone. He couldn't see her face, he had no idea what she thought. Jasmine was so surprised at the statement that she was quiet for a moment.

You don't have to love me back, I know you don't believe in love anymore. It's just...I've loved you for a long time and in case things go to hell before you come back, I wanted you to know.

He couldn't take back to the words now and nor would he want to. He truly felt his days were getting numbered now after his fight with Nathan. At least if he couldn't see her again, she would know.

Bruno I...I love you too.

You do?

Bruno wasn't expecting her to say that and Jasmine nodded her head even though he couldn't see her.

Yeah, I know I said I didn't believe in love but that was a long time ago. When Nathan and I found you dying in the alley...I didn't believe in love. Micha...He ruined my idea of what love was but you...You made me believe in it again, I've been trying to tell you for a while but we kept saying we were just friends and I...

You didn't want to ruin our friendship.

He finished for her because he had felt the same way. That's why he never said anything before either. She smiled when he knew exactly what she was trying to say.

Yeah...Please try to hang on, I don't want to lose you.

I'll try for you.

Bruno said and he would try to control his temper around Nathan to keep Jasmine safe. He didn't tell her the only reason he didn't just kill Nathan tonight was because Nathan threatened her life. They talked for a little while longer before saying goodnight.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri and Davia

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Dmitri felt horrible for how this dinner party had turned out. How awkward for Jasmine! He was the rudest host ever. Even if he could have gone back and sat down and carried on as normal in this emotional state, though, from a practical standpoint they needed to start searching for Dawn. An hour Dmitri sat chatting over his goblet of blood was an hour in which Dawn could be abducted or... he didn't even want to consider the possibility... murdered.

They needed to get to her as soon as they could. This was the very definition of a family emergency.

Even if Jasmine was offended, she would presumably get over it. Dmitri was more worried about the kids at the moment than another adult. Would this set back Darya's recovery from her trauma? And what would Karina make of the whole thing?

Davia, meanwhile, was staring at all of them with the face of wounded innocence, particularly at Antonio. He was the one who made her come here in the first place! She wouldn't have gotten into a fight with anyone if he hadn't dragged her to their house. It wasn't fair that everyone was blaming her! Just like they so often did, entirely unfairly.

When Alexander arrived, Dmitri explained the whole situation calmly. He did his best not to be accusing or lay blame, just to describe the situation factually... but even hearing her actions recalled in such stark terms, Davia quickly became offended.

"It wasn't my fault!" Davia insisted. "I'm not responsible for her!"

Dmitri sensed this was building to another tirade, so he cut in, "We didn't ask Alexander here to determine fault. That will have to be resolved by our own consciences. Alexander, we asked you to help because Davia and I can't come to an agreement. Viktoriya and I would like Dawn to live with us. Davia has conceded to sending her to one of our allied covens, but insists she not be allowed into the community."

There was deep pain on Dmitri's face. "I understand that this is very difficult for Davia, and I don't intend to minimize the stress it is causing her. What matters most now, though, is not Davia's feelings, or mine. What matters is protecting Dawn, and helping her live the rest of her childhood happily. While I'm sure another coven could provide adequate physical care, I believe Dawn needs to be with people who love her. Unless Dawn has current caretakers she's attached to, I think the best ones to provide that are Viktoriya and myself."

Davia's face looked like a stormcloud. "He wants to force me to see her face every day! He wants me to suffer from everyone's speculation about how she came from me! I was violated - not sexually, but a violation still - and he doesn't want to allow me any privacy about it. Are you really going to let him hurt me? Are you really going to let him be that selfish? What about me?"

Dmitri said surprisingly gently, "Davia, you're going to have to come to terms with your own feelings, no matter where Dawn lives. Whether or not you see her."

"You're all hypocrites!" Davia exploded. "Everyone is patting Asif on the back for pretending his wife's baby is his, when everyone knows it came from some other man. Yet suddenly when I'm trying to protect myself, everyone now thinks DNA is so important? Why do the rules always change to make everyone else look good and me look bad?"

Dmitri shook his head. "Davia, you're missing the point. Asif is taking responsibility. He's protecting the people who don't deserve to suffer for someone else's sins. He's doing what he needs to do to keep his family together. That's what I'm trying to do, also. I'm trying to take responsibility for Dawn, and protect her, and bring my family together. It's not about you. No one is demanding you take custody. It's not even entirely about Dawn's genetics. If a random stranger asked you for help and you denied her and left her on the streets, it would be just as much of a problem."

Davia glowered at him. "Another coven would be fine for her. She doesn't need to be here, in my face. Maybe you should just leave, if you love the brat so much more than you care about the rest of us!"

Dmitri turned weary eyes toward the head of the Volkov family. "Ultimately, who leaves and who stays is Alexander's decision. If you've heard enough to make your choice... I need to be out looking for her."

Davia was right about one thing, though. Dawn wasn't going to be alone anymore. Wherever she ended up, her family would be with her.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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"You should consider going back to school yourself, Greta," Helen suggested. "Not necessarily right now, with a baby so close to being born and Nathan to worry about, but it's a possibility for the future. If you got a university degree, it could open a lot of career paths for you."

Not that Helen judged her for being a prostitute, of course... Greta hadn't had options. Now she did, and Helen wanted to make sure she knew about them, so she could take advantage of all they were able to offer her.

"Our community has a scholarship fund for anyone who wants to pursue higher education. It benefits us too when members of our group gain more skills, so it works out in everyone's favour. If there's something you want to study, the money will be there."

Realizing this was a big decision, Helen added, "You don't need to make a choice tonight. When you're planning for the future, though... it's something you may want to think about."

Greta might not have parents to be proud of her - but Helen and Tim already were. She'd done so much already, even if she didn't realize it. Greta had saved her baby from a terrible life, and was already proving she could be a good mother. She'd had the courage to leave Nathan. To the Yeats family, that was indeed something to be proud of.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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"There's no one," Dawn said quietly. "There were people paid to take care of me by my doctor, but my doctor died and the money dried up, so they no longer have any interest in what happens to me. My mother told me in no uncertain terms to get lost and never bother her again. She lives in the do-gooder community, so that means I'm not welcome there either because they're her friends, lucky me."

For a moment, she considered the other party who could possibly be concerned for her welfare, then shook her head.

"My father doesn't know about me, but he has a wife and new kids now. I wish I hadn't been so concerned about what it would do to him if I tried to talk to him. It can't be any worse than what's happened to me here."

She sighed. "It's too late, though. My father is a standup guy, but in the sense of being kind of... legalistic, strict, and harsh."

People who knew Dmitri personally would be rather surprised by this characterization - Dmitri wasn't actually like that at all. All Dawn knew about her father was heavily filtered through Chauncey, though... and Chauncey had never really understood the man, so had completely misinterpreted him.

"Maybe at one point, he would have helped me. Now... well, he wouldn't want to help someone who makes drugs and sleeps with a criminal. He'd turn me away, and then I'd be in a worse position with Nathan than I am right now."

Dawn shook her head. "I have no one but myself. Whatever happens, it'll just be me. Whatever happens... it's not something you need to feel bad about. It just is what it is."

It was clear from her tone that Dawn didn't expect she would survive. Killing Nathan would make her death worth it, though, even though his loyal goons would surely make her pay with her life.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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Greta finished setting the table but started to play with a fork so she didn't have to look Helen in the face when she replied.

I...ummm...I never finished secondary school...When Fritz left for the Air Force, he took me with him so I wouldn't be stuck alone with our father.

She had planned to finish school though but then she met Alric. Finishing school wasn't high on the to do list. She had no idea what she would study in any in a university. She never thought much what she could be when she was growing up. Her father had told her from an early age she wouldn't amount to anything. Her best option according to him was to find a husband who would tolerate her. Since he liked to remind she was dumb since she had trouble in school. Reading was hard sometimes, the letters looked backwards. She never told people that, Fritz knew because he would try to help her with her homework when they were kids. Although Tim would probably find out from the medical forms she filled out. She tried hard to make sure it was right, but some words would get mixed up. She was going to be a bad mother regardless what people thought. When her daughter was older, how was she ever going to teach her simple things like reading and writing? How was she even going to be able to read to her child when she had a hard time reading things in general? That's why her old job was easy, she didn't need to read or write to be good at it.

[Corey]

Elena Sammartino

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I see.

Elena replied when Dawn told her she had no one and was certain of it. Elena thought it was sad that Dawn believed her father would turn away because of Nathan. It wasn't her choice to be here. Even if Dawn told her not to feel bad, she did. The girl had been raised by people a doctor paid to take care of her, her mother rejected her, and she thought her father and his family would as well. She went over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of pills and handed it to Dawn.

Here at least you won't have any "surprises". Although if you were to...he wouldn't let you keep it anyway. Nathan makes any girls who get pregnant sell their babies at birth.

Dawn might as well know that in case Nathan did get her pregnant and she didn't want an abortion, there was no point getting attached to a baby. Look what happened to Greta...Elena believed she had died in the car crash and figured the other woman had been so upset, she hadn't been thinking clearly the last night they saw her.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

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Nathan loved money, the more he had of it, the happier he was. He counted it constantly in case anyone decided to get greedy and try to steal from him. Bruno was becoming a problem, if he didn't get his act together he wouldn't have a place here anymore. Threatening Jasmine would keep in line for a while but Nathan knew it wouldn't work forever. There were very few members who probably could be able to actually kill Nathan in a fair fight, Bruno was one of them. Sacha was the other....The more he thought of Sacha, the more he knew he should bring him to circus with him after all. He hadn't planned to but what if Bruno was going to try and betray him. He and Jasmine were as thick as thieves. Normally he didn't care but Jasmine was making "friends" and they could...He wouldn't let them screw him over. He was going to get that little girl and her new mother. No one was going to stop him when he was so close. In case his plan didn't work at the circus, then he'd send Sacha to the community instead. He sneered as he said to himself he should have just sent Sacha in the first place. The job would already been done. He locked his money in his safe and was going to go find Sacha when he saw Amy. She was going to head out for the night. Hmmm...maybe talking to Sacha could wait a little while.

You know Amy I was a little harsh last night to you.

Oh...that's okay.

Amy said with a small smile that felt fake. Nathan grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him.

No it's not. You see I didn't realize how much "fun" that girl could be. I should "reward" you for bringing her to me.

He kissed her cheek and her neck. Amy didn't fight but she wasn't that into it either.

Right now? I figured you'd want me to track down that drug dealer...

He can wait.

Nathan told her and kissed her on the lips. Amy kissed him back, she knew what would happen if she fought. It was better just to give Nathan what he wanted. Amy and Nathan headed off to his bedroom.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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"I'm not having his baby! Ever!" Dawn said, without raising her voice, but with more hatred in her tone than she realized she was capable of. She had been annoyed or irritated with people in the past, even outright mad... but she had never hated anyone. Not really. Not until Nathan. Now Dawn knew what pure hatred was.

The same lack of expression was back when she added, "Thanks for the pills. It's better than the alternative."

I'm not going to be alive nine months from now - probably not even nine days from now - but better safe than sorry, she thought silently.

When they'd finished up for the day, Dawn said goodbye to Elena, with the sinking feeling that her time before a potential assault was running out. Maybe Nathan wouldn't bother her again... but she didn't get the feeling he was much inclined to let her think she'd won by leaving her alone after she had fought him.

Most people didn't talk directly to Dawn, and she didn't initiate any conversation herself, but she overheard vague gossip that Nathan had taken Amy to his room, and it made Dawn sick. She knew Amy wouldn't want what was happening to her - but what could she do? Dawn couldn't think of anything that wouldn't get Amy in more trouble.

When her hand touched the doorknob of her room, she experienced such a strong memory of what Nathan did that the nausea overcame her. She ran to the bathroom, merely dry-heaving over the toilet since she hadn't eaten all day.

Dawn just sat there, crouched over the comode; she couldn't go back to the bedroom where it happened...

That gave her an idea. Things had settled down for the night, with most of the girls out soliciting clients and the rest presumably settled in.

Dawn flushed the toilet, checked that the stall door was locked, and sat perched on the seat with her legs crossed so her feet wouldn't be visible under the door. She was fully prepared to stay this way all night, and would merely lean against the wall when she was ready to sleep.

It was kind of a stupid hiding place, but she hadn't noticed anywhere better during the tour. Maybe Nathan wouldn't bother with her at all tonight, thinking he'd already taught her her a lesson... but if he did, maybe he wouldn't think to look in here.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Chris.jpg
Alexander Volkov



Being a leader had it's ups and downs, this wasn't the first disagreement that Alexander ever had to settle. There was often anger in the outcome of his decisions by one or more of the parties involved, but they respected his decisions. He had run the Volkov House for many centuries, providing not only a home for immortals, but the humans that helped to protect their secrets as well. Alexander was not a man that yelled or raised his voice, how angry he was or disappointed was often heard in the tone.

But he had gained respect from all of those that had followed him. Unlike Viktor, or lycan's like Tyr or his brother, he did not rule with an iron fist. He didn't have too, respect had earned him more than these men would ever gain in fear. But that didn't make his role as a leader any easier and Davia was not the first difficult member of the household he ever had to deal with.

He listened carefully to what Dmitri had to say, allowing Davia to spew her anger in between Dmitri's words. He weighed the facts and the repercussions of each choice he could make before he spoke.

"This family has survived for centuries because of one thing, we are a family. And no matter how difficult it is to get along sometimes, we knew the value of what family held against our enemies. Davia, Dmitri, you both have become valuable members of the Volkov family and as such you have my respect as individuals and your own personal beliefs. "

"As such, I take into consideration what each of you brings to this family, and your personal feelings. But ultimately, I need to make the best decision possible to keep this family strong. Davia, you have my deepest sympathies for the violation committed against you. I can't make you believe these words, and I can only ask you to trust me as your leader. "

"There isn't a family member within our walls that hasn't had some atrocious violation committed against them and not one person who would not understand what each of you is going through. As adults, we have to pick up and carry on, even when it hurts and seems very unfair. But there are people to talk to, people who won't judge you, people who will give you support if you allow it."

"With that being said, I think we need to find Dawn and bring her here. This is a family and we will get through this, hell or high water."

Alexander could sense Davia's anger long before he physically appeared. But as a hybrid, he did not need to act like Viktor, he did not need to threaten or rule with an iron hand, but he did not take abuse from his own people, even when they were understandable angry.

"As a family, we respect Davia's wishes to chose not to raise Dawn and we will not judge her for that. I trust Davia's word that she believes Dawn to be who she is, as such, Dmitri, I still ask you to take precautions when bringing her here, just as we have with the other children. I know you're angry Davia, and my decision seems unfair, but this isn't a matter of chosing Dmitri's side over yours, it is a decision for what is best for our family as a whole. I'm sorry if you disagree, but it is my decision and I expect you both to respect it."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri and Davia

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Dmitri nodded his acceptance. He would indeed keep an eye on Dawn at first, to make sure she wasn't up to no good, since the safety of them all depended on it - but that was, at present, a very secondary concern, since they didn't even know where the girl was.

Davia sighed dramatically. "Fine," she said. "I agreed to accept your judgment, and I will. Don't expect me to talk to her. She's nothing to me. I'll live with it, though. I don't have much choice."

She left without saying goodbye, leaving Antonio to stay or follow, as he wished.

Dmitri said quietly to Alexander, "Thank you. I really think this is the right thing. And I think... that perhaps on some level, Davia realizes it too. I think she just needed to hear it from someone in authority, to allow herself to accept it at all. I shouldn't waste any time finding Dawn, but I'll keep you and the others posted on the situation. I truly appreciate your help."

To Viktoriya, Dmitri said, "I'll talk to the kids. I'm not sure they'll understand, but... I'll try. Then I'll need to start looking for her. God knows what's happening to her out there."

He hoped Dawn had just found some quiet place to hole up, but he wasn't willing to stake Dawn's life on that wish.

Dmitri went upstairs to where the girls were sitting together in Darya's room. For a few seconds, he just regarded them. He loved them so much... and he wished the third sister was with them. Then he sat down on the bed, with an arm around each of them.

"I'm sorry if I scared you girls tonight. I understand that you're not used to seeing me angry. The reason I was angry, though, is that a member of our family needs our help. If either of you were out alone on the streets, it would be... more than I could bear. I got angry because I'm worried, but everything will turn out alright now."

"I know this is a lot to have to accept, but... Dawn is your sister. I didn't know she existed, but she came from me, and I'm responsible for her. She's part of our family."

Karina would probably understand this better than Darya, and he would probably need to explain it more than once. For now, though, time was ticking away with Dawn out there alone.

"I want to make sure you understand that this doesn't change how I feel about either of you. The bond I have with each of my children will always be special. Nothing is going to change in the family we already have, except... well, it's going to get a little bigger. I will still love you two and Lukas just as much as I ever did, and I hope you'll be able to love and accept Dawn as well."

[Corey]

Elena Sammartino

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Elena wasn't very shocked at the Dawn's statement. She could tell she hated Nathan and Elena didn't blame her. Although she wouldn't last long if she made it known to everyone. Elena wouldn't tell Nathan but there was very few people you could trust in the coven. She nodded her head when she was thanked for the pills.

You're welcome.

She almost told Dawn to get some sleep but she didn't think it would be welcome advice. She told her goodbye and headed off to find Bruno. The thought that Nathan might have killed Bruno scared her and she knocked on his door.

Bruno? Are you there?

Her voice was a little shaky because of what was on her mind. She sighed in relief when she heard the door unlock. Bruno couldn't stand the thought of having to see Nathan's face tonight and decided to stay in his room. He still couldn't believe he told Jasmine that he loved her or that she actually loved him back. He felt good knowing that and wished he hadn't waited so long to tell her. When he opened the door, Elena was so happy to see him unhurt she hugged him.

Elena? Is something wrong?

He asked her, surprised that she was hugging him and that she looked like she was relieved to see him.

I was so scared...I saw how angry you were and I thought Nathan....

Oh, don't worry. I won't get killed.

You promise? Because with Jasmine gone, I don't think I could survive without you here.

Elena told him as she looked down scared. Talking to Dawn made her think of how easily Nathan could kill her and how she was doomed to be stuck here forever. Her friends made it seem better but if they were gone, she didn't know how she would be able to carry on. Bruno lifted her chin up to look her in the eyes.

I promise.

At least Bruno hoped he could keep his promise, he meant it when he told Jasmine wasn't sure how long he was going to put with Nathan before he finally lost it. Elena seemed to happy with that response and hugged him again. Some would think that Elena and Bruno had some sort of romantic relationship seeing them right now. It wasn't the case, they cared for each other but as friends or family members would. Bruno returned Elena's hug and thought how he would have to control his temper because it wasn't just himself he had to worry about. Other people depended on him.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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Dawn hadn't really expected her plan to work, and yet miraculously, it had. Probably because no one was actually looking for her... it wasn't as though she wouldn't turn up if the most basic search was conducted. Still, out of sight out of mind was often true, and she'd found a way to stay at least somewhat out of sight. It was better than nothing.

Today was better than yesterday. Not great - it would never be great while she was prisoner here - but today was bearable.

She washed her face and put her hair up again, though her eyes still barely grazed the mirror to make sure her ponytail was relatively centred. Dawn wasn't quite ready to face herself yet, and see what she had become. The bruises would look even uglier a day later, and she didn't want to look at them.

Dawn did manage to eat, though, for the first time in more than a day. It made her feel a little stronger. Not optimistic about the outcome, but... if anything more resolute. She needed to start making a firm plan of attack.

Injecting herself with her medication was second nature, and she did it without flinching. It had never looked hard when the doctors did it, and it really wasn't.

The birth control pill was more difficult. She just held it in her hand and stared at it for awhile. Swallowing a pill should have been an easier matter than sticking a needle in her vein... but taking it was an acknowledgment that it would happen again. When she took the pill, she was preparing herself to be Nathan's sex toy. Yes, she needed to protect herself against pregnancy... but she didn't want to need to.

On the first attempt, her throat closed in protest, and she gagged and spit it into the sink. Dawn closed her eyes, and forced herself to endure a mental image of herself pregnant at sixteen with Nathan's child. She managed to get the pill down on the second try.

As she left the bathroom, Dawn passed a woman she vaguely recognized - her roommate, she thought, although they had never actually slept in the bedroom at the same time - and they exchanged a polite but indifferent greeting. When the woman asked how she was, Dawn replied, "Fine." Both of them knew she wasn't, but it didn't really matter. She was just the new blood, and entirely expendable.

This morning Dawn had some extra time, because she'd slept in her clothes and hadn't bothered to shower. Hopefully she was smelly; she'd be less appealing.

She knocked on Amy's door, and when Amy answered, she said awkwardly, "Hey, I... um... just wanted to make sure you're okay, I guess."

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

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Amy had accepted about a month after she joined the coven that she would be Nathan's whenever he decided he wanted her. She lost her rights the night he turned her because her stupid boyfriend owed him money. She hated thinking about Thierry, he hid so much from her. Spoiled her with nice things while he hid his drug problem from her. It was his fault she was here, but she could curse him all she wanted. He was dead, Nathan had made sure of that. After she left Nathan's room she just cleaned off and went to her own. Like most of the girls, she just pretended it didn't happen and moved on. There were so many girls that Nathan probably wouldn't bother her for a while. She heard the knock on her door and saw Dawn on the other side. She felt awful to knowing that the bruises on her face was because Nathan had raped her and Amy felt that was her fault. Dawn wouldn't be in this hellhole if it wasn't for her. She invited her in and gave her a little smile.

I'm okay. Are you?

She was more concerned about Dawn then herself. Amy was an adult, she made choices that caused her to be here. Dawn was a teenager, she still had growing up to do. She shouldn't have to spend the last years of her childhood with Nathan.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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"I'm..."

Dawn couldn't manage the 'fine' lie she'd just told the stranger woman. On some level, Amy actually cared, and that inspired more honesty.

"...I'm not going to hurt for much longer."

She was a ghost. One more thing to do, and then she'd be at peace.

Dawn knew what chemicals to mix, now. Even the legendary Nathan wouldn't survive being blown to bits. Dawn herself wasn't eager to die... but she recognized that it was necessary. If she could have, she would have set a timed explosion and walked away, but she didn't know how. All she could do so far was create an instant chemical reaction. Besides, time for her to escape left time for him to, also. There could be no mistakes. That meant she would have to stay, to make sure he died too.

Better than this hell. Why live past sixteen years, if this was all there was? If like everyone here claimed, there was really no escape? Besides, even if she lived, and even if she made it back to the streets, where would she go? She could end up someplace just the same, maybe, or someplace even worse. After the explosion, no one would be able to hurt her anymore.

She hoped the others - like Elena and Amy and the big guy who seemed concerned about her - would be brave enough to escape when the time came, but the best she could do for them was to give them the opportunity. It was up to them whether or not they took it.

Today she would start stealing the chemicals. Once she had enough stockpiled, sometime when Nathan decided to get her alone she'd blow him to hell. That was the most comforting thought she'd had since her mother's rejection of her.

Dawn smiled slightly. She didn't want to say enough to Amy that the woman might be implicated if things went wrong. If anyone overheard, it would sound like she was talking about just plain suicide. But Dawn didn't want Amy to feel bad when she got the news. Maybe she'd be less sad if she knew Dawn wasn't.

"I'm ready for it to be done. I'm ready to rest."

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

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Amy didn't like Dawn's response. It sounded like she planned to kill herself and she couldn't accept that. This was all Amy's fault, if she could turn back time she would have just driven her to that damn community where Jasmine was at....This is why she shouldn't care because when she did, she messed things up. It didn't help her guilt that Dawn acted like she wasn't upset at the thought of killing herself.

Look I know what Nathan did but don't do this. He'll win.

She couldn't just stand back and let a sixteen year old girl kill herself, especially when it was her fault the girl was in the situation in the first place.

Just give me some time, I'll get you out of here. There's a circus coming to town this weekend...

She probably shouldn't be telling Dawn about the circus but she didn't see what other choice she had., She was glad she locked her door, her roommate was off somewhere in the warehouse. Still she spoke in a quiet voice in case any nosy people tried to overhear them.

Nathan has a "special" interest in it and won't be here. Actually it'll be pretty empty here, it'll be a good chance to leave.

[Quaxo9]

Miksa

He was still in hand-shaking mode when Tim brought up the housing situation. The fact that it hadn’t yet crossed Miksa’s mind would be fairly obvious. The man’s brain suddenly switched from “I’m going to be a father!” to “And that means things have got to change.” Not that those changes were necessarily going to be bad, but it was a different way of looking at life.

“Of course, sir. Alenka and I will work something out. We…we haven’t really talked about…stuff yet.”

Miksa managed to stammer out. Shoot. So much for just a snuggle until she fell asleep. They had a lot of planning to do! He had to ask Boris about housing and some sort of…pay. Like Asif, he mainly worked security for the community. But, it would work out. This was their reality now, so it would just have to work. His enthusiasm slightly tempered, Miksa reached out to shake Tim’s hand once more, looking him in the eye.

“Thank-you, sir. I - we really appreciate your support.”

Scarcely a word or two more to the impromptu gathering, Miksa was bounding off to his room to get his things for the next day before sprinting back to the Yeats’ house.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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As Amy spoke, Dawn looked more and more unsure. Ever since she'd decided to kill Nathan, she'd assumed her own life was forfeit... but Dawn didn't really want to die. She had just accepted it as an inevitable side effect of the only way out.

Was there a way she could survive but still get away? That thought was so tempting she wanted to cling to it like a life raft. The hope of staying alive, of having a future, was like a breath of fresh air in a dungeon.

Nathan would still be alive, though. He would still lord it over the others... and he could still come after her.

Was killing him her sole responsibility? What about everyone else? What about the people who weren't sixteen years old? Did they have any less obligation to fight him? Did she really have to give up her own life and childhood?

Concerns about obligation aside, though, if she left she might be in a better position to fight. Here she was at a definite disadvantage. If she wasn't a prisoner anymore, the scales might tip slightly in her favour.

If she waited, if she stayed a few more days, Nathan would probably rape her again. Could she bear that? Dawn gave that serious thought, and concluded that she could, if she was ultimately going to get away. It would be awful, just as it had been before, but she wouldn't die to prevent it if she knew the end was in sight. It was only unendurable because it was supposed to be the rest of her life. If she could really escape... pain could be endured.

It came down to whether she wanted to live more than she wanted Nathan to be immediately dead. That was hard to know without being able to see her own future. What she could picture looked bleak. She'd have no way of getting her medication, and she'd die a slow death on the streets - or else she'd end up in the clutches of another Nathan, because no one really helped for free.

Was it worth giving up her chance to blow up Nathan, if there was so little left for her anyway?

Hearing that Nathan was a fan of the circus was... unexpected. She wouldn't have pegged him as the type. Everyone had hobbies, though, she supposed. Nathan couldn't spend all his time killing and maiming and forcing himself on women.

But the circus? He probably liked watching the trained animals doing someone's bidding, she decided. Dawn gave a little mental shrug; how Nathan spent his leisure hours wasn't something she cared about. All that mattered was how it could benefit her.

"I don't know what to do," Dawn finally admitted. "I just... don't. I don't want him to win. I really don't. But I have nowhere to go. I have no reason to think it'll be better the next place I end up. Even if I manage to get free of here, it'll be just like before. I'll still be sick, and someone will step in and take advantage of it."

She took a breath, and made her decision - that she wouldn't decide yet.

"I'll... think about it. If I can come up with someplace I can go, I'll run. If not... well, you don't need to know the details, but Nathan won't win. It would take a sacrifice, but I could rest in peace. Either way, you should get out if you can."

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Viktoriya.jpg & http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Karina.jpg
Viktoriya & Karina



Viktoryia nodded her head and gave Dmitri a kiss and a supportive smile. Darya would be the hardest to deal with in understanding, but Karina would have many questions she was sure. This was a...unique situation to say the least. For one, it was the first time that the actual biological parents of one child would be living within the same community, with one wanting to have nothing to do with the child.

As much as she had wanted to protect them both from the harsh words, she knew Karina would have heard the exchange from anywhere in the house. The next few days would be difficult and provided that Dmitri was able to find dawn quickly, there would be a period of adjustment for all of them. Darya, being a child would likely be the quickest to adjust to Dawn, Viktoriya hoped that Karina would be able to do the same.

They would likely have to revisit tonight and revisit answered questions again until Karina felt comfortable with her acceptance of the facts.



*******************



When Dmitri entered the room and sat on the bed Darya had been a little frightened. He would see her tear stained face, the result not necessarily from Dmitri himself, but from the entire outburst that had taken place. Her little face searched her adoptive father's for reassurance and it took her a moment to feel comfortable sitting close to him. Pretty much all that Dmitri had said really never registered with her, because what she really needed was the comfort of knowing that nothing bad was going to happen. Seeking comfort next to him was all she really needed for the moment.

Karina's face was however, was unreadable. It was a protective measure she had learned during her life as the military's guinea pig, never let them know what you are thinking or feeling. Dmitri knew her well enough, to know that she had to be full of questions, but she sat there silently while he talked.

A baby, she understood, her mother had to explain the facts when she had come to live in the community. Genetic altering, she understood as well. But this girl they were talking about, the one that was her father's daughter, she wasn't altered was she, just born somehow from their DNA. Karina felt most comfortable when she could connect things, she wasn't able to connect this situation, not yet.

Her way of thinking was almost machine like, mechanical in nature and sometimes seemed void of emotions. To look at her without talking to her, she appeared to be a 17 year old young lady on the verge of becoming a woman. In truth she was only biologically 13, but her age had been accelerated for military purposes. For 13 years they had worked on trying to indoctrinate her, had taught her to be calculating and a lethal killer. If it hadn't been for what influence her mother was able to have over her during that time, Karina would not have been safe to bring to the community at all.

But there was no time to ask all the questions she really had, Dmitri's need to find Dawn was strong, he couldn't have hidden his urgency from her if he had tried.



"You should go, it is important. The mission is always first, questions later."

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Antonio.jpg
Antonio



Part of Antonio wanted to offer to go with Dmitri, after all, despite how Davia felt, this child was still a part of her. He had meant what he said to her earlier, so how could he not care for the welfare of her own flesh and blood? His anger was at her having a child, or that she wasn't ready to raise a child, it was the fact she had left her alone on the streets. But even then, part of him couldn't blame her. How many traps had been set using children as bait and despite the number of children they had taken in, you didn't see all of the homeless children in Budapest living in the community.

He wished Davia could see that, that even though they had taken a number of children in, they hadn't taken them all. The point was, it wasn't possible, even for an immortal. It didn't mean they didn't try to make the world a better place by other means though. Now he had to decide, did he let her have the time she needed to blow off this anger, or did he follow her home to deal with the hurt and he was sure, betrayal she had felt.

He wanted to love and comfort her for what was done to her, but at the same token, Antonio wanted to bend her over his knee and paddle her like a spoiled little child. Love could be a difficult thing sometimes, 10 years ago, he wondered if he would have even put up with this. Antonio followed Davia home, wondering if he would be locked out of it and sleeping in the gym tonight.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Anya.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Alexis_Bledel1.jpg
Anya Lovas-Yeats & Zora Yeats



Zora blushed a bright red at her mother's compliment and even Anya displayed a bit of red in her cheeks. They were doing no more than the rest of the people in this community and they didn't see anything special about it. They wanted to help, just like everyone else.

Zora didn't say much while her mother and Greta talked, but Greta's hesitation about schooling and her comment about her brother was just enough of a catalyst to get her to speak.

"You should go back to school." Zora said softly.

"I had never gone to school until I came here. I was afraid but it wasn't that bad. And if it hadn't been for Anya, I would have never been able to go at all. She saved me too."

Anya wouldn't totally agree with that, but she smiled at her sister. The two of them had been through hell and back together before they'd met Tim and Helen.

"Please think about it Greta. You'll find something you'll want do, like I did. I'll help you too...if you like." She said with a blush.

It was a bit more embarrassing to tell someone you just met about yourself. But Zora was proud she was going to be just like her mom.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

As a parent, Dmitri had never felt more like a failure to all three of his daughters. The moment when Darya hadn't wanted to be near him had stung, although it had soon passed. He knew that it was his own fault, that he had allowed a moment of weakness to destroy the fragile trust she had built up. It was a relief when she snuggled against him, but he wondered if she would ever really look at him the same way again.

Karina's reaction was harder to read, but it worried him that she seemed to be reverting to a more military mindset. How badly had he damaged them both tonight?

He didn't deserve them. He might dress differently now, but right now Dmitri couldn't help thinking that he must still be the same monster he had been as a Death Dealer. He was still a source of pain. They deserved a lot better for a father.

Unfortunately, Karina was right. He did need to find Dawn, who was actually in physical danger.

"I love you," Dmitri told them both, kissing the tops of their heads. "Everything will be alright."

He would do his best to earn back their trust. In the meantime, though, he also needed to bring Dawn home.

Dmitri went back downstairs, and hugged and kissed Viktoriya. "I love you. I'm so sorry about tonight. Thank you for your support. Thank you for wanting to be there for Dawn, too. I can't even put into words how much that means. I'd be lost without you, Viktoriya. I... I'll see you soon."

He didn't deserve her, either. Dmitri would always count himself unimaginably fortunate that Viktoriya loved him back. He didn't know what he would have done without her.

Having said his goodbyes, Dmitri stopped by the Yeats house to talk with Alenka - she managed to produce a sketch of what she imagined a younger Davia would look like - then Dmitri went to the main office and sat at an unoccupied computer, where he quickly produced mass copies of his impromptu missing poster. The poster included every possible way of getting in touch with him; he hoped Dawn would see it, if he papered the town with enough of them.

Then he set off into the night, determined to find his missing daughter.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DaviaFace.jpg

It had been a very sullen and profanity-laced trip home. By the time she got there, though, Davia had worked out some of her anger, and was feeling on a slightly more even keel. She actually managed a smile when Antonio got there.

"They're going to regret this," Davia said cheerfully. "They'd better lock up the good silver, with the little brat around."

Not that the community actually had any, given the proportion of Lycans, but of course it was a figure of speech. Best to hide the valuables from the little scam artist.

"At least it's not our problem anymore. I'm done with it. If Dmitri wants her so badly, he can have her. To me it's like she doesn't even exist."

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen and Tim

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/1083097566_PEOPLE_ROACHEx.jpg

"I agree with Zora," Helen replied, giving her daughter a grateful smile. "It's never too late to continue learning. I think your daughter would be proud of you for continuing your education... but I also think you'd be proud of yourself. I realize the idea probably seems overwhelming - but as Zora says, think about it. We'll be happy to help you in any way we can."

Several members of the Yeats family came home simultaneously, then, and Miksa also arrived. In the confusion, Helen and Tim exchanged some quiet words, after which Helen looked worried and Tim looked thoughtful. They didn't speak of it, though, until after the meal.

Then Tim addressed Greta. "There's someone in the infirmary I need you to try to identify, if you're willing. He's been injured and he's seriously ill, but he's alive, and we expect him to recover. I think he's... someone you may know. Helen will take you over, if you feel able to go."

He didn't want to get her hopes up, in case he was wrong, but the names on the medical forms matched, and - well, miracles could happen.

"Also, Anya, before I forget - do you know a student from the nursing program named Bence? I know your groups have some classes together. He applied for a job at the clinic, and while I don't expect you to make the decision yourself, I'm curious if you have any impressions of him, particularly his reliability and trustworthiness."

He knew, of course, that Anya and Alenka had gone for coffee with another student recently, but he didn't know the name. Had he, Tim might have been a bit more circumspect, to avoid taking Anya by surprise.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Antonio.jpg
Antonio



He let Davia go on, let her work it out of her system as they walked home, never saying a word. They walked inside their portion of the castle they called home, their lavish surroundings and spacious rooms and it felt empty at the moment. When Davia stopped going on about the night's events, Antonio stopped and touched loving touched the side of her face. His eyes were full of anguish and a little bit of anger.

"I would taken her in, without a question had you said the word. The fact that she is your daughter would have made even more easy for me to do so. If you would have called me earlier this evening and told me, I would have been shocked, but it wouldn't have made me change my mind. I would have supported you. I supported the fact you weren't ready and that you would rather have Dmitri take responsibility for her and I did not judge you. I think it's a wise decision."

Antonio looked deep into Davia's eyes, god love hurt so much sometimes.

"I support the fact that you were wronged and I would kill Chuancey again if I could. But I'm angry Davia, I'm angry that you just left her there. I'm angry that you took your pain out on people that don't deserve it. I would have prefer you struck me, yelled and cursed at me because I can take it, because I love you and YOU are my responsibility."

His words were gentle but sincere, spoken from his heart. What Davia did with them, she did with them. Antonio sighed.

"But not everything is about you Davia, not everyone is out to get you or judge you. I wish you could see that, I wish you could feel it. So what that you're not perfect, none of us are."

"I love you so very much...and that will never change."

He kissed her gently and let his hand slowly leave her face.

"I need to go for a walk."

He never threatened or joked about their love or spending the rest of their lives together. To Antonio, this was a big deal, it was sacred to him, because he had never been so committed to someone, to just one person before in his life. But as much as he loved Davia, he let her know when he was angry or upset, but he never used their relationship to try and hold sway over her. For better or for worse, but always forever and always together. They may not have handled as perfectly as their family or friends, but they never stopped trying and that's what really counted.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

It had been a long, fruitless night. No one had seen Dawn - or at least no one was admitting to it. Dmitri really had no way to be sure.

The thought nagged at his mind that maybe Dawn didn't want to be found, at least not by him. Maybe she was angry at him for the rejection Davia had passed on that was allegedly on his behalf too. He couldn't blame Dawn for feeling that way, if she did.

Unfortunately, if she was hiding from him, he would probably never know. That thought unsettled him deeply. He wasn't giving up, though. Not even close. If she could see his efforts on her behalf, maybe that would make a difference.

As sunrise started to bring pink hints to the edges of the horizon, Dmitri mentally thanked the doctors for the sunlight inoculation, without which he'd be trapped at home now. Being able to go out in the daylight was a huge advantage. It was one Dawn didn't have, so he wouldn't bump into her now... but maybe he'd find someone who'd seen her or remembered some useful clue.

He passed one of his flyers out to a man who leered at him over it. Dmitri got an uncomfortable vibe, and backed away slightly.

"You looking for company?" the guy asked lazily.

Dmitri shook his head. "I'm looking for my daughter."

The man laughed. "Sure. Your 'daughter.' Whatever. I got one younger than that. Only twelve. Straight from the Philippines, doesn't speak any Hungarian, so no worries about the cops. Much hotter than the girl on your poster. You interested?"

Dmitri stared at him a moment, then said, "Yes."

"Fifty US dollars, up front."

The former Death Dealer got the money from his wallet without a word, then followed the man up a rickety staircase to a second floor apartment. The girl had been locked in from the outside, and she looked even younger than Dmitri expected, clad only in sad-looking pink lingerie.

The pimp grinned, revealing a few missing teeth. "You'll have fun, I guarantee, or money back. All the customers have... hey, what are you doing?"

Dmitri had moved so his body was between the pimp and the girl, in case the man decided to attack her or disappear with her. His mobile phone was in his hand, and he was dialing the number for the police emergency line. She might not know the language, but he did, and he would speak for her.

The pimp tackled him before he managed to complete the call, and brandished a switchblade near Dmitri's neck. At which point, Dmitri taught him an important and very final lesson about not bringing a knife to a gun fight.

Unfortunately, he had no way of explaining to the girl what had just happened. She indeed didn't speak Hungarian... or Russian, or English, or German, or French... at which point Dmitri had exhausted his foreign language skills. Thus he couldn't let her know that he'd had no choice but to play along, or else he'd never have been told where she was, let alone gotten near enough to help her before the pimp took off with her. He couldn't tell her that he wasn't going to hurt her, and that she was safe now.

He couldn't even ask her name - although she seemed to understand when he told her his, so perhaps she wouldn't have told him anyway.

All the girl knew was that she had changed hands abruptly and violently. She had no way of knowing whether life would be better or worse now.

From the moment he'd heard her age and nationality, Dmitri had known the girl wasn't Dawn. He couldn't just leave her to suffer, though. Dmitri's original plan was to let the police provide suitable lodging for her, but since she'd seen him shoot the pimp, obviously that was now off the table.

Dmitri put his coat around her, and drove her back to the community, where he dropped her off at the infirmary and left her in the compassionate hands of the medical staff. Then he returned home briefly to shower, put on clean clothes, hug and kiss Viktoriya, and check on his still-sleeping daughters.

Then Dmitri was back on the streets, still searching.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DaviaFace.jpg

Davia sighed. She wished she could be angry at Antonio, but she couldn't manage to work up that emotion. She knew him too well to believe that he was actually against her, as she could so easily convince herself with the others. He was so patient with her.

"I... I'm sorry for... making you angry."

It was a rather lame apology, especially since it didn't address her behaviour toward Dawn or Dmitri or Alexander - none of which she actually managed to feel sorry about. But it was sincere. At least she hadn't lied. Davia really did feel bad about the effect this whole thing was having on Antonio.

"Yes, take your walk. I'll be here when you get back."

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes

Randolph Blackburne Esq., wasn't a cruel man, or even evil. He was old fashioned, born during a time when women and men were married through arrangement. It was a rarity to have an arranged married during his time where cruelity was involved, but it did happen. And when it did, their community dealt with the offender with the harshest of punishments.

But the world had moved on and Mr. Blackburne remained in the passed. His biggest problem, was his stubbornness and unwillingness to change with the times. He saw nothing wrong with arranged marriages, especially since his marriage had been arrangement as well. Sure there were obstacles to over come, especially when you married someone you'd never met, but he and his wife Abigail had grown to love each other immensely.

His son, Bradley however was not thrilled at the idea of an arranged marriage. He felt his father's beliefs were out dated and old fashioned. A man should be able to chose who he wanted to marry, and this subject was often a point of contention with him. His goal on this trip, was to try and talk his father out of this ridiculous endeavor and his mother had come to mediate between the both of them. Originally, he was only coming with the lawyer, but Bradley managed to talk his father into going. Randolph at first h ad resisted, but the idea that his son might change his mind once he met Emily had made him reconsider.

He had never personally met the young vampire, and had only seen her just once through one of Harris' windows. The entire experience was nauseating, and this human disgusted him beyond belief. When Blackburne had heard about this man, and that he had a vampire as part of his "exhibit," Randolph had gone at first with the intentions of trying to purchase this vampire's freedom. Let him keep his rare animals but he would not stand for one of his own kind to be part of a zoo.

When he discovered that the vampire was female, Blackburne thought of an even better way to get her away from Harris. He would offer Blackburne a dowry for her and arrange a marriage between her and his son. Bradley, who is three years older than Emily was absolutely livid with his father. For the last year the two had rarely spoken to each other and when they did, Abigail often had to mediate.

When news reached Randolph about Harris, he had gone in search of the young vampire, hoping that she had survived. Following his own leads, it had finally led him to the community in Budapest. Randoph had heard good things about this community, but that remained to be seen. These people could be worse than Harris and he wasn't about to allow Emily to remain among more deviants.

His purpose for the visit, was to convince his son that an arranged marriage was not a bad thing, after all his own parents' marriage was arranged. How could his son not see this as a good thing? Most of their own community had been from the same time and same mind set, and their community was a good place to live. But Bradley continued to insist that his father's ways were old fashioned and that he needed to make a step into the current century.

Randolph continued to hold out hope for his son though. He had after all read the reports about Emily and had seen her briefly. She reminded him of his own wife Abigail, someone that would be perfect for his son. At the very least, he knew she'd be somewhere safe, away from people like Harris.

Insisting on driving to the community, Randolph and his family pulled up in their rental car in front of the community's gated entrance. He pushed the intercom button and announced who he was and that he had an appointment with the Kazlar's.

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/AsifAvatar.jpg

It had been a long day for Asif and his family, but a good one. In the morning Samira had surgery on her face, with reconstructive work done on her teeth while she was still under. The specialists who had been called in reported that it had gone well, and that once she recovered, Samira should be more or less back to normal.

Asif noted their curiosity about the situation - this was probably the first time they had ever seen someone injured in a deliberate stoning - but he didn't satisfy it. Not to protect his brother, who deserved no protecting, or even to protect himself by association... but because Samira's life story was not for strangers without her permission. What had led her to the point of needing surgery was not medically relevant, so he wouldn't gossip about it to doctors they had no emotional connection to.

He did thank them sincerely and repeatedly for their good work, though, which they received graciously.

Samira had been exhausted after the surgery, and was still taking heavy pain medication, so she'd been asleep the better part of the day. The family looked forward to bringing her home, but she would need to spend at least one more night in the infirmary.

Since Asif wanted to be there for her homecoming, he had taken a security shift tonight instead of the following day. It was pure coincidence that this put him on duty when the Blackburnes arrived, but Asif was glad for it. He was suspicious of their motives - particularly after recent harrowing events in his own family - and wanted to keep an eye on them.

This would not be obvious when he admitted them, though. Asif's face was neutrally polite.

"Welcome to our community," he said. "My name is Asif. Those you wish to meet with are waiting for you in the conference room. If you have any weapons, please surrender them, and then I will take you there."

He led them to the main building, taking the most direct route to the conference room possible to reduce how much of the compound they saw. When they got there he knocked briefly, signaling their arrival - not because he required permission to enter, as he was already expected and the meeting was far from secret, but in case there was any conversation going on that the Blackburnes shouldn't hear.

Asif announced them, and explained to the newcomers, "This is Emily Kazlar, the young woman in question. Lukas Kazlar and Millie Yeats-Kazlar, her parents. Helen and Timothy Yeats, current trustees of the Harris estate on behalf of their son Joel. Nicholas Thompson, their attorney."

Having made the necessary introductions, Asif took a position by the door, which he had no intention of leaving unless he was asked to go. He would not offer his opinion unless it was solicited; Asif was not here as a participant in the discussion. However, if his Pack family was attacked by these strangers, he would defend them to the best of his ability, so he considered his presence a security precaution.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Anya.jpg
Anya Lovas-Yeats


Her father's sudden question about Bence actually made Anya blush, out of embarrassment. She had made a mess out of that situation at school, but it wasn't something she could have prevented. Anya was still healing from her ordeal with Tyr, and she had come a long way to even be able to go out in public somewhere without her family close by.

Anya had always been confident as a child, but after her biological parents had died, that confidence had been tested. If she had endured what some of her sister's and nieces had, her recovery may have been even more slow. Without going into the full story in front of Greta, Anya told her dad.

"Bence...yes, I've had classes with him. Mom told you about the...accident at school, right? Bence was the one involved and he was also the one that Alenka and I had coffee with so I can give you an opinion both inside and out of the class. He pays attention to detail, he seems to care about what he's learning, and he has a passion for what he's doing, more so than some of the other students there. Bence is smart, hard working, and he seems like a really nice guy."

Anya wondered briefly if her discussion with him at the table was what had prompted his interest in the clinic. Even though Bence was in the nursing program, they were all still required to do clinicals, and it really didn't strike Anya as odd or out of the ordinary that he had submitted a request to work there.

"I think he would be a good asset at the clinic dad, I'm actually surprised he's not in the physician's program."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta looked up from playing with the fork when Zora told her she should go back to school.

Maybe...I wasn't very good at it when I went...

She wouldn't have gotten as far in school as she had without her brother's help. She gave her a smile though.

Thanks.

Zora said she would help her and Greta appreciated it although, her self confidence when it came to studying wasn't very strong. She wasn't ready to admit to anyone how much she trouble she had with school. She only nodded her head when Helen agreed with Zora. If she went back to school then everyone would realize how dumb she was. She liked having dinner with the Yeats family even if she could only drink blood. For the first time in a long time she felt like she belonged and wasn't an inconvenience, they all made her feel very welcome. She frowned though when Tim said there was someone at the infirmary he wanted her to identify. She didn't know too many people in Budapest and wondered if maybe Nathan had found out Bruno helped her fake her death. But then she figured that if Nathan did find out, Bruno would just be killed. So she had no idea who it could be. She nodded her head.

Sure.

She was ready to head over there whenever Helen was. She was very curious to who this man was and why Tim thought she might know him.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen got the feeling there was more to Greta's reluctance about school than the young woman was saying. While Helen knew that there were a lot of reasons some students didn't enjoy school - from bullying to simple lack of interest in the material - her own background teaching special education led her to wonder if Greta had some kind of learning disability.

If so, and if no one had intervened, school would almost certainly have been a very frustrating experience. On the positive side, though, if that was the case, Helen would likely be able to help her. She let the subject drop temporarily, but would take it up later, without all the family around to overhear. Not that anyone would judge Greta for it, but she might be self-conscious anyway.

Once they had finished eating and cleared the table, Helen took Greta back to the infirmary; Greta had been there in the morning, but it was a bit soon to expect she'd know the way on her own.

Helen opened the door to the room where Fritz and Flynn were resting, and when she saw the look on Greta's face, she grinned.

"Feel free to take your time catching up. I'll be back in a bit," Helen said.

Then she slipped out and closed the door behind her, giving the brother and sister some privacy for their reunion.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy hoped that Dawn did think it over carefully, she wasn't sure how she'd be able to live with herself if Dawn killed herself. She would always blame herself, she put the girl in this situation. If time was short in Dawn's mind, then Amy needed to come up with a way to get her out of here quickly.

Please do, what you're talking about...It's permanent. You won't be able take it back, so you have to make sure you really have no other options.

She wondered though if Dawn was planning to do something to Nathan but didn't ask. She had the feeling Dawn wouldn't tell her. To be honest though, Amy wouldn't miss Nathan much. Although she had no idea where she could go if she ran off. She had left her life behind to follow Thierry to Berlin. She hadn't talked to her own family in almost two years. Would they be happy to hear from her or would they just reject her if they knew what she became? Her parents were old fashioned. They would probably tell her she wasn't their daughter anymore...She didn't want to dump her own issues on Dawn though, she had enough going on. She gave her a smile.

I'll try.

Although she'd rather Dawn left. Amy knew if Dawn could get away then Nathan would take his angry out on her. She could accept that if Dawn had a new life.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/1083097566_PEOPLE_ROACHEx.jpg

Tim was surprised by the blush - he had assumed his question was completely neutral, and he hadn't expected it to embarrass her. Remembering the school incident and the coffee afterward, though, he belatedly caught on. Was there a spark there, he wondered? Anya was certainly old enough to date, and he would be happy for her, but she had been through so much. He just hoped whatever happened, it would be beneficial for her. Tim didn't think it was his place to ask, not yet at least.

"Thanks for your input," Tim responded sincerely. "That's exactly the kind of person we'd be looking to give an internship to. I'll speak to Jacques about it, but... keep this to yourself, of course... I think we'll be able to offer your friend the work experience he wants."

And, perhaps, provide Bence some more time with Anya. Tim wondered if that was something Anya would look forward to, or not.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen had something else she needed to do in the main building, and she might as well get it over with. This task was a lot less pleasant than letting Greta see her long-lost brother again. She sighed, and decided to bite the bullet. With more confidence than she actually felt, Helen knocked on Jasmine's door.

"We need to talk," she told the other woman without preamble.

"Look, I can see why you didn't tell us about Nathan Betancourt - and before you ask, no, Greta didn't tell me. She stuck to the story. There are just people here who know more about Nathan than I think you anticipated."

"So what was the plan? Were you just going to slip in here one by one? Tell different stories and pretend you didn't know each other? It wasn't necessary, Jasmine. Not on our end. We would have taken your entire coven, if you wanted to be free of Nathan."

"I suppose you were scared. Perhaps of Nathan, or that we wouldn't accept you if we knew. I can understand that. I just... don't get why you left Bruno behind. Don't you know how much danger he's in?"

She looked at Jasmine seriously. "Do you have a way of contacting him? You should tell him to come here. He could have a fresh start, too. If he stays... Jasmine, he might die. Nathan might kill him. That isn't something you want to see, is it? Bruno sounds like a decent guy. We can make sure he gets to stay alive, too."

[Corey]

Elena Sammartino

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/elenaunderworld.jpg

Before they had to start working, Elena and Turner were in his room playing a video game. Although Elena wasn't that into it, her mind kept wandering to what Dawn had said yesterday. Dawn made her think of how awful living here truly was. Turner looked over at her.

I know I'm awesome at this game but you don't suck this bad. What's wrong?

Elena sighed as she set the game controller down.

I...I can't stop thinking about Dawn.

Turner set his own controller down and replied.

I see...Does it bother you what Nathan did?

Well yeah! It's not right and...I know he's done it to most all the girls but...

You never noticed before.

Elena sighed and nodded her head.

Does that make me awful? It's just not thinking about that stuff makes it easier to live here.

You aren't awful, I try to pretend it doesn't happen either.

...You realize we'll be stuck here until he finally decides to kill us?

We just have to keep making him happy.

Well maybe I'm tired of making Nathan happy. We do all the work and he...He gets to do whatever he wants, like he's the king of the world.

He's the king of this place.

I know...Sometimes I think I should have just let Sacha kill me with everyone else in Rome...

Then she wouldn't have to be forced to work here. Turner touched her shoulder.

You can't mean that. If you hadn't went with Nathan, we'd have never met. You're the only reason I can put with this place...

Turner told her and wondered if he shouldn't have said that. Sacha wasn't lying when he said that Turner had feelings for Elena and wasn't man enough to admit them. Elena smiled at him.

I guess you're right. I'm glad I met you. You help me forget how awful Nathan is.

I'm glad.

Turner said returning her smile. They were smiling at each other and Elena started to blush a little. She did think Turner was cute even if most of the girls said he still looked like a teenage boy. Turner leaned forward and was going to kiss her when his alarm clock went off. They always set if they were playing games because Nathan would be so angry if they were late reporting for work. He coughed and stood up.

We'd better get to work.

Elena pushed her hair behind her ears and nodded her head. Her face was a little red, she had wanted Turner to kiss her.

Yeah we should.

They headed out of Turner's room and went to the labs to start another day of work.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan heard rumors that Dawn hadn't slept in her room last night. He wondered if he made her scared of him and if so, good. The little witch shouldn't have spit in his face. The other night would have went much easier for her if she hadn't been so disrespectful. He debated finding her but knew he needed to make sure nothing went wrong at the circus. So Dawn was put to the back of his mind, as he went to Sacha's room. He knocked once before he opened the door.

<<Sacha, I have a mission for you.>>

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn nodded, but options seemed in short supply. She was a little afraid of death, but she was more afraid of living her whole life like this. Dawn had come with nothing but herself, and now even that was being rapidly stripped away. Before she gave in, before she became Nathan's marionette, something had to change.

If that could happen with her alive, great. If not... well, no one would mourn, would they? Not even Dawn herself.

"I gotta go. I don't want to be late," Dawn said, and blushed. She was ashamed that she'd be spending her day cooking meth. Not exactly the ideal job for a teenager. She missed her studies... but whatever, that life was over.

The workday was fine, and boring, and she didn't talk much. It wasn't that she didn't like Elena - she did - there was just nothing more to say anymore.

By the time she left, she was feeling extremely grimey. Maybe it was time to break down and take a shower. She thought about taking off her clothes, being naked under the stream of water... maybe Nathan would turn up and get in with her, and... she shook her head to clear that horrible mental image.

Dawn showered in her clothes. Neither the garments nor her skin got as clean as they otherwise could have, but it was more emotionally bearable. In her damp t-shirt and soaked jeans, once again she locked herself in the bathroom stall. It was cold, and she was shivering, but going to the room wasn't an option. She fell asleep on the toilet again, fully clothed, with her legs tucked under her and her cheek resting against the metal divider.

Dawn would sleep in here forever, if that would keep Nathan away.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy was back on the task of tracking the drug dealer when she saw some discarded pieces of paper on the street. She wouldn't have thought much of it except one was flipped up and she could see a drawing of a girl's face. She picked it up and was surprised to see the drawing looked a lot like Dawn. She asked around to find where the papers had come from and a half drunk man said that some man was handing them out. He then asked if she had any crack to sell him, she rolled her eyes at him and went to catch up to Dmitri.

Excuse me? Are you the one handing these out?

She asked showing him the copy of the flyer she found.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta was glad no one asked her about her schooling because she wasn't that comfortable talking about it. She wasn't sure what to think as she headed to infirmary with Helen. Although when she saw her brother, she grinned.

Fritz!

She gave Helen hug.

Okay, thank you for bringing me here.

She told her and quickly sat down at her brother's bed side and grabbed his hand. She didn't know what happened but she was just so excited to see him. She never thought she'd see him again.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

Dmitri wasn't having any luck. No one had seen Dawn. No one had heard her name. Had she left town? Had someone taken her? Was she avoiding him because she was so angry? Or was she... and he hated to even think it... already dead?

In the past couple of days, ever since he had heard, Dmitri hadn't slept. He'd returned to the house periodically to shower and change his clothes, and steal a little time with Viktoriya and the girls, but resting wasn't possible. He couldn't bear to close his eyes for a few hours, knowing that in those hours Dawn could be losing her life. Until he knew she was safe, he needed to search more than he needed sleep.

As he experienced failure after failure, he started to feel worse and worse about himself. He had let Darya and Karina down, and they might never trust him again. He had let Dawn down, and might have lost her forever. The self-accusations rang through his head over and over. Loser. Deadbeat. Irresponsible. Terrible father. Horrible person... He didn't have time to break down, though. Not while Dawn was still missing.

Dmitri continued pounding the pavement, sometimes with help from the community, and sometimes by himself. He wondered at what point he would have to admit defeat - but not yet. Not after only a few days. It wasn't too late, surely.

When Amy addressed him, Dmitri felt his first real flash of hope. "Yes," he stammered. "I'm looking for a girl..."

He realized how that sounded, and hastily corrected, "Not for sex. And... a specific girl. I'm looking for my daughter, although she has never met me. Her name is Dawn. I think she's about sixteen."

Dmitri was now settling into the speech he'd given hundreds of times since finding out he had another child.

"I'm trying to get in touch with her. Her stepmother and I are hoping she'll be willing to come live with us. If she won't, I would really like her to at least reassure me that she's okay, and that she's safe. I realize Dawn is probably very angry with me, and she has every right to feel that way, but I'm very worried about her."

He regarded Amy with pleading, exhausted eyes. "If you know anything... please, can you tell me where she is, or anything that might help me find her?"

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Jasmine didn't expect any company tonight and frowned when she saw Helen on the other side of her door.

Okay...

She said and let her in. Shock came across her face quickly when Helen said Nathan's name. Who could possibly know about Nathan unless it was people from his home country? It wasn't like Arrah would know him and there were rumors that Violet had some memory loss...It wasn't like Jasmine could just ask her and when she asked if the plan was for the coven to come in one by one, Jasmine shook her head.

No, Greta's here so she and her baby could have a good life. Nathan was going to sell her baby and I...I wanted help her. That's why I told her to come. She isn't going back.

Jasmine wouldn't let Greta go back. She wasn't about to tell Helen though why she was here.

Look Nathan isn't exactly the type of person you want to admit "owns" you. I...Micha was my ex and he did do the things to me I said...I just...Nathan's worse and I don't like talking about him. He got angry at me for messing up a job and broke my arm...

She wasn't going to tell Helen the truth that Bruno broke her arm because Nathan made him. Why did Helen have to bring up Bruno? It wasn't like she was happy that he was still there. Especially when he admitted to her that he wasn't sure how much longer he could put with Nathan.

Bruno thinks he can take care of himself...

That was true and she looked down at the floor.

If he tried to leave then Nathan will kill him for being a traitor, it's not easy to get away from him. Plus he won't just leave Elena and Turner behind.

Well she might as well just admit the truth about them.

They aren't biologically my kids but they might as well be.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy was surprised when Dmitri said he was Dawn's father. Well Dawn's belief of her father was wrong she thought and smiled. Dawn's mother might not want her, but her father and his family did. She nodded her head.

I know Dawn, I found her the other night. She was sick and needed medicine...

Oh sh*t, Dmitri was probably going to hate her when she told him what happened.

I'm sorry, I was trying to help her but my boss...He found her and he's making her live with us.

She bit her lip as she wondered how mad he was going to get at her that his sixteen year old daughter was living in a place full of prostitutes and drugs.

I was only trying to help her though, I didn't mean for him to find out. I was going to take her to that community that helps people after she got the medicine she needed. I swear.

[Corey]

Cara Levesque

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/caraunderworld.jpg

Cara was bored. Nathan was ignoring her because of that circus thing and because he was more interested in the new girl Amy brought home. She didn't get it, she was far prettier then that little girl. She headed off into the bathrooms with a super soaker she had stolen from Turner's room. Turner had some fun toys, she thought. She started shooting at each door just because she could. All but one slammed against the wall when she shot it. She frowned at it and realized it was locked. Cara got down on the floor and looked under the stall. She saw Dawn and laughed.

Toilets aren't for sleeping on silly girl!

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

"We won't let anything happen to Greta," Helen assured Jasmine. "Don't worry. She's safe, and the baby is safe. You did the right thing, bringing her here. We'll protect her, with our lives if we have to."

She touched Jasmine's shoulder. "I'm sorry about Micha, and Nathan. No one deserves that. I can understand why you didn't want to talk. But Jasmine... you need help, and so do the people you consider family."

"Listen to me, Jasmine... Bruno doesn't have to decide between coming here and Elena and Turner. You can all come. You can all be safe. We'll come up with a way to get them out. It's not like we haven't done this sort of thing before - repeatedly."

"Where are they, Jasmine? What kind of defence and security systems are we talking about? I know it won't be easy. It doesn't have to be. We can still help. No one has to die."

Helen privately thought Nathan probably needed to, but he didn't count enough to speak of.

[Corey]

Fritz Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpg

Fritz had been out of it a while, although his body had picked a perfect time to start to wake up. He could have sworn he heard his sister's voice and thought that maybe he was under some sort of drug that gave him hallucinations. There was no way his sister was here but then he felt his hand get grabbed. He opened his eyes and looked at Greta in surprise.

Greta? Did Dr. Frankenstein get you too?

He asked, he had no idea they had been rescued. He thought they were still where ever Chauncey had held him.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

Dmitri was nearly overcome by guilt when he heard that Dawn was ill. He hadn't known that. He should have been there for her. Their community had all kinds of medicine, and excellent doctors. Why was she out on the streets alone? He wasn't sure whether he was angrier at Davia or himself, right now. As if somehow, he should have just known.

"I believe you," Dmitri replied. "I believe that you were trying to help, and I'm grateful that you reached out to her. I know that was an act of kindness."

Her tone seriously worried him, though. Something had happened in the meantime. The woman wouldn't sound ashamed if she was just relaying a story of how she had successfully rescued a stranger.

"Is Dawn still alive?"

He hated having to ask this, but his worst case scenario was finding out his child had died. As long as Dawn had survived, there was hope.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Thank you for looking out for Greta and her baby. She has a good heart.

Jasmine truly felt this place was the best place for Greta. She looked at Helen's hand touching her shoulder. She was making it sound so easy, but it wasn't. Nathan didn't make it easy. Why could anyone see that? Besides she couldn't leave, she swore to Nathan she'd be loyal. He saved her life...Helped her get rid of Micha...

Nathan would just kill them all before you got in the front door.

She knew he would too. There were plenty of chemicals in Elena's lab to cause a big enough explosion to kill everyone.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Huh? No. You're safe. You're in a hospital.

Greta replied to Fritz. She had no idea who Dr. Frankenstein was. She was so glad he was awake and gave him a hug.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn was startled awake by the harsh noise of water hitting metal, and her head banged against the divider, causing a sharp shock of pain. At least it brought her back to wakefulness quickly.

It was Nathan! It had to be Nathan! She was cornered in here, how was she going to get away...?

But no, not Nathan after all. The voice was female. Annoying, but at the moment nothing more serious. Dawn relaxed slightly, but she didn't unlock the door. An irritated look briefly crossed her face when Cara peered under the divider at her, but she got over it. Not like she was undressed or anything. It didn't matter if the other woman thought she was weird.

Dawn gave her a bright but fake smile. Her clothes hadn't dried, and she was visibly shivering. "I like sleeping here. It's zen. Besides, sleeping lying down gives you heartburn."

It was total BS, but she wasn't about to tell this drug-addled stranger that she was trying to avoid another sexual assault. It was none of the annoying one's business how Dawn protected herself.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy hoped Dmitri did see it was an act of kindness because that what she had meant it as. If she had known Nathan would have...She didn't want to tell him what happened but she felt Dmitri had the right to know. She nodded her head when he asked if Dawn was alive.

Yes, although she doesn't have a lot of hope right now. Her mother rejected her and was told by that woman that you wouldn't want her either because you had a family. And..my boss he...he raped her. If I had known he when was going to, I swear I would have tried to stop him.

She really would have and should have known Nathan would stake his claim fast. He did it to all the girls...

[Corey]

Fritz Keller and Flynn Harper

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpghttp://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/flynn.jpg

I am?

Fritz replied and looked around, well this place was far better then where he fell asleep. Flynn, who was woken up when Greta yelled her brother's name, told him.

Yeah buddy, you missed all the fun. Dr. Frankenstein is dead.

Flynn gave him a brief summary of what happened and Fritz smirked.

Should have videotaped it for me.

I wish I had.

Flynn then gave Greta a grin.

Hi, I'm Flynn. Nice to meet you, your brother's told me a lot about you but he never said how pretty you were.

He didn't even notice Greta's pregnant stomach from his angle and Fritz was still waking up so he didn't notice either.

Ignore him, he can be annoying.

Flynn stuck his tongue out at Fritz in response Fritz rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Greta.

Where are we? And how you here?

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

"You don't have to thank me," Helen replied. "We're happy to help. Greta is a sweet young lady, and she'll make a great mother."

Jasmine might not have been very specific about what Nathan would do to create mass casualties, but she got the idea. Some kind of explosives, probably, or gas, or poison. That was a complication. Helen didn't look defeated, though, just thoughtful.

"Does he ever let them go anywhere? Send them on errands, that sort of thing? Or does he ever go out? Getting to them off his home turf would be a lot easier. If he doesn't... hm... maybe we could create some sort of diversion?"

She gave Jasmine a reassuring smile. "Don't give up. Don't give up on them, or on yourself. We'll find a way. We're going to need your help, though."

[Corey]

Cara Levesque

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/caraunderworld.jpg

So you like smelling like everyone's poop?

Cara replied when Dawn said she liked to sleep in the bathroom and laughed again. Although in her drug haze she didn't really think how dirty it was to be laying on the floor. She flipped on her back and looked up at Dawn upside down.

Vampires can't get heartburn. But if you feel hot...

She pointed the super soaker up at Dawn and fired water at her face.

That should cool you off!

She kept laughing thinking everything she was doing was funny.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta nodded her head to Fritz when he couldn't believe at first that he was safe. She wondered what exactly this "Dr. Frankenstein" had done to her brother and his friend. She could tell they were both vampires...She'd have to ask Tim later. She blushed when Fritz said she was pretty.

Nice to meet you too and thanks...

She laughed at the banter between Fritz and Flynn. She could tell they were good friends. She wondered if Fritz had even noticed she was a lot larger then when they had last seen each other. She wasn't looking too forward to telling him about how she got pregnant.

A community in Budapest...

She told him that it was a safe place and bit her lip when he asked how she was here.

It's a long story.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

Dmitri momentarily looked relieved that his daughter was alive, but when Amy told him about Dawn being violated, the wind was knocked out of him like he had been punched. His face was suddenly even paler, and for a moment, he couldn't speak.

"It isn't your fault," he finally managed to say. "You weren't the one who left her alone on the streets or who... who did that to her."

He couldn't even say the word. It felt like a hole had opened in his chest.

"Her mother has serious emotional problems. She never should have been the one to make the decision. What was said about me was... completely untrue. Yes, I'm married, and I have a family, but we're more than happy to make room for Dawn. Dawn's mother only told me about any of this after the fact, and we had a huge argument over it. Then I've been looking for Dawn ever since. She shouldn't have to be alone just because her parents didn't..."

He drew a gasping breath. Would it be humiliating if a grown man cried? At the moment, he didn't care. He had failed his daughter, and she had suffered terribly. The man who had raped her would die - but before anything else, Dmitri would make sure Dawn was safe.

"I have to get her back. Please. I... I can't just leave her there. She needs her family to take care of her. She needs to come home. Can you help me find her?"

Dmitri looked - and was - desperate. "I can give you whatever you want, in exchange. Money, my car... whatever you want, for your help. Just... please, help me save her. Please, tell me where she is!"

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

I think she will too.

Greta already proved she was braver then most people in Nathan's coven. She was brave enough to leave. Jasmine shook her head.

Not often, Nathan has plenty of people doing things for him. The girls get to go out at night to sell and Bruno goes out to get the mail. Turner and Elena are too "important" to be allowed outside. Elena makes drugs and Turner's a computer hacker.

Maybe if she told Helen what Elena and Turner did then the community wouldn't want to help after all. Everyone in the Nathan's coven would be considered criminals in the eyes of law enforcement. Even if Nathan forced them into that type of employment.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn rolled her eyes. "You know, they have toilets that flush these days, so no poop smell at all!"

Why wouldn't this woman just leave her alone?

She sputtered when the blast of cold water hit her face. Dawn was already freezing, and this sudden onslaughter just made it worse.

Instinctively, without really thinking, she aimed a light kick in the direction of the water gun. Ideally, she would knock it out of Cara's hands, but at the very least it would convey her displeasure.

"I'm not in the mood for this!" Dawn growled. "Leave me the hell alone!"

She had barely slept in two nights, she was cold, she was utterly shellshocked from trauma, and she was frankly in no state to put up with the woman's drug-induced idiocy.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

"Hmmm..." Helen pondered the situation before giving a more coherent reply.

She didn't react at all to what Jasmine said about Elena and Turner's jobs. They wouldn't be the only people here who had broken laws - heck, they had murderers and attempted murderers here, albeit repentant ones - and Helen was smart enough to realize that their criminal actions were probably not by choice. She wasn't going to see someone abandoned to a horrible fate because they were forced into doing something wrong.

What did concern her was the "plenty of people" and the mention of "girls" plural.

The last time they had dealt with a situation of that magnitude was... well, a couple of months ago, frankly. Life was never boring in this community.

"I guess we're going to have to go with the diversion, then," Helen mused. "I'm no tactician, though. Someone with more knowledge of combat strategies will be able to plan this better than me. I have an idea, but..."

But it admittedly sucked. They did have bait Nathan wanted, though. Not that they would actually give up the Bardous, of course... but if they laid the right trail, Helen herself in a brown wig and high-collared coat might do...

"How many people are we talking about here? How many are loyal to Nathan, and how many are prisoners or held by force? And... is there anything you can think of that would get them - or just Nathan himself - out of where they're holed up?"

Helen hoped Jasmine would say Nathan adored ice cream socials or would be thrilled to join them for a pickup basketball game, but she suspected in the end she'd be donning the brown wig after all.

[Corey]

Fritz Keller and Flynn Harper

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpghttp://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/flynn.jpg

I'm sure but congratulations.

Fritz replied when Greta said the community was a safe place to be and that her reason for being there was a long story. He finally realized she was pregnant and thought it was wonderful. He was certain she'd make a good mother, she knew what not to do with her child.

When do I get to meet your baby's father? I have to make sure he is good enough for you.

He assumed that Greta was now married or at least had a boyfriend. Flynn had to sit up better to see that Greta was pregnant and offered his congratulations as well.

He's a lucky man.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy felt horrible telling Dmitri what Nathan did to Dawn, she could tell he was a caring man from his reaction. She still felt it was her fault, no matter what anyone told her. She knew even before he asked for her help that she would help him find his daughter. Making sure Dawn was with her father might help Amy feel better about the whole situation. She smiled at him.

Of course I'll help you and you don't have to give me anything. I want her to be safe.

She frowned though as she realized she couldn't just take Dmitri to the warehouse. Nathan would just have him killed.

The only problem is my boss doesn't leave home often. Although he won't be home tomorrow night. I could take you to Dawn then.

Hardly anyone would be home. Even Elena and Turner were going to the circus, it was rare for them to ever be outside the warehouse's walls. She heard that Sacha was going too. The girls would still be out selling, so she wouldn't have too many people to watch out for. Cara would be there but Amy could just make sure she took too many drugs and passed out.

[Corey]

Cara Levesque

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/caraunderworld.jpg

Oh do they? It's hard to tell from the smell of you.

Cara replied. She couldn't understand why in the world Nathan would find this girl so much "fun". She was quite the killjoy in Cara's mind. She laughed harder when Dawn sputtered against the cold water. Although she glared when Dawn kicked at the gun. It fell out of her hands and it cracked on the side. She gasped in a very overdramatic fashion.

You broke it! Turner's going to be so p*ssed at you for breaking one of his toys.

Actually he'd be more angry that Cara went into his room and took it. Although Cara didn't really respect anyone's things or privacy. She pretty much did whatever she wanted without much consequences. No one in the coven could figure out why Nathan hadn't killed Cara yet. She flipped onto her stomach and told Dawn.

You need to chill out.

She wasn't getting the clue to get lost at all.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn shrugged when Cara told her that Turner would be mad, but it worried her slightly. Would she now have one more male trying to make her suffer? The last thing she needed was a second Nathan around. She supposed if necessary, she could hide from Turner too.

"Well, you know, I'm just not a very fun person," Dawn replied. "Really, I'm very boring. You won't have any fun talking to me. You should go find someone more interesting."

She gave Cara a pointed look. "Meaning get lost, please. I need to sleep."

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

When Helen asked how many people lived in the warehouse, Jasmine's face turned a little red. She honestly had no idea, she didn't pay much attention the girls. They came and went so quickly. She didn't even bother to learn names half the time. By the time she did, they were usually dead. Hell she and Bruno would even makes bets how long some would last. Cara was lasting longer then either thought was possible.

I'm not really sure...I don't keep head counts. Most of the girls have short stays in the coven...

She was certain that Helen would know that meant girls got killed because Nathan never let anyone just leave. Once you were in the coven, you were in for life.

A few are loyal and most have no where else to go and do what he says because they don't want to die.

She stayed though because some reason she was loyal to him. Not that she was going to tell Helen that. She wouldn't understand the reason she was loyal to Nathan, because deep down...She didn't get it herself. She shook her head.

Nathan has no reason to leave and rarely does. Unless there's some really violent blood sport going on, you know the ones where the loser dies.

She thought of the night in Russia when Nathan and Bruno brought Sacha home. Watching people die was a sick pleasure of Nathan's. She could easily name off Nathan's interests. Money, power, women, and killing. Some how she didn't think those things would help the community at all.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

Dmitri's first instinct was to protest. Who knew what could happen to Dawn in that hellhole if he waited those hours to save her?

On the other hand, what was the alternative? He could call for backup, go in with guns blazing... and risk killing Dawn in the process. Besides, the sun would be up soon. He didn't have the any of the UV treatment with him, and he wasn't sure it was a good idea to give her an inoculation without knowing her health status; another potential way she could end up dead.

He would have to wait, much as it pained him. There was no recovering from death.

"Alright," he said, resigned to the delay. "I fully intend to kill him for what he did - but Dawn's safety comes first."

Dmitri thought the situation through quickly. "I'll bring backup, just in case. You should consider leaving, too. It won't be safe for you either after this. Don't pack anything unless you have to; we can replace whatever you need. We'll keep you safe, too, I promise."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Thanks...

Greta told her brother and Flynn but bit her lip when Fritz asked when he would get to meet her baby's father. She started to play with her fingers. It was a nervous habit she had since a child when she thought someone wouldn't like the news she had to give them.

That's not going to happen Fritz...She doesn't have a father...

She really didn't want to tell him about her life after he had left for the Air Force. He would be so disappointed, he might not want anything to with her. He was a hero and his sister was just a whore.

[Corey]

Cara Levesque

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/caraunderworld.jpg

I agree, you are totally boring.

Cara replied and was just going to leave until Dawn told her to get lost. Who did this girl think she was? Cara didn't take orders from her.

Yeah, you'll need it. You're going to look like an old hag by the time you turn 17.

She left the stall though and tossed Turner's super soaker back into his room. She was bored again but a smirk came on her face. Dawn thought she could ruin her fun, well she'd make sure she didn't get any sleep. The little girl needed to learn to watch her tongue. Besides maybe Nathan would pay more attention to her again if she told him where Dawn was hiding. Excited about the idea, she actually skipped off to find him.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy could tell from Dmitri's face he wasn't thrilled about waiting but Amy knew it would be best his best chance at saving Dawn. There wouldn't be too many people home to stop her from leaving.

I understand and trust me, I don't think too many people would miss him.

Amy wouldn't miss Nathan. She had only went with him because she didn't want to die. She nodded her head and agreed that backup was a good idea. She knew it wouldn't be safe for her. Nathan would kill her, he wasn't stupid. When Dawn left, he would know she helped.

I have nothing there.

Once she was materialistic. It wasn't hard to be when you had a boyfriend who spoiled you rotten with the newest things. But that quickly changed the night Thierry was killed and she became one of Nathan's girls.

When and where should I meet you?

[Corey]

Fritz Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpg

What do you mean?

Fritz replied when Greta said her baby didn't have a father. He saw her playing with her fingers and knew she didn't want to tell him something.

Greta tell me who he is. I'll go hunt him down right now in a wheelchair if I have to and make him take responsibility for his actions.

He would to. All he could think of was that Greta had a boyfriend who didn't want to be a father.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen got it, and she grimaced sympathetically. No wonder Jasmine hadn't wanted to tell them the truth, coming from that sort of environment. She probably thought she was in danger here if she said the wrong thing.

Blood sport didn't help very much, unfortunately. They couldn't exactly organize a gladitorial combat. Maybe they could bait him to come out, though.

"We'll help them," Helen assured Jasmine. "I promise. I'll talk to the others, and we'll work out a plan. It'll be soon. I know every moment we wait, they're in danger, but going in with a bad plan makes the risk even worse than a delay."

She sympathetically touched the woman's shoulder. "You must be very worried. I can only imagine. Do your best to trust us, though. We can keep your friends alive, just... let us have a little bit of your faith, and we'll make it happen."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta sighed at Fritz.

I know you would but the thing is...I can't tell you who he is because I don't know.

She buried her face in her hands because she didn't want to see his reaction.

Fritz I...Father was right. I'm a whore just like Mother.

The moment their mother had left, their father had told all three of his kids that their mother was a whore. And the older Greta got the more he told she would turn out just like her mother.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

"I can only dream," Dawn muttered in response to the hag comment, although Cara was gone and couldn't hear.

If Dawn did wake up looking hideous, she'd consider it a miracle. Then maybe Nathan wouldn't be interested anymore.

Hopefully Cara had sufficiently distracted herself that there would be no interruptions... and hopefully by tomorrow, her clothes would be dry. Dawn considered going back to the bedroom to get her jacket, but the risk of being noticed by Nathan combined with the bad memories associated with the room made her think she'd rather stay cold.

She rested her head against the metal again, and dozed off.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Jasmine could tell from Helen's grimace, she got her meaning. Although Jasmine knew she was considered more valuable then other girls in the coven, it only took one mistake for Nathan to want to end your life. She gave Helen a smile.

I'm sure you will try to help them.

Although she'd probably be long gone before that could happen. The circus was tomorrow, then it was back to Nathan. Once Nathan knew people were on to him, they would move. There wouldn't be much to keep him in Budapest. Especially if his plan worked.

[Corey]

Fritz Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpg

Fritz sat up although it was a little painful to do so and tired him a little. He grabbed a hold of Greta's hands to look at her face.

No you aren't.

How could she say she was a whore? Their father ruined her self esteem so much. He had tried to ruin his as well but Fritz tried hard to ignore it. Flynn was quiet although he couldn't help but listen in on their conversation.

What happened to make you think that?

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan told Sacha what his mission was tomorrow at the circus when Cara found him.

Nathan! Nathan! I have something to tell you!

What?!

He growled at her, couldn't she see that he was busy? Cara was too high to pick up on his annoyance, and told him.

I know where that new girl is. Although I don't see-

She was about to say that she didn't understand why Nathan was so interested in her when she was far better but Nathan cut her off.

Where is she?

Sleeping in a toilet stall. So anyway-

Nathan shook his head hearing that and walked off while Cara was talking. She scoffed, well that didn't go the way she thought it would. Nathan walked into the shared bathrooms and banged on the door of the only toilet stall that was closed.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

"Meet me here tomorrow, as soon as the sun sets," Dmitri told her. "I'll bring friends to help get Dawn out. In the meantime, if anything goes wrong... take this."

He handed her one of the two weapons he had concealed on his person, a small semi-automatic.

"It has UV bullets. Lethal to us Vampires. Be careful with it - but use it if you have to."

If she was putting enough trust in him to save Dawn, the least he could do was trust her with the means to protect herself.

"I'm eternally grateful to you for your help. There's a place for you in our community, if you want it. I realize my word may not count for much. Believe me, I've blamed myself more for Dawn being lost than you could possibly blame me. But if I still carry any credibility... I promise to protect you. I promise that I will do everything I can to make sure you don't have to sacrifice your life. Even if it costs my own."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

But I am.

Greta replied, feeling very ashamed at what she had done the last few years to survive. She doubted her brother's friend would want to flirt with her now. She wasn't even good enough to be a mother anyway. She took a deep breath and told him.

After you left...

She told him about Alric and that he made her work as a prostitute. Although she told him he was dead because of her new boss] Nathan. He made her continue working as a prostitute and also had her sell drugs.

...So you see I wouldn't know who her father is and even so I don't think I'd want them in her life. It's not like she was created by love.

Not much different then her and Fritz. Their parents didn't really love each other because her father wasn't capable of showing love.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

"We'll succeed," Helen corrected her, with certainty. "It's not the first time we've had to save someone against tough odds, and it won't be the last. Try not to be afraid. I'll need to tell the leaders about this... but they'll understand."

She gave the other woman a hug, and said, "Goodnight, Jasmine."

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

I'll be here.

Amy replied, she knew Nathan planned to leave soon as it was safe for vampires to be outside anyway. She took the weapon from him and nodded her head.

You shouldn't blame yourself. You're going to come for her, that will count.

If only Dawn had went to Dmitri first, Amy thought. She trusted that Dmitri would come with friends though to rescue his daughter.

I believe you would but don't sacrifice yourself. Dawn will need you.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn was startled awake for the second time that night, although luckily this time her head jerked upright rather than hitting the metal.

Shit.

Male feet were visible in the gap beneath the door, and the commanding knock told her who it was. Nathan.

Dawn was panicked, frozen, her heart beating fast. She tried to think of a way of escape, but she couldn't see any way out. Cornered. Only one thing to do.

Staying as quiet and still as possible, trying not to even breathe, she would try to convince him the stall was actually empty, so he'd go away.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

Dmitri smiled, although there was pain in it.

"Don't worry," he replied. "I have no intention of dying, and I'm tougher than I look. I'll see you tomorrow. And... thank you again."

He drove back to the community, and spoke to the leaders, knowing they would be supportive. He wasn't disappointed. Immediately the leaders agreed to send a team to save Dmitri's daughter. They sketched out a plan...

And then Dmitri had done all he could. It was an odd feeling, so much at stake, and yet for a few hours he had to be passive. He did the only thing he could think of that would ease his anxiety and guilt - he went home. Time with his family was the only remedy for his troubled heart.

Dmitri assumed that after the argument with Davia in front of Viktoriya, he'd be sleeping on the couch for awhile. He understood. His wife had been abused by her first husband, and he wouldn't blame her if she'd lost her trust in him. If she didn't trust him, they couldn't truly be intimate anyway.

He'd win back Viktoriya's faith in him, and that of his daughters. Even if it took forever.

[Corey]

Fritz Keller and Flynn Harper

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpghttp://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/flynn.jpg

When Greta told Fritz what happened to her after he left, he got angry. Not at her but himself and the men who made his sister work as a prostitute. If Alric wasn't already dead, he'd kill him. He never had the desire to kill someone before. He was a soldier and killing was part of the job at times but he never felt like he did now. When Fritz had joined the Air Force, Greta had still been a teenager. What kind of monster took advantage of a child? And what kind of brother let his teenage sister alone in a big city? He was such an awful brother.

I'm sorry Greta. I should have been there for you, protected you from them.

He could tell she didn't want to talk too much about it but he hoped she'd eventually tell him more about Nathan. Because once he was well, he was going to hunt that a$$hole down and kill from forcing his sister to work for him and turning her into a vampire. Flynn almost felt he shouldn't say anything. It was a family reunion but he felt like Fritz was family because how close they had gotten working together. Besides he didn't think Greta should feel ashamed. She was just trying to survive, it was Alric and Nathan who took advantage of her. Actually if Fritz wanted to hunt Nathan down for what he did to his sister, Flynn would help him.

Don't feel bad Greta. You did what you had to do to survive, Fritz understands that.

Fritz nodded his head and Flynn added.

It doesn't matter how she was created. Your baby has you and you love her enough to get her somewhere safe. That's better then what some kids have.

He's right and I'll be here to help you. She'll have a much better childhood then we did.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Really Dawn? You're going to play this game? I already know you're in there. We can do this the hard way or the easy way.

Nathan told her when she tried to be quiet as possible. He wasn't going away. Either way would probably not be a way that Dawn would want.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

That's good.

Amy replied when Dmitri said he had no intention of dying. She returned his smile and told him.

See you tomorrow and thank you for looking for her.

Amy believed Dawn would be happy to know her father did want her. She headed back to tracking the drug dealer before she had to head back to the warehouse. She wasn't going to let Nathan know about Dmitri.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn forced a perky tone into her voice again, the same one she'd used when she pretended to believe that Nathan was waking her up to work in the lab. The comment about her being a hag had given her an idea. If she made herself totally unappealing, maybe he wouldn't bother.

"Sorry, Nathan, I just... didn't want to gross you out. Man, this vomiting and the diarrhea - it's really coming out both ends. It's totally disgusting. Must have been a bad pint of blood. Don't worry, though. I'm sure it's just a short-term bug, and I'll be ready for work bright and early."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta could tell that Fritz was angry at what she told him but knew him well enough to know the angry wasn't directed at her. That made her happy, although she wouldn't want him or his friend hunting down Nathan. She just got her brother back, she didn't want Nathan to kill him. She gave Fritz a hug.

It's okay Fritz, I should have known better then to trust Alric but...It doesn't matter now. We can't change the past.

She told him after she shook her head. She didn't want to think about that stuff and was glad Fritz didn't push her to talk about it. She smiled at Flynn when he told her not to feel bad either.

That's what people here keep saying and you're right Fritz. She will have a better one since I know what not to do.

Their parents definitely taught them that. Deciding she didn't want to talk about herself anymore and asked them what the last few years had been like before Chauncey found them.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Okay.

Was all Jasmine could say when Helen told her they would succeed at getting rid of Nathan. She wasn't sure how she felt about it. She had spent nine long years with him, what was she going to do with her life if Nathan was gone? He actually gave her a purpose even if it was for his own selfish reasons. She returned Helen's hug.

Good night.

Although it would take her a long time to actually fall asleep.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan rolled his eyes at Dawn's reply.

Do you think I'm stupid? Get out right now and prove to me you're sick.

Nathan ordered through the locked door.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

I don't think you're stupid. I think you're evil and deserve to be cut up into little pieces and fed to sharks, Dawn mentally told Nathan, though of course she couldn't say that.

She knew it would be better if she unlocked the door. He would probably break it down if she didn't, and she'd still be trapped. It was tough to force herself to turn the lock, but with a shaking hand she did, and stepped out.

Dawn hadn't slept well, and her clothes were still noticeably wet from showering in them. She felt like she could throw up, but it was just a reaction to Nathan's presence.

"Wow, I'm really dizzy. I'd better go get some medicine. Thanks for checking on me! Good to know you're looking out for us..."

Dawn continued in the perky tone as she tried to slip by him toward the door.

[Corey]

Fritz Keller and Flynn Harper

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpghttp://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/flynn.jpg

Fritz knew Greta didn't blame him but it would take a while to not blame himself. He should have been there for her and he wasn't going to forgive himself a long time for not being there. He gladly returned her hug.

You're right, we can't. But the future will be much better.

And he agreed that his niece would have a better childhood because the only good thing their parents had taught them was how not to raise children. Fritz and Flynn started to tell Greta some stories. Although Fritz found it annoying the way Flynn would start to exaggerate about things he did to make himself sound better to Greta. Flynn was telling Greta a story and Fritz interjected.

...No, I was the one who-

It doesn't matter now who did what.

If you're going to tell a story, tell it right!

I am telling it right! You're the one not remembering it right. You must have hit your head too many times.

I'm about to hit you in the head.

Fritz replied and Flynn rolled his eyes. He said to Greta.

You see how your brother treats me? No respect after all the times I've saved his arse.

I've saved yours just as many.

The banter went back and forth for a few minutes until both men yawned. They were still recovering from what Chauncey had done to them before they had been rescued.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Well Cara wasn't totally exaggerating Nathan thought when he saw that Dawn was wearing wet clothes. He moved to block her from leaving the bathroom.

Well no wonder you're "sick" wearing wet clothes. You should take them off so they can dry.

He looked her up and down as he tried to decide which way he should play this. Either way he was going to get what he wanted again.

You know I bet Elena has clothes that would fit you, your about the same size. Come on, let's see.

He said trying to grab a hold of her arm. Although he wouldn't actually take her to Elena's room. He would take her to his room instead but why let her know that until after they left the bathroom.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

"Oh, you don't need to bother with it," Dawn replied. "I'm sure you have much more important things to do than help me..."

She took off abruptly, breaking away from him and dashing out the door and into the hall.

Dawn didn't believe for a minute that he was taking her to see Elena, or that he wanted her clothes to come off for altruistic reasons. She doubted she'd actually get away - he was stronger and faster - but she wasn't just going to give in. She was still herself, and she wouldn't let him take that away without a fight.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Hearing Fritz and Flynn's stories were much better then talking about her old life. She could tell Flynn was exaggerating about things by looking at her brother's face. She laughed at them.

Behave or I'll give you two a time out.

Although when they started yawning, she stood up.

I'd better get going so you guys can rest. I'll be back soon.

She gave Fritz a hug.

I love you Fritz.

She then turned to Flynn.

It was nice meeting you Flynn.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Oh it's no bother.

Nathan replied and glared when Dawn ran off. So she wanted to play it this way again. Well it did make it more fun. The others girls had all lost their will to fight him a while ago. He ran after her trying to catch her.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen's heart was heavy when she left Jasmine's room. They had a big responsibility on their shoulders, and lives depending on them. There was a lot of trust they needed to live up to.

If anyone could do it, though, they could. They'd slain other monsters, and rescued so many captives. As long as they planned carefully and didn't make any silly mistakes, this would work out too.

She smiled again when she saw Greta; Helen couldn't help it. In spite of the circumstances, this was a beautiful thing.

"I'm so happy for you," she told Greta. "I assume it went well?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Catching up to Dawn wasn't difficult. Her chronic illness hadn't left her with anywhere close to as much strength or stamina as other Vampires. Dawn knew that, and her resistance could be nothing more than token... but to her, that token was important.

"Stay away from me!" she gasped when he caught up to her. In her distress and after her lack of sleep she was unable to bite back the words that came instinctively to her lips. "You're sick! I didn't want you then and I don't want you now. Maybe you should stop and think about why you can't get a woman except by force, huh? Or why you're into screwing teens? I think you may need serious mental help, Nathan!"

[Corey]

Fritz Keller and Flynn Harper

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/fritz.jpghttp://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/flynn.jpg

When Greta said she'd give them a time out if they didn't behave, Flynn smirked.

You could spank me instead if you want.

Shut up!

Fritz yelled and threw a pillow at Flynn's head. Not that it hurt much. Fritz didn't want Greta to leave but he knew he needed to rest to get his strength back. He returned her hug.

I love you too Greta.

Flynn smiled at her.

It was definitely nice meeting you.

Once Greta was gone, Fritz rolled his eyes at his friend.

What the hell Flynn?

What Fritz?

He asked with an innocent look on his face.

You spent the whole time hitting on my pregnant sister.

Now you're exaggerating. It was only 90 percent and besides if I had a sister and she was as pretty as yours is, you'd so the same thing. Admit it.

Okay yeah I would. But seriously don't-

I won't. I actually want to get to know her better.

Flynn told him, he knew what his friend was going to say before he said it. He had no intention of leading on Fritz's sister and hurting her feelings. Fritz believed Flynn and replied.

Okay because if you were to-

You'd really kick my arse.

Fritz chuckled that he would and both men settled back down to go to sleep.

You know it's kind of creepy that you're completing my sentences.

It is. More proof I need a girlfriend.

Fritz agreed with a tired laugh and both men went back to sleep.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

It wasn't that hard to catch up to Dawn and he got angry listening to her. How dare she talk to him like that? He didn't care what she wanted or what she thought of him. There were women willing to sleep with him but the ones who fought were more fun.

You seem to be forgetting I'm letting you live here!

He raised up his hand to slap her in the face for her ungrateful attitude.

You are so f*cking ungrateful! I could have just killed you the first night if I wanted to. Knock off this attitude of yours or I'll kill your friend Amy right in front you.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn was utterly unconcerned about his threat to kill her. So what? What did she have to lose? A life in hell, with no real hope in sight. Maybe it would be better. She didn't even react to the raised hand or the slap.

But Amy. She couldn't let him kill Amy.

"No, don't hurt her! Please! You're right. I'm very ungrateful. I think you should just throw me out into the streets! It would serve me right!"

She could only hope.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

When Flynn replied Greta could spank him instead her face had just gotten red. She wasn't used to someone flirting with her. Her experience with men outside of her old job wasn't much. She hadn't even been on a date unless it counted a client taking her out somewhere. Any doubts she had though that Fritz would be upset with her were gone and Helen would see her still smiling.

Yeah it did. Fritz isn't mad at all about my past. And his friend Flynn seems to like me.

Which she did like Flynn. He might exaggerate but he seemed like a nice guy and he was good looking...Although she had to remind herself that he was probably just a flirt by nature. After all she was pregnant and surely there weren't too many men who would want to take on the responsibility of a child with a woman they just met. He was her brother's friend and was just being nice to her. He was probably flirting more to tease Fritz more then anything else she told herself.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan sneered at Dawn's reaction to the idea of him killing Amy. Everyone had a weakness and he knew it. That's why people shouldn't form bonds with each other. It was too easy for someone like him to take advantage of it. He laughed when she said he should throw her out on the streets for being ungrateful.

I can't do that, you'll tell everyone where I live and I like it here.

He reached out to grab the back of her head.

You'll just have to make me forget all about killing Amy because doing that sounds more fun then what I was planning to do with you.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

"I'm so glad for you, Greta!" Helen replied sincerely. "I'm not surprised, though. You don't deserve blame for what happened to you. Life dealt you a bad hand... but it's going to be better now. I'm glad that your brother can be part of it."

It was the best possible outcome, as far as Helen was concerned. On a selfish level, she was a little wistful; now that Greta had her brother back, she probably wouldn't need them to be her surrogate family, and they had truly enjoyed having her there. Helen hoped that Greta could still make time to have an extended family in her life. But of course, no one in the Yeats household would pressure her.

"Why don't we head home and get some rest? You can see them again tomorrow."

Helen had some phone calls to make, and plans to plan, after her talk with Jasmine.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

"I wouldn't tell anybody where you live," Dawn replied quietly and, as far as she knew at the moment, truthfully. "How could I? Who would I tell? No one gives a damn about me. You already know that. No one would listen. No one would care."

She doubted he'd believe her, though. It was just an excuse on his part, anyway. He would never let her leave willingly, even if he was dead certain she was no danger to him at all.

What he said next made her heart pound, and she couldn't have run now even if he wasn't holding onto her head like a vice grip. Dawn wished she could tell herself that he was lying, but she already knew he killed people regularly. The other coven members seemed to have no doubt of that. So why wouldn't he carry through with his threat? Was she really going to have to pay this price? Would she have to... give herself to him... and lose her pride as well as suffer the pain of a violation?

"I can't," she said softly. "I mean, I don't know how to. I wouldn't know what to do..."

That was entirely true. She'd been a virgin two days ago, and knew very little about how sex actually worked aside from what he had done to her. Dawn had no idea how to please a man, even if she wanted to - which she didn't, but Amy's life was the most important thing now.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Anya.jpg
Anya Lovas-Yeats


Anya smiled and gave her father a kiss on the cheek.

"Don't worry dad, I won't say a word."

The actual idea of having to talk to Bence again was intimidating. Anya felt more at ease around him now, but actual interaction with him that didn't involve class room involvement was challenging at best. But with more time around him, Anya could very easily see feeling as comfortable with Bence as she did the other males in the community.

After her conversation with her father, Anya and Zora headed to their rooms to begin their evening tasks. With their mom and dad busy at times, the girls helped their sister's watch over the younger kids. Like the Kazlars, the Yeats household was often times buzzing with activity.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Antonio.jpg
Antonio


Antonio was out walking for at least an hour. He was angry and frustrated at the whole situation. Part of him wanted to choke the life out of Chauncey with his bare hands, but that opportunity was long past. The other part of him wanted to shake some sense into Davia. He knew they were headed for more issues, whether Dmitri was successful in retrieving Dawn or not. He just hoped that they could make it through another round.

He was glad that they had survived Gabriella, there was a lot of baggage with the three of them there, particularly between the two women. Davia had raised an issue almost every chance she had, and yet the two of them now at least tolerated the other. Antionio felt it was likely due to the drastic changes within the other vampire. Had Gabriella made an issue to be as catty, there would still be war going on.

But how much more alike or different would this situation be? If Dawn was brought here would Davia look for excuses to cause problems? Antonio let out a weary sigh, he knew the answer to that. Lashing out was Davia's mechanism for self protection, even if it was against an imagined foe, which in many cases, it was. If it was one thing he could honestly say, all the vampires he had met that had come from Elder's Covens, they all had emotional issues in one form or another.

As the first hour was quickly passing him by, Antonio headed home. Davia may have been at least sorry for making him mad, but if he remained out most of the night that would likely change. When he walked through the door, he headed straight for the refrigerated to pour a glass of blood. He was still angry, but the walk had taken the edge off. He sat down in one of the leather chairs in the living room, not yet able to really talk about anything. It was hard to make that transition from being rightfully angry at her to moving on.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

I don't believe you.

Nathan replied when Dawn said she wouldn't tell anyone where he lived. She would go to the police and he didn't want to have to move. Not until after he got his revenge on Violet and Marisol. She claimed she had no one and that could be true, but she was a teenager. And if she told people what he had done to her, they would help her. He wasn't going to risk everything he had built and worked so hard to accomplish because of her. When she said she wouldn't know how to please him, he replied.

Then I suppose you'd better hope you're a fast learner.

He lowered his head to force Dawn to kiss him.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

I'm glad too.

Greta replied to Helen with a grin. She was so happy to have Fritz back, that she didn't pick up on that Helen was a little wistful about it. Not that she'd need to be. Greta would still need the Yeats Family's help. Her brother was willing to be there for her and her daughter but neither one of them really knew that much when it came to kids and what they needed. They had spent their childhoods dealing with an emotionally abusive father. Plus the family had been so nice her, she wasn't just going to forget them now. In fact, she couldn't wait to introduce Fritz to them. She nodded her head.

Okay, that sounds like a good idea.

She was getting tired but the day had ended for her much better then it had started. Although she didn't realize that Helen had a talk with Jasmine about Nathan.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

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When Helen and Greta arrived home, Tim briefly spoke to Helen in quiet tones and they seemed to come to an agreement, then he went to talk to Greta. When he did, his voice was apologetic.

"Greta, I was wondering if I could ask you a huge favour. We have a young lady staying with us that Dmitri rescued this evening. She's very frightened, and we can't find anyone in the community who can speak her language, so we thought it would be more comfortable for her to be in a family's home than sleep in the infirmary all night."

Tim gestured over toward the couch, where the young Filipina girl was sitting. She looked dazed, and was silent, but didn't seem to mind that Bereket was braiding her hair.

"We don't really know where she'll need to go in the long-term. Perhaps back to her country, if she was taken from there against her will and has family to return to. Or perhaps she'll stay here. For now, though, she needs a bed. We were wondering if you'd be willing to let her sleep in the extra bed in your room... just for tonight. We can reshuffle things in the morning."

Ordinarily Tim wouldn't hesitate to ask such a thing, as having a polite if quiet guest sleep in the other twin bed for one overnight wasn't exactly a huge sacrifice. For Greta it might be, though, given her treatment at Nathan's hands, and the lack of privacy he had afforded her. Tim didn't want to seem like they were subtly starting to take advantage in the same ways.

"If that isn't workable, we'll figure something else out."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta looked over at the young girl sadly. She had the same look on her face Greta used to have that look when she first started working for Alric. Eventually survival mode had kicked on and she didn't seem so dazed anymore. She gave Tim a smile.

It's fine, she'll probably feel better knowing she's not alone.

She didn't mind sharing the room. Too bad she didn't know the girl's language because Greta would try to comfort her. She knew all to well what life was like on the streets when you were young and alone.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

This was worse than the last time. Last time, he'd just taken it all by force, and while it wounded her body and traumatized her mind, she only had to feel righteous wrath about it. She didn't have to accuse herself of anything, because she had fought as hard as she could, even though he had still won.

Tonight she wasn't fighting. Tonight she would have to do what he said, to save Amy. She fantasized about what she would like to do to him - punch his sneering face, or bite his lip until he cried out in pain, or knee him in the groin. She couldn't do any of it, though. Dawn didn't care if he killed her, but Amy still wanted to be alive. Even if the other woman didn't, Dawn wouldn't have been able to stomach being the cause of her death.

Dawn returned the kiss, because she had no choice. She could easily have vomited instead. He was a disgusting pig! She hated him!

But now... she was starting to hate herself just as much, too. Which was probably the point.

"I'll do what you tell me to," Dawn said in a voice that was barely more than a whisper. "You can tell me how it's supposed to go, what I'm supposed to do. Just don't hurt Amy, and I'll do whatever you want."

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan knew Dawn hated him which was this was even more amusing to him. Threaten a person she cared about and he could get her to do whatever he wanted. He could have easily just forced her again but this was more fun. Making her agree to it and having her surely hate herself when it was over was a much better game. He took a hold of her arm.

I know you will.

He started to lead her to his bedroom so he could tell her exactly how she was going to please him. If she didn't do it, well Amy would just have to die. Amy was easily replaceable.

[SilntAngl5]

Nitya
http://www.stockpodium.com/stock-photo-7758163/indian-women-image.jpgg


As was her way, Nitya walked silently down the hall. Everything in her manner was soft and mild, meek but beautiful. In her homeland, how far away India seemed, she had been trained from a young age to be a good, pure woman and a wife. Her family lived not in crowded Bombay and Calcutta or New Delhi, but in a less crowded outskirt of the famous Indian cities, a place with more old-world traditions that were not swallowed by western capitalism of the cities. Even now, being as impure as a prostitute was, Nitya still retained the lessons her mother taught her of grace and quietude in a man's world. Though growing up far from her Indian home in the deserts of Israel had made her bolder in the bed, she remained a quiet person when not at the service of men. And, sometimes, women.

Then I suppose you'd better hope you're a fast learner.

She had been contemplating something that terrified her. It was something that would have happened sooner or later, given her profession, but now that it had happened, Nitya found herself writhing on the inside. Writhing in fear. She was pregnant. She had found out a month ago when her monthly visitation ceased and she felt ill. Four months along now, she was beginning to show and, though men still found the sight of her pleasurable to their appetite, she would not be able to conceal it for long. If word hadn't already gotten out, then the sight of her soon would. Thankfully, the loose nature of the clothing she always wore afforded her some time. But time to what? Make a plan, a daring escape? Every woman knew what happened to the children they bore under Nathan. Any child, whether his or a customer's was sold. Nitya prayed she was having a son, though not in the traditional sense where having a son mattered greatly. She wanted a son so that she might spare a daughter a fate like hers. A son would have better chances than a daughter. She was young, though according to the standards in her homeland, not too young for marriage and children. But she was not married. Provided for, yes, and those old traditions had to be discarded. She did not have that life anymore and could never again. So that left her with nothing. Nothing but this child, her youth and her fear. A maternal fear that sometimes made one do bold things.

"I'll do what you tell me to. You can tell me how it's supposed to go, what I'm supposed to do. Just don't hurt Amy, and I'll do whatever you want."

Barely above a whisper, but Nitya, who had stopped in the doorway when Nathan had spoke, heard it. She knew that voice. She heard the tone, smelled the pheromones, his cologne. She knew exactly what was happening to this new girl just as every woman who was Nathan's knew. He was not her first. She had been just old enough in Israel to enter Sia's ring of women. The necessities of the job aside, he had been the first to take her will. It was a memory one never forgot.

"You do to have to do that now" she said in a voice hinting at the odd Indian-Israeli accent "Let us teach her so that she may pleasure you better."

Nathan would know her voice when she spoke. Hers was not often heard and unique in quality. But already she was realizing the gravity of her error and backed away from the door. She would suffer for this later and the girl might too now, more than she would have if she'd just let it alone. Uncertainty grew in her voice. It was too late to back out now.

"Please... give her time to learn."

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan knew which one of his girls was trying to stop him before he even saw her face. She had such a unique accent. Nitya, she was originally one of Sia's girls before he put her prostitution ring out of business when he moved to Israel. One of the reasons he and Sia got along so well was they both knew what sold, younger girls with faces like hers. He glared at her for trying to interrupt him though.

You can start teaching her once I'm done.

Considering he had taken Dawn's virginity, he knew she would actually need to be taught how to properly please him or any other man. Eventually he'd put Dawn to work on the streets but not yet. He didn't trust her, he had to break her spirit before she could be allowed to leave the warehouse. Besides she had family even if she claimed they didn't want her, he couldn't have people finding her. Nitya could try to prevent this in a quiet sort of way, but right now he wasn't going to let Dawn get away from him. She had insulted him after all. Once he got what he wanted, then she could go hide in the bathroom again if she desired. He wouldn't forget that Nitya had tried to intervene though, he would have to remind her later that he didn't like anyone getting in the way of his plans.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DaviaFace.jpg

Davia didn't have a tremendous amount of emotional intelligence, but she was perceptive enough to realize that Antonio was upset with her - not that it took much skill to perceive something so obvious.

She could sulk back at him, she supposed, but that wasn't necessarily in her own best interest. She had promised herself a reward for talking to that ass Dmitri, after all.

The blonde Vampire leaned over the back of his chair, and trailed a finger along his cheekbone. It somewhat occurred to her that he might be too mad for this, but anger never seemed to cool her own desires, so the thought didn't really stop her.

"Would you like me to... make it up to you?" Davia purred into his ear.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

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"Thank you," Tim replied. That would make things a lot easier than trying to move the other bed into one of the kids' rooms in time for their bedtime.

"I'm sure she will appreciate your company. She's been through a lot, I think. She was being sold as a prostitute, and... well, she saw Dmitri shoot her pimp. Dmitri was trying to call the police, and the guy pulled a knife on him. I doubt she had any attachment to the man - but that's a pretty violent thing for a young girl to witness, and she has no way of knowing we'll be kinder to her than he was. No doubt she'll find your presence comforting."

Tim added, "I don't mean to be rude by not using her name, but... we don't actually know it. Maybe we'll be lucky, and she'll trust you enough to tell it to you."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn appreciated what the other young woman - whose name she didn't know - was presumably trying to do. She knew it wouldn't help, though. If Nathan accepted the distraction, it would make his threat rather meaningless. Dawn knew that one way or the other, the ultimatum he had given her would be carried out.

Part of her wanted to get it over with. The other part of her wanted to drag out the walk to his bedroom as long as possible. He had already taken her virginity, but once she crossed that threshold he would also take her innocence and what was left of her childhood.

When the door had closed behind them, Dawn just stood there awkwardly. She knew she was probably supposed to undress now, but she found it hard to bring herself to. She didn't want to stand bare before him, and let him look at her.

When he had taken her virginity, it was a frantic fight in the dark. This would be... at his leisure. And he would see and touch her body. Everything, not just what was necessary to pin her to the floor. She didn't want to be naked and exposed, although she knew she would have to be.

Dawn just stood silently until he instructed her otherwise, hoping that Nathan would suddenly drop dead, but knowing the immediate future didn't hold such good fortune for her.

[Monkey Kitty]

Chester and Lina

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/28_18mosdef.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Lina.jpg

Lina had temporarily stepped from the hospital room where Samira slept under her sister's protective eye; before the visiting doctors left, she needed to ask one final question about medication for when they took Samira home. Once she had her answer, she turned her wheelchair back toward the room, when Chester caught up to her.

"Hey, Lina! I had something I wanted to tell you."

She smiled. "Of course, Chester. I hope everything is alright?"

He nodded. "Yeah, it's great, actually. I wanted to... well... thank you."

Lina was surprised. "Thank me? For what?"

As Lina saw it, she was the one who ought to be perpetually thanking the others, not receiving thanks herself. The community had been so kind to her. So accepting, welcoming, and friendly. They had taken such good care of her and the girls when they were in need of help. Lina hoped she would be able to assist them in return, when she was feeling better physically, but so far she hadn't done anything she considered noteworthy enough to merit gratitude.

For a moment it seemed difficult for Chester to find the right words. Finally, though, he said. "I've been friends with Asif for a lot of years. And he was always... alright, I suppose. It wasn't as though he lived in perpetual depression or anything, although we could tell he grieved for you. He had moments when he was genuinely happy. Maybe more than moments."

Chester met her eyes. "It's different now, though. It's like... all these years he was carrying this enormous burden, and we couldn't see it until it was lifted because we were just so used to how he bore up under it. It was like he had a missing limb, or a gaping hole in his torso, and we just never noticed because he got by so well - but suddenly he's whole again, and now we can see what was missing."

He smiled at her. "Of course, it was you that was missing, Lina. Obviously we knew he missed you; he made no secret of that. But now he's... glowing with joy. He has you back, and his world is right again. I didn't even realize Asif was capable of being this happy."

Chester's grin broadened. "So that's where the thanks come in. Asif is like a brother to me. Thank you for making my brother so happy. Thank you for letting him smile without any pain in his eyes. Thank you for making him whole again."

Lina smiled shyly, but this warmed her heart. "Your words are very kind, Chester. I am glad my presence makes him happy. I was not whole without Asif, either. Even if I had been in a palace instead of a cell, my life could not be right without him."

Still a little cautiously, but with a hint of her old confidence showing, Lina added. "You call my husband your brother... so perhaps you could think of me as a sister, too?"

Chester grinned. "I already do. Glad you're part of the family, Lina."

"As am I," Lina replied, and meant it with all her heart.

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes and Emily

From the few minutes that they had gone from the gate to a place to park, both Abigail and their son were desperately trying to make sure that Randolph kept himself calm. He argued the entire way about the fact that neither of them had been in Harris’ home and witnessed the atrocities. He was grateful the man was dead, good riddance, but what had that meant for Emily? For all he knew, these people were no better.

When Asif greeted them, Randolph had his own skepticisms, especially when Asif asked them to check any weapons in at the door. Randolph scoffed, as if they would be carrying weapons like a bunch of barbarians.

“Randolph…please.” Abigail replied with a stern look.

He took a breath, realizing he was coming over the top a bit. The truth was, he was just as skeptical about them as they were about him. But he was in their home, and he suddenly wished he had brought their lawyer instead of his entire family. If these people were despots, he’d just endangered his family.

“Sorry my love,” Randolph replied to his wife before giving her a tender kiss.

“No weapons to check,” Randolph replied to Asif.

“I’m Randolph Blackburne, and this is my lovely wife Abigail and my son Bradley.”

Abigail raised an eyebrow at her husband. He knew what she was getting at, but he found it difficult to want to be cordial to these people. He had his own preconceived notions.

“It’s nice to meet you Asif.”

The family followed Asif to the conference room. Asif had made the introductions and the Blackburne’s took a seat on the opposite end. Bradley hadn’t been expecting Emily to be so pretty and he found himself giving her a genuine smile that quickly faltered when he saw how nervous she was. Bradley quietly prayed that his father would keep himself in check.

Both Abigail and Bradley genuinely greeted the others at the table; Randolph was having a difficult time disguising his mistrust, especially when the Yeats’ were introduced as the trustees of the Harris Estate. Immediately he began to question this entire community.

Nick was the first to speak after Asif made the introductions.

“Mr. Blackburne. I’m sorry to see that Adam was not able to join you. I’ve worked on a few cases with him, very pleasant man. But I’d like to get down to business if you don’t mind and find out your intentions. Your letter was a bit…a bit forceful. “

“Forceful? I see nothing forceful in the letter at all.” Randolph began. “I had an arrangement with Mr. Harris to marry Emily to my son.”

Millie would feel Emily’s hand squeeze hers slightly and unlike the cool touch of a vampire’s skin, Emily’s was rather warm.

“An arrangement that not everyone agrees upon father!” Bradley interjected.

“Bradley.” Randolph warned.

“No, we agreed that everyone’s feelings about this would be discussed. Just because you and mother had an arranged marriage does not mean that it’s for everyone. I want the right to choose, and it’s only fair that Emily’s feelings are considered.”

“Bradley that is enough!” Randolph replied.

Emily’s temperature was climbing, she wasn’t comfortable in tense situations and the room was filled with emotionally charged people. Why did this have to be so difficult?

“I’m sorry Mr. Blackburne, but I want to be able to choose as well.” Emily replied quietly.

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

Millie didn't get the sense that these were bad people... but Randolph seemed extremely volatile. She would need to tread carefully, to avoid triggering an explosion.

Not that she feared he would harm her, of course - with Lukas, her parents, her Pack brother Asif, and even Emily here, an attack against Millie would be far more dangerous to Randolph's health than her own. Still, she didn't want this to end in violence if she could help it. Surely they could solve this with words, as long as they all stayed calm.

She gave Emily's hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled at her, proud that she had given her opinion. It wasn't too long ago that voicing her own thoughts and desires was almost impossible for Emily. The girl had come a long way.

Millie's voice was not at all confrontational, but in her tone they would hear the voice of a leader among the Fae, not just of a mother.

"Mister Blackburne, we understand that your family has become very emotionally invested in this... arrangement. It simply isn't possible for us to accommodate you, for a number of reasons."

"Most importantly, Emily is unwilling. Surely you wouldn't really want to force a girl into a marriage she has refused? On our own parts, we can't even consider sending away Emily when she wants to stay."

"The other reasons also aren't small. Emily is only fifteen, and far too young to enter into a permanent partnership, or decide about one for the future. She's still in school, and we hope she'll also pursue higher education even if she chooses to have a family someday. We wouldn't send Emily to be married unwillingly... but frankly, even if she were willing now, as a minor she belongs with her family."

Millie smiled, trying to make clear the words weren't an insult, but also unyielding in her determination to protect her child.

"I understand that you have a financial interest tied up in the arrangement you made. We asked my parents to be here in their capacity as trustees of the Harris estate because they have the power to compensate you for your monetary loss. Whatever brideprice you paid, you can leave here with a cheque repaying it."

"We're open to negotiation on the financial end. But sending Emily off to marry without her consent is simply not an option."

[Tigers]

Antonio

In many aspects they were cut from the same cloth, but where Antonio had matured Davia’s own growth was slow in coming. Would he have turned down sex in the past when he was angry, or for that matter, not tried to seduce the one that was angry at him? The answer would have been unequivocably no. But he had to admit, she was a weakness for him and having her draped over him, teasing and promising things was very tempting.

Antonio didn’t want anything they did together intimately to be cheap. Sure, their definition of intimacy might border on more of the wild side, but it was something they kept between them. The only other person, who might unfortunately know would be Rebecka, and she certainly didn’t go out of her way to ask things Davia often times willingly shared.

“Bella.” Antonio replied a bit of his anger having already eased with the evening walk.

Dammit why did she have to make things so difficult! He didn’t want to go to bed angry at her, but he certainly didn’t want to just sweep this under the rug and forget about it. He gently took hold of her hand and kissed it before whisking her over on his lap. It was a struggle, to resist the urge to turn her over his knee and paddle her. But if there was one thing about Davia, he knew trying to talk to her now would be lost cause.

“One of these days…” He said as he kissed the nape of her neck.

“I’m going to turn you over my knee and spank you…”

There was a frightening sincerity in his eyes when he looked at her. He wasn’t talking about some kind of foreplay; he had meant a literal spanking you would give a disobedient child. But he wasn’t going to allow Davia the opportunity to reply. He knew what would turn her to butter, just as much as she did him and he used that to his advantage. It may have been a mean thing to do, but he had a sneaky suspicion that Davia’s own sexual appetite at this moment would trump anything her mouth wanted to say in protest or defense.
And even if it hadn’t, Antonio was going to keep her mouth busy as he kissed her lips while his hands deftly undid the back of her bra through her clothing. There would be more time to visit this issue he was certain in the days to come, but right now it would be like beating a dead horse. So instead, he would help them both relieve some tension the best way he knew how.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

You're welcome.

Greta told Tim and hearing she was being sold as a prostitute before Dmitri found her just made her sad that her feelings were confirmed about her.

She probably didn't but depending how long she was with him she probably doesn't know what to do now or who to trust.

She wasn't like she truly liked Alric, she hated him for what he forced her to do. But when Nathan had him killed, she almost felt a little lost. It was hard to realize you could get away from that type of life. Or that people really wanted to help you, not put you in a worse situation. She smiled when he added he didn't say the girl's name because he didn't know it.

I see, well I'll try.

The girl might not even know English and Greta doubted she could speak German either. Well she would try to help her safer. It was the least she could do after everything the community had done for her so far.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

I'll deal with you later.

Nathan growled at Nitya. He had something else to take care of first. He kept a tight grip on Dawn's arm as he dragged her into his room.

Take your clothes off.

He ordered once they were inside and the door was locked. The first time Dawn had made him angry and it was a fight to get what he wanted from her. This time though, he was going to take his time and enjoy every second of it. And she might as well go along with it because he meant it when he said he'd have Amy killed.

[Monkey Kitty]

Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

Tim was correct that she didn't speak English or Hungarian - but speaking it wasn't the same as being able to understand. Although she was from a poor family and uneducated, there were many other people in the Philippines who spoke English, and she'd been in this country for a couple of months, so she'd picked up the meaning of the odd phrase in both languages here and there.

It suited her purposes to minimize how much she revealed that fact, though. People would often say things in front of her thinking she didn't know what they were talking about. They were more likely to be honest about their intentions if they thought they might as well be talking beside a blank wall as her. So although she wasn't able to respond in any language but Tagalog, she could listen to the words they said in their own tongues, and understand a little. Hopefully enough to determine if she was in danger here or not.

Mayumi looked up at Greta for the first time, and saw that she was pregnant. That was nice. Babies were cute. She gave the woman a cautious congratulatory smile. It wasn't much, but it was a small indication that she was open to trying to communicate.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta returned Mayumi's smile when she saw it.

Hi, I'm Greta. What's your name?

She wasn't sure how much the girl would understand but she still wanted to try and talk to her. To help her see that she was safe now.

I'm sure tonight was scary but you're safe now. No one can hurt you here.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn had known this was going to happen. So why did the pace of her heartbeat accelerate with fear when he said the words? She wanted to run, to unlock the door and make another dash, even if it was a suicide run... but Amy would die. There was no choice. Well, no good choices, at least.

Her fingers felt like lead as she fumbled awkwardly at the edge of her t-shirt, pulling it off over her head and letting it fall to the floor. Unwilling to entirely bare anything yet, she undid her jeans next, although the button was a challenge, numb and shaky as she was. She pulled them down to her ankles, and stepped out of them. Dawn's efforts stalled there, until she glanced up at Nathan and saw he was still prepared to carry out his threat.

She looked away again; she couldn't bear watching him watch her.

Now visibly trembling and with unshed tears in her eyes, she unhooked her bra and let it join her discarded clothing. Dawn gasped with a single desperate sob as her underwear hit the floor too, the last scrap of her modesty and dignity thrown away... by her own hand.

Then she waited again, pathetically trying to cover herself with her hands, knowing how little it would matter, given what was about to happen.

Was this still rape? Dawn didn't know. Chauncey had explained the very basics of the ways of the world to her, and she'd overheard things in the group home, but no one have ever given serious thought to the possibility that Dawn would ever need to understand these things. Nathan wasn't holding her down this time. He didn't have a knife or a gun. She could try to get away... but horrible things would happen. Was that force? It felt awful, either way, but she didn't know how to categorize this experience.

Dawn would do what he said. She would learn things tonight that she had no desire to know yet. Just like he had taken her virginity, tonight he would take her self-respect, and there was nothing she could do.

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes



Randolph looked literally crushed, like someone had dashed his hopes against the rocks without a care in the world. Why were these people so adamantly against an arranged marriage? Perhaps he had lived too long, the world was changing, or the world had changed according to his son. Then Emily’s mother spoke and it only seemed to inflame a sore spot.

“I see…”

“Well Mrs. Kazlar, I apologize if I gave you the impression that we were here today to remove Emily from your community. The arrangement was set for when she turned 18. I don’t understand your reasoning for being against an arranged marriage. My wife and I never met each other until the day of our wedding and most of those in our community come from arranged marriages as well."

Randolph looked at his son before turning his gaze back to Millie.

“I do not see the harm in wanting to give my son the same thing I have. Apparently that is not the way things work anymore. You can keep the money, it was never important to me. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

He could have easily defended himself. Told them his real reason for going to Harris’ to begin with, of his concerns for Emily and the fact that if he had any inkling that she was being abused here, he would have taken her out of here. But not for the purposes that these people thought and he didn’t feel he needed to explain himself. It was quiet obvious to him they had passed judgment on his family and his beliefs.

“Abigail, Bradley…” Randolph said prompting that he was ready to leave.

“In defense of my father…” Bradley interrupted.

“He was concerned for Emily’s safety. When he went to Harris’ it was to try and buy the freedom of the vampire that was there. My father had no idea that the vampire was Emily. He offered a dowry in exchange; it was the only thing that Harris would agree too. And today’s meeting was to make sure that Emily was somewhere safe. Regardless of how I feel about my father wanting to arrange my marriage, his intentions were pure.”

“Bradley….don’t...” Randolph replied.

[Monkey Kitty]

Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

Mayumi was skeptical about whether or not she was safe. Everyone said that, including the smuggler who had bought her from her relatives in the slums. Her purchase price had brought more money than she could make in years as the beggar her aunt and uncle had trained her to be, so why wouldn't everyone reassure her so she'd cooperate? What they had really wanted her for - prostitution - was a lot worse than begging. She wasn't going to believe nice words about being safe again.

Still, the woman seemed genuinely kind. There was no real reason not to say her name. Not like that alone would be enough to get Immigration on her case, although she had to be careful. The smuggler hadn't provided her any papers, of course; it wasn't as though human trafficking was legal, and without documentation it was harder to get away. Knowing she was here illegally, she couldn't have gone to the police even if they would understand her language. Still, the risk with a single name was minimal.

"Mayumi," she replied quietly, with another tiny smile.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan leered at Dawn as she slowly and awkwardly undressed. When she was naked, he told her.

Now undress me.

When he was naked as well he pulled her into his arms and made her go with him onto his bed. He wasn't as rough as he was the night he had taken her virginity but he wasn't a very affectionate man in bed. It was only about his pleasure and he told her exactly what to do to please him. Dawn would have probably preferred the first night, because that night he was done with her a lot faster. This time he took his time.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

That's a pretty name. Come, I'll show you where our room is.

Greta showed Mayumi the guest room she was staying in and told her with a friendly smile.

You don't have to worry about any bad people here. I know it might be hard to believe but the Yeats Family are very kind.

She knew she could tell Mayumi they were nice and that she was safe all day and night but it would take time for her to believe that. Maybe if she shared her own story, it would help Mayumi relax.

I just began to stay with them myself. My boss was a pretty mean man like I'm sure yours was. He used to make me sell my body and drugs so he could get richer. And I stayed because I was too scared to leave, he'd kill the ones who tried to leave or disobeyed him. But then I got pregnant and he wanted to sell my baby. I had to get away so I wouldn't lose her. Everyone here has been so nice to me and want to help me be a good mother to her. They'll help you too. They won't force you to do illegal things. In fact, they won't force you to do anything you don't want to do.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

The tears she had managed to restrain as she undressed rolled down her face as she took Nathan's clothes off. This was sick, it was disgusting... she hated him. She hated his body. The sight of him filled her with revulsion, even more naked than clothed. She tried to hide that, though, knowing it would make him angry. In fact, Dawn tried to avoid looking at his unclothed body at all as much as possible.

Dawn gasped when he suddenly pulled her into his arms, and for an instant she instinctively pulled away, but then she remembered why she was doing this and went limp, yielding.

She was still bruised, sore, and torn from the other night. It probably would have hurt anyway, since he was rough and she was tense, but that made it hurt even more. Dawn bled again; was that supposed to happen? Maybe she'd be really lucky and bleed to death. But no, the torn internal tissue just hurt, and didn't cause any life threatening problems.

The physical pain was the easiest part. It was worse the way he stared at her and touched her. His hands, his lips... everywhere. Nothing was private anymore. Nothing sacred. Nothing was hers. It was worse how he invaded her body... and she let him in.

It seemed to take forever. Every time she thought he might finally be satisfied, he would make some other degrading demand. Dawn did as she was instructed, occasionally showing a hint of reluctance that was quickly squashed when he reminded her how happy he would be to kill her friend.

She knew the images of what he had done to her - and what she had done - would be burned into her brain forever. For her there would never be the joy of discovering these things with a lover of her own choosing. It had all been made tawdry and disgusting. She had been made tawdry and disgusting.

"Can I go now?" Dawn asked expressionlessly when he finally pulled away.

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

Millie was rather taken aback by this insulted reaction, and wasn't quite sure where it was coming from, since she hadn't actually said anything at all in criticism of arranged marriage.

Certainly, as a woman and as a therapist, it wasn't something she would recommend, but if both parties were consenting adults who mutually agreed to form a relationship that way, she would have no real moral objection. The problem was that Emily was neither consenting, nor an adult.

Millie had only spoken negatively of forced marriage. Were the two things truly synonymous in Blackburne's eyes? Seemingly so. Good thing Emily wasn't getting mixed up in such a situation.

Then the younger man surprised her even more. So they actually cared about Emily? That was... interesting. And it spoke far more highly of the elder Blackburne than his previous behaviour had.

"I'm grateful for your concern," Millie replied, entirely genuinely. "I'm grateful that you attempted to help her. That was very kind. Emily isn't our prisoner here, though. She's our daughter. We've adopted her. She is... I think... quite happy here."

"I hope that we can still part on good terms," Millie added. "I understand now that you had good intentions, and I honour you for that."

Asif cleared his throat. It had been easy to forget he was even there, since he'd been quiet, but he had been paying attention.

"Mister Blackburne... I wonder if we might speak, please?" Asif asked politely.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan dragged it out because he knew he could. He knew that Dawn cared enough about Amy's life to do anything he told her to do. No matter how disgusting she thought the request or he was. He kissed and touched her everywhere so she would always remember that she belonged to him now. Just like every other girl in the coven belonged to him. When he was finally finished, he rolled off her and said.

Yes.

When she asked if she could leave now. He didn't want anything else from her right now, so he didn't care what Dawn did now. She could go cry in the shower for all he cared. He got dressed and went to find Nitya. She hadn't made him happy trying to stop him earlier and she would have to be taught a lesson for that. When he found her, he said.

What were you thinking Nitya? Are you jealous of the attention I've been giving the new girl?

He doubted that was true. Cara was probably the only one truly jealous but that was because she was high most of time. It made her unaware of how things really worked in the coven.

[Monkey Kitty]

Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

Mayumi smiled when Greta complimented her name, although she wasn't sure how to thank her properly or reciprocate. The room was surprisingly nice too, and Mayumi plopped delightedly on the bed.

She listened to Greta, processing. It wasn't entirely clear how much she was understanding, but she got the general gist. Greta had been a prostitute before too, and was treated badly, but she liked it here. The other claims, though, seemed impossible - or maybe she just wasn't understanding right.

Finally, in halting English, she asked, "If they are kind... why they... hmmm..."

She bit her lip, trying to translate from Tagalog in her mind. "Why they want whores?"

The last word was one she knew all too well, and she formed the sounds for "whores" with more confidence of her pronunciation than anything else she'd said except her own name.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta was happy when she saw that Mayumi liked the compliment even if she didn't know enough English to say so. She sat down on her bed and took off her shoes. Her were starting to get swollen from her pregnancy and she rubbed them as they talked. She wasn't sure how much Mayumi understood but she knew she had gotten the gist of what she meant. When she asked why the Yeats would want whores, Greta replied.

They want to help us have better lives. Lives where we don't have to be whores anymore.

She could tell from all the words Mayumi said that whore had be the word she heard often.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn collected her clothes, and went to the bathroom without another word. She had never engaged in unnecessary conversation with Nathan, and now she was even less eager to talk to him than usual, if that was even possible.

The young Vampire stepped into the shower and turned it on, letting the water wash over her. The temperature was too hot, painfully so, but the pain was what she wanted right now. To hurt. To hurt her treacherous body that had done those degraded things. She wanted to attack her disgusting flesh, to slash and burn and bruise everywhere his hands and mouth had touched.

Dawn wanted to punish herself. She had given in. She had let him do those things. She deserved to be punished. If only she could just wash herself down the drain like the filth from the unwanted encounter. She was nothing more than dirt now. Nothing more than trash.

She had let him do it. She had let him. Not even just lying back and taking it, but... participating.

The distraught girl dried off, dressed, and left the bathroom, unsure where she would go. Everywhere held such horrible memories. She couldn't stay in here. Maybe her room? She didn't want to think about what had happened the only time she'd been in there, but she should try to sleep.

When Dawn opened the door, her roommate laughed at her. "Back from Nathan's bed, huh? You thought you were better than us? You thought you were so pure? You're just a little whore after all!"

She let the door shut again without a word.

Dawn was torn between a desperate desire to be comforted and a burning shame that told her she should be alone. She went to the gym - empty at this hour - and curled up in the corner, staring at the wall.

She had let him do it. She was trash...

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

On the drive back to the warehouse, Amy was in a good mood. She had met Dawn's father and Dmitri wanted Dawn to live with him. She couldn't wait to tell Dawn. Amy hoped that knowing her father and his family wanted her would make her happy and realize that she shouldn't kill herself. Although as she pulled up, she mentally told herself not to show that happiness. It would make Nathan suspicious. Good moods weren't very common around there. She headed inside to look for Dawn. She got worried when she couldn't find her though. She learned from Dawn's roommate that Nathan had forced her to go into his room. Oh no, she thought. Maybe she was too late...Amy was tempted to shut the roommate up since she actually thought it was funny that Nathan proved to Dawn she was a little whore like the rest of them, but concern that Dawn would do something terrible to herself won over shutting that woman up. She finally found Dawn in the gym after what felt like forever searching. She sighed in relief that Dawn was still alive. She bent down on her knees next her.

Dawn?

She almost asked if she was okay but knew that would be a silly question. Amy already knew she wasn't.

[Monkey Kitty]

Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

Mayumi's brow furrowed. It took her a second longer to work her way through the sentence, but she understood the words. She just didn't get the concept behind them.

"Why?" she asked bluntly.

There was another problem too, even if they were genuinely charitable for some inscrutable reason.

Haltingly she added, "I am not... legal. No papers."

She shrugged helplessly, wondering if Greta understood that she would be deported if she didn't keep her head down.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn looked up. For a split second, relief crossed her face; Amy was alive. It would be just like Nathan to demand that price and then kill the other woman anyway.

Then the look was gone, replaced by one of shame and degradation. The shellshock was back tonight, but there was something else. Self-loathing, deep and poisonous.

"Time's up," Dawn said quietly. "I'm done. Good riddance to me."

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha and Nitya
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_BirvUCzeN8s/St2HII5voTI/AAAAAAAAB5A/jHJcELtkY3o/unknown_037.png http://www.stockpodium.com/stock-photo-7758163/indian-women-image.jpgg


She ran. Her long hair and draped clothing flew behind her back as she tore through the residential hallways of the Coven. her large eyes were frantic, glossy as she came to Sacha's door. Her knock was quick, loud and Sacha was quick to answer. If it was Nathan, he would have just come in. Locked doors made him angry and Sacha had no reason to lock his. The list of who else would come to visit was small. Perhaps Bruno or Jasmine, though she was on assignment. When he answered the door, he had only a moment to furrow his white brow before Nitya knocked him back into the room as she threw her arms around his neck.

"Chtos toboĭ?!" Sacha exclaimed. He held her with one arm and shut the door quickly behind her. He was quick to gather that something was wrong.

"I am in trouble" Nitya managed as she wept onto his shoulder. Her voice, which often held a beautifully mixed accent was heavily laden with her Indian upbringing. Sacha had noted it did that when she was upset.

"I walked by Nathan when and he was taking advantage of the new girl. I don't know what came over me... but I tried to stop him. I know better than that, Sacha. I know, but I couldn't... I couldn't let him."

For a long moment, there was silence after Nitya spoke. There was something intimate about her saying his name amid her shaking sentences. Sacha was intelligent, though, and made the connection that Nathan was raping the new girl. He often did that to let them know that he was their master now. Sacha had learned that in a very different way, a way that, to him, was no more traumatizing than the stars being out at night. In a way, he could not understand what Nitya was going through. The only connection he could make was of his perceptions of his mother, who was a prostitute for Nathan before she was killed for being a traitor and by the anger he felt at Viadero's men taking their only control away when they had been raped. He remembered that red rage he'd felt then and closed his eyes as Nitya wept. He then put his free arm around her and held her as she cried. Something was different about her, about how she felt when he hugged her. Before he could put a finger on it, she pulled back and wiped at her eyes with the backs of her hands.

"I am in trouble. He will be furious when he is done with the other girl. He will come for me."

Nitya hugged her arms around herself. Sacha watched her for a moment, unsure of the words needed here. Words were not a strong point for him.

"He has come for you before. Can it not be like that?" His voice was thickly accented as well. He was unsure how to word himself here and, even being upset, she seemed to understand that and not take offense. Nitya shook her head hard. Her thick ponytail flipped from one shoulder to the other.

"It cannot be like that, Sacha. It is different this time."

"Because of Viadero?" he asked. Nitya shook her head again.

"No, Sacha" she said in a tone that was infinitely gentle. Again, she said his name. No one ever did that. He found the way it made him feel to be unnerving.

"I am not understanding" he said at last, finding his own words difficult to come by. There was a familiar fear, the same fear he'd seen in her dark eyes when she came to him for the first time. She stepped forward slowly, silently. The same way and it caught Sacha's breath and held it. She reached out to take his hand and brought it gently to her abdomen. There was a small mound there that wasn't there before. It ached the smooth contour of her stomach. For a moment, Sacha didn't understand, but then-

Quickly he pulled his hand away and stepped back. Nitya stepped forward.

"Do not be angry!" she appealed quickly. She did not touch him. "I am not asking anything from you. Only... only that you be here when he is done."

She had said, one night when they were together, that he made her feel safe. That with him was the only place she felt at peace. It was an odd thing to say, and it was something that gave Sacha that odd warm feeling in his chest, like the night Nathan had been gentle and kind with him after he'd saved the Coven. He knew that was what she was saying to him now. She needed to be with him after Nathan, to regain that feeling of security. But... the thing in her abdomen made Sacha uneasy. She saw that, ever watchful.

"I found out last month. I was too afraid to say anything. I don't know if anyone knows." Sacha listened in silence. She took a breath and continued. She was shaking. "Nathan does not know. He will find out when he comes to me tonight."

Sacha watched her. He found this whole thing entirely difficult to deal with. The effort to quell the rising feelings within him was overpowering. With her... he always felt so weak. He was not weak! But the sight of her shaking growing worse made it difficult for him to breathe. his lips pursed.

"You are afraid of what he will do?" he finally managed. Nitya looked at him. Her dark eyes were very large tonight, surrounded by a sea of white. Nitya's hands were clasped in front of her as she nodded. She was afraid of many things. Of his reaction. Of what he would do to her. Of how he would hurt her when he found out. Of if he would hurt the child before it could grow within her...

Sacha saw her struggling inside. Again, he was stuck trying to understand something that he never could. But he knew she would be in pain and, knowing Nathan, it would be terrible pain. He wondered if his mother had felt this way when he was within her, if he could have caused her to betray Nathan just by his sheer existence? He would not allow that to happen with Nitya. She would not betray Nathan as his mother had!

"I will be here when he is done" he said quietly in a voice almost gentle for him. Nitya's hands tightened as she watched him and then slowly, carefully she nodded. They understood each other in a way only two quiet, observant people could. She crossed the small crevasse that had ruptured between them and kissed him softly on the cheek.

"Thank you" she whispered quietly and let herself out. Sacha stood there in the emptiness of his room, feeling as if h were floundering in a failure he did not fully understand.

Nitya pulled her clothing more securely around herself and went back to her room. She was afraid, terrified of what she knew would come. Once Nathan was done with the fair-haired girl he would come for her and he would not be gentle. She feared his anger as much a any of the women did. Being taken as she was by Viadero's men, yes she was terrified to experience that again, but her fear was compounded by the child growing within her. Nathan's anger would be powerful.

At least, and this was her only small comfort, Sacha had said he would be there when it was over. it was the only light at the end of a very dark tunnel that compelled her to sit and wait for Nathan to come instead of dying while trying to escape her fate. She sat with her hands folded in her lap and waited. He came in uninvited, slamming her door open and then shut again.

What were you thinking Nitya? Are you jealous of the attention I've been giving the new girl?

Nitya jumped and gripped her hands tightly in her lap. She remained sitting on the bed and tried to remain calm.

"No. I am not" she said quietly, not looking at him. She swallowed hard and breathed deeply. She answered him as little as possible. Any answer she gave would be the wrong answer. Any move she made would be the wrong one. If she sat as she was now, it would be wrong. He was angry with her and she would have to pay the price for speaking out of turn.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Viktoriya.jpg
Viktoriya


Viktoriya had worried about Dmitri's lack of sleep, but there wasn't much she could do for him except try and give him the support and comfort he needed. Being pregnant and having two other children at the moment had kept her busy. They would need to sit down with Karina when things settled with Dmitri and Dawn was finally home.

There was no telling what the young girl had been through, and not just the last couple of days. Chauncey wasn't a stellar example of a decent being of any kind. But Viktoriya was no stranger to dealing with unusual circumstanced. The one she'd been in for the last 14 years had been unusual, not to mention those years spent with Richard.

When Dmitri came home, she met him in the living room and hugged him. She could tell he needed it. They sat at the table together, Viktoriya insisting that he eat something. They talked for awhile despite how exhausted he was. Karina's behavior had made an impact, and his own worries for how Viktoriya and Darya would view him as well were evident in his voice and in his actions.

"Karina will come around, she just needs time to adjust. It has nothing to do with you or Dawn, it's just a new situation she isn't sure how to process. When Dawn comes home, we'll sit the girls down together so there's no preconceived notions." Viktoriya replied as she tried to encourage her husband.

"And you don't need to worry about me. I trust you Dmitri, I know I have nothing to worry about with you. I appreciate your love and concern regarding my past, but it is the past."

Viktoriya wasn't one to dwell on what had already taken place. Despite everything she'd been through, she was upbeat and positive. It wasn't about her, even when it was. Lukas needed his mother, then it was Karina's turn, followed by Darya and soon to be Dawn. If Viktoryia hadn't trusted Dmitri, they wouldn't be married and that was a simple fact.

"Come to bed with me and try to get some rest. I know it's difficult to sleep, but there's nothing we can do at the moment."

Viktoriya took Dmitri's hand and they walked together to their room.

"I'm here for you, in any capacity you need." She said as she kissed him softly on the lips.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Because good people help those who need it.

That was the only reason Greta could think to say when Mayumi asked her why the Yeats would help. She frowned when Mayumi said she had no papers. She wasn't sure what to tell her because she didn't really understand how all that legal stuff would work.

Oh, well let's worry about it tomorrow. Okay? Try to get some sleep.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Don't say that.

Amy said and reached out to touch Dawn's shoulder. She wasn't sure if the touch would be welcome after what Nathan had done. Amy knew without asking that Nathan had raped her again.

I have good news for you. When I was out, I met your father. He's looking for you and wants you to live with him and his family.

She reached in her pocket and pulled out a flyer that Dmitri had been handing out. She had put it in her pocket so she would have proof for Dawn that her father did want her and not just think that Amy was saying these things to keep her from doing something she might regret. She looked around to make sure they were alone and said quietly.

He's going to rescue you, tomorrow when Nathan's at the circus. He's so angry at your mother for turning you away, upset with himself for not being here to protect you already, and he wants you in his life more then anything. You only have to survive one more day Dawn. I know you're strong enough to do that.

[Monkey Kitty]

Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

Mayumi supposed that was probably the best answer possible, so she accepted it, but she was still worried about the issue of her residence status.

"Thank you," she replied. Then, with words that lacked in confidence rather than correctness, she added, "Goodnight, Greta."

Mayumi didn't sleep for awhile. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, waiting for something to happen... for a man to come in, or for the Immigration authorities to knock on the door and drag her away. Nothing happened. She dozed off.

A few hours later, she heard adult male footsteps, and she startled awake, clutching the blanket over her borrowed nightgown like a shield. Mayumi heard the bathroom door close, the toilet flush, the water run, then the door open again. The footsteps retraced their path in the opposite direction. The door of the bedroom hadn't opened. She was relieved, but surprised.

Finally, Mayumi managed to get some real sleep.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan glared at Nitya.

I see, so you're just being stupid then.

He walked up to her bed and grabbed a hold of her chin so she would have to look him in the eyes.

After three years, I would think you would be smart enough to know not to anger me. But it looks like I'll just need to teach you again what happens when you make me angry.

He pulled her off the bed by her arms and frowned when he reached down by her stomach to pull her clothing off. He felt a bump, one he had not felt the last time he had been this close to her. First Greta and now...

F*cking hell!

He growled and pushed her away from him.

How long have you known?!

All he could think of was that Nitya had been trying to hide her pregnancy from him like Greta had. That she had the same stupid idea she could keep it from him and keep the baby. Was there something in the water in this city? Because he never had two girls almost back to back get pregnant.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn startled and stiffened when Amy touched her, then relaxed against her hand seeking comfort. Then she remembered how dirty she was, how contaminated, and she pulled away again. Amy shouldn't have to have physical contact with someone like her.

She was skeptical about this story until she saw the flyer, indeed thinking it was a bid to prevent her suicide... then her eyes skimmed it, and she abruptly started to cry, harsh sobs that shook her shoulders and made her sore body ache even more.

Too late! He's coming for me too late. He won't want me now. He'll know Nathan claimed me. He'll leave me behind if he finds out about this. He might forgive the rape. He might forgive the drugs. He'll never forgive me for what I did in Nathan's bed tonight. He'd leave me to rot here if he knew...

Maybe he didn't have to know. Would a lie by omission make her a horrible person? Dawn didn't care anymore. Sleeping with Nathan had already made her a horrible person. If the lie would get her out of here, she would tell it.

"Okay," Dawn replied, sounding less despairing, but more afraid. "I'll wait for tomorrow. Whatever happens then."

Whether he saved her, or decided to leave her behind after all.

She glanced at Amy. "Just don't tell him... things. Okay? Don't tell him things that will make him change his mind about helping me."

[SilntAngl5]

Nitya
http://www.stockpodium.com/stock-photo-7758163/indian-women-image.jpgg


Nitya said nothing to him. She only looked at the floor. When he grabbed her chin, she obeyed and looked up at him. No matter how much it terrified her, she obeyed. When he grabbed her arm, she resisted him and pulled back from him. She twisted when he tried to grab her, to protect the secret she carried, but his hand grazed her abdomen. When he pushed her, she stumbled back into the wall aside the head of her bed. She backed as far into the wall as she could. The only thing that kept her from shaking was the wall. She clung to it tightly with both palms splayed behind her. Her chest heaved with fear.

"A month" she managed to speak. She swallowed a thick ball of fear growing in her throat. It felt like it would lodge in her neck and suffocate her.

"I was afraid" she stammered in her fearfully beautiful voice. "Please do not be angry with me."

Her wide eyes were glistening with tears from the fear of his anger.

"I had plans to tell you when I could find it in my heart to be brave."

Words of truth. She hoped for pity, prayed for it from Goddesses she had not prayed to since she was a child.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta wished she could give Mayumi a better answer but she wasn't a lawyer or anything, so she had no idea what would happen. She gave her smile.

You're welcome and good night.

She settled down to get some sleep, although she was a light sleeper. The years with Alric and Nathan had made her so. Although she knew she was safe with the Yeats Family, she still opened her eyes as well when she heard the footsteps. In her tiredness her first thought that Nathan was coming for her. It had been a while since they had...but then she shook her head. She didn't have to worry about making Nathan happy anymore, he was out of her life and she was safe. She closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy was saddened that at Dawn's reaction to her touching her shoulder. It was all her fault that Dawn felt this terribly about herself. It didn't matter her heart had been in the right place, Dawn would never had met Nathan if it wasn't for her...She wanted to hug Dawn when she started crying but held back because she could tell Dawn didn't want to be touched. Amy was glad she believed her though and that she would wait until tomorrow.

I won't tell him anything you don't want him to know.

Amy replied when she asked her not to tell Dmitri things in case he changed his mind. She didn't think anything Dawn had been forced to do would make Dmitri change his mind.

I promise.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

A month?!

Nathan roared in response and slapped Nitya across the face.

You should have told me the second you found out!

He said grabbing her shoulders and hitting her back against the wall. He was so angry now. She might not want him angry with her but it was too late for that. He didn't like her excuses of wanting to be braver before telling him.

Did you think you could hide this from me? Keep it? Like Greta thought she was going to keep hers?!

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn nodded, relieved, and suppressed the sobs. She would rather just bury this, and never talk about it, but Amy had to know what she wasn't supposed to say.

"Don't tell him about the drugs," she said quietly.

She drew a shaky breath. Dmitri could know about the rape. That wasn't her fault. But not about what had happened in Nathan's bedroom tonight, because that was her fault. Dmitri could never know the things she had done with Nathan, or he would never let her live with him and be his kid. He'd surely leave her behind if he knew, since he'd know she didn't deserve to be saved...

"I slept with Nathan tonight. Don't tell my father that either."

[SilntAngl5]

Nitya
http://www.stockpodium.com/stock-photo-7758163/indian-women-image.jpgg


Nitya cried out when he slapped her. Her face whipped to one side with the force of his strike. She winced when he roared and shirked closer to the floor, almost as if wilting.

"Please!" she cried when he grabbed her. When he forced her back into the wall, the back of her head hit too and for a moment, her eyes were alight with brightness. She furiously tried to focus. Her dark eyes looked up at him. The whites were bright and wide as the moon in the shadow of his anger.

"I have no plans to keep it!" she cried back against his anger. "I know your laws for children here and I had every plan to obey."

As she always obeyed. She was ever obedient. Her shoulders were tense in his tight grip.

"Please" she tried once more, pleading to Nathan's sense of greed and power. "If the child is damaged it cannot be sold for much money!"

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

Dmitri nodded wearily, grateful for her reassurance. She was right. They were a family. It would all work out. Surely it would. It would be fine when no one was missing anymore.

He smiled at her. "Thank you," he said. "You're a wise person, Viktoriya. I've always admired that. I'm grateful for your reassurance, and I put more stock in it than my own worries."

Going to bed sounded like the best idea he'd ever heard.

When they got to the bedroom, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her close, savouring the kiss she gave him. He was tired, but he was also desperately in need of emotional release, and she would feel from his body in what capacity he needed her.

Before he made any move toward satisfying that urge, though, he looked deeply into her eyes, making sure she really wanted this. There was a moment of aching vulnerability in him... and then seeing that she desired him too, he kissed her, gently but with growing passion.

"I love you," he whispered in her ear. "My angel. My rock. You've changed my life."

That was the simple truth. She'd accepted him, loved him, given him children. She'd turned him from a cynical and bitter man into a happy one. She had saved him... not from death, but from himself.

As always when they were intimate, Dmitri devoted himself to Viktoriya's pleasure. There was nothing more erotic to him than watching her enjoying herself. In the Coven, the other men had laughed behind their hands at Dmitri, joking that his lack of partners had been due to an inadequacy in the bedroom department. It was in fact quite the opposite - he hadn't been interested then, but he was quite skilled. He was just waiting for the right woman, the one who could melt the ice left in his heart by the death of his first wife. Viktoriya, for her part, made sure that Dmitri had a wonderful time too.

He lay beside her when they had finished, stroking her shoulder and the line of her side, and kissing her neck. She was beautiful. He was so lucky.

Dmitri fell asleep with Viktoriya snuggled in his arms, her head resting against his chest. His anxiety was greatly eased. Whatever happened with Dawn tonight, they would face it together.

[Monkey Kitty]

Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

Early in the morning, a nightmare awakened Mayumi. She whimpered in her sleep, muttered a few unintelligible sleep-heavy words in Tagalog, then shot bolt upright, suddenly awake but still highly disoriented. She couldn't remember where she was, or who she was staying with.

It all started to come back to her, but she was still scared. She slipped out of her own bed, and started to crawl into Greta's for comfort, watching with wide eyes and ready to run if Greta reacted badly.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta had only woke up once during the night, which was much better sleep then she had had in years. Although she felt Mayumi coming into her bed and that woke her up. She opened her eyes and gave Mayumi a friendly smile. She could tell she was scared and wondered if she had a bad dream.

It's okay Mayumi, you're safe.

She moved over a little to give the girl room in the bed.

But if it'll make you feel better, you can stay with me.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy was happy that Dawn was willing to give it one more day. Amy would go as far as distracting Nathan from Dawn if she had to before he left with the others to the circus. When Dawn asked her not to tell him that Nathan was making her learn how to make drugs with Elena, she nodded her head.

Okay.

She frowned slightly though when she was also asked not to say that Dawn had slept with Nathan tonight. Amy noticed Dawn didn't say not to say she was raped the first night. She wondered what the difference this time had made with the other but didn't ask. Dawn would tell her if she wanted her to know, so Amy nodded her head again.

I won't tell him.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

It was wise of Nitya to appeal to Nathan's greed. He was angry and wanted to hurt her, but he loved money more. She was right, he wouldn't get top dollar for her baby if it was harmed in the womb. Still the memories of his fight with Greta were fresh on his mind. Nitya might be young but he knew she was observant and wise beyond her years. She could be telling him what he wanted to hear.

You're right.

He said releasing his grip on her shoulders.

Until the baby is born you will remain here in the warehouse, not going out for anything. You will help Elena in her lab until you recover from childbirth and can go back to your regular duties.

He had made the mistake of letting Greta go outside after he found out she was pregnant, Nathan wouldn't make that mistake agaim. He did believe Greta was dead but the selfish b*tch had taken away a chance for him to make more money. He wasn't going to allow Nitya out of the warehouse until her baby was born and it was sold to someone who would pay a lot of money for it.

Is that understood?

[SilntAngl5]

Nitya
http://www.stockpodium.com/stock-photo-7758163/indian-women-image.jpgg

Nitya's words were meant to appeal to Nathan's greed, to hopefully stymie the blows she knew would come. But they were not the whole truth. She had given no thought about whether or not to keep the child. She had heard stories of other women who tried, and what Nathan had done to them. She had been too wrapped in fear of Nathan's reaction to consider it as an option... but now.

Now she was trapped.

"But-"

But what? She would not have to take clients in the warehouse, would she? She could be free, for a time.

But making drugs...? Nitya knew nothing about making them and refused to use them, though other girls had offered on plenty of occasions. This past month of pregnancy, she'd been busy with her job, with her clients, so thinking about having a baby was not on her mind, but in the lab, she would have time to think and, as a woman who initially grew up in a man-centered society, thoughts were dangerous. She did not want the opportunity to think about it. She knew, if she did, the idea of raising a child would appeal to her traditional ways. Nathan would kill her. At least, doing her job, however impure it was, she had a chance to live. Nitya began to shake.

"But... I-I have no knowledge of how to make drugs. I would slow Elena down."

She winced at the face Nathan made when she questioned and raised her arm to protect herself.

[Monkey Kitty]

Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

"Thank you," Mayumi whispered. "Very kind."

Back in the Philippines, she had slept in the same bed as two of her cousins, before her aunt and uncle realized they could profit more from getting rid of her. Although bad things had happened in beds since she had been sold into prostitution, sleeping alone was still an unfamiliar and slightly frightening thing.

She closed her eyes and relaxed, enjoying the feeling of someone beside her who didn't expect anything. The relaxation didn't last long, though. She felt it as a craving first, a need that she knew wouldn't bring real fulfillment, but that she also knew she would have to satisfy. Mayumi began to tremble, then to sweat, but she shivered and her teeth chattered.

The girl looked at Greta with frightened eyes. "I need..." Her heart was beating fast, and it was harder than usual to form the words.

Given the life Greta had led, she would probably recognize the early stages of heroin withdrawal.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

"Thanks," Dawn said quietly. She stared down at her hands, and remembered what she'd been forced to do with them... and with her mouth, and...

Dawn wiped her hands on her jeans, even though they were spotlessly clean, her skin still reddened from the too-hot shower. Would she ever feel clean again, no matter how many times she scrubbed her skin and brushed her teeth?

"You don't hate me, right?" she asked Amy worriedly. "I mean, for... with him? That it was my choice this time? I know you probably can't understand it, but... I had a reason. Believe me."

She couldn't tell her what that reason was, though. Amy might feel responsible.

"Can you forgive me? I know it seems like I was just being a coward, but I couldn't... the other choice was worse. Please believe that."

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes

It was the first time that Emily had smiled since they'd entered the room. That was all the conformation that he needed. If it was forced or fake, he would have known, but the young girl seemed genuinely happy. It only validated her spoken words.

"I am happy." Emily replied.

Abigail had remained quiet during the entire explosion, but she placed her hand upon Randolph's for encouragement. They were not seeing the best of her husband at the moment but perhaps he could end this on not an entirely sour note. He gazed at his wife, regret and loss filled his eyes. He was old fashioned, a term his son often called him, one that he had grown fond of.

"Look Mr. and Mrs. Kazlar, this is not how I wanted things to happen. I am not a violent man, but I am a passionate one. I came in here expecting nothing better than what I had witnessed from Harris. And I was raised in a time that dowries, an arranged marriages are common place. I love my wife very much, and I only wanted my son and Emily to find the same happiness we have found. "

Randolph sighed as if he was conceding a draw in a battle.

"But I see now that the world has changed and I haven't. While I do not entirely see that an arranged marriage is a bad thing, I do see that it is not for everyone. I apologize to you and your family for coming off as...well a jerk."

Mr. Blackburne was already standing when Asif spoke up.

"Very well Mr. Asif."

While his father was occupied with Asif, Bradley did want to take the opportunity to get to know Emily better.

"Mr. & Mrs. Kazlar, would you be opposed to allowing me a walk with Emily...with my mother and perhaps Mrs. Kazlar joining us of course."

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

"You don't need to apologize," Millie replied.

"There was misunderstanding on both sides, not just yours. I can see why what you saw from Harris would make you wary of us... but the only connection we have to him is that our people rescued his victims, one of whom happened to be his heir. His mindset is not something we approve of at all."

She smiled. "I think that two bright and caring young people like Emily and Bradley both have happy futures ahead of them, no matter where life takes them."

Millie did have increased respect for Blackburne now that she understood his position - but she was still somewhat worried for Bradley. Would the boy be able to stand up to his father, and follow his own path?

There was very little point in lecturing, though. Overtures of friendship would probably be more effective communication, since the Blackburnes clearly didn't have ill intent.

"I think a walk is a nice idea," Millie replied. "We're happy for our children to make new friends."

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/AsifAvatar.jpg

"I think that I understand your point of view better than you think, perhaps," Asif told Randolph.

"My wife and I are from Pakistan. Arranged marriages are common there, and attempting to do otherwise is... strongly disapproved of, by most families. Lina - my wife - and I had an arranged marriage, although we had met beforehand. It was only by decision of our relatives that we were wed, and we did not really 'date' before we were married as they do in Europe. We have been very happy... although also, I think, unusually fortunate."

Asif smiled, and finished by saying, "My views have changed since I was a young man, when I did not know enough about the possibilities to question it. But I can understand how alien one can feel, being in a culture that is so different and strange to you."

He had lived in Europe for many years, and was quite accustomed to it, but he could still remember the lost feeling that he'd experienced as a new immigrant. Perhaps to some degree Blackburne felt the same way.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nitya should have just accepted Nathan's order with out questioning it, things would have been easier for her. As her pregnancy progressed she wouldn't be able to do her own job as well and if Elena had more help, she could make more drugs. More drugs meant more money for him.

But nothing! When I give you an order you're expected to obey it!

He was actually going to leave her alone if she had just said yes she would help Elena but now...Nathan grabbed her arm she held up to protect herself and twisted it painfully.

You're going to help Elena because I said so. If you don't, then that baby growing inside you won't be born.

With his free hand, Nathan made a fist.

I can hit you here or here.

He said first aiming his fist at her stomach and then her face.

Your choice Nitya.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

You're welcome.

Amy replied with a smile but she did feel that Dawn had nothing to worry about when it came to her father accepting her. She watched her wipe her hands on her jeans and her mind was already thinking of the things Nathan made Dawn do. Things he had made her do as well many times. When Dawn asked if hated her, she replied.

Of course not.

Amy didn't think she would ever hate Dawn. Amy hated herself right now for bringing Dawn here. She was beginning to doubt that she would ever forgive herself for what happened to the girl. Amy wondered what her reason was but didn't ask.

Dawn I know it's hard but don't be ashamed. Whatever happened it's not your fault. Nathan's made me do a lot of things I'm not proud of either since I came here...Things I never thought I would do.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

"I'm sorry he's done those things to you, too," Dawn replied sincerely, but quietly since she didn't want to be overheard. "He's a horrible man. I hope he dies soon. But I'm grateful that you understand. Thanks for being my... my friend."

She said the last word cautiously, as if afraid of rejection. Dawn certainly thought of Amy as her friend, as she had demonstrated the night before, and hoped it would be reciprocated.

Dawn glanced up at the wall clock and said, "I gotta go. See you in the evening."

The look she gave was significant, but she didn't say anything more about her sole source of hope.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

You're welcome.

Greta replied with a smile when Mayumi thanked her for being kind to her. She hoped that Mayumi would be able to rest but could see she couldn't. She easily recognized what was happening. Mayumi was addicted to heroin and going through withdrawal. Greta knew it because heroin had been her drug of choice before Jasmine convinced her to stop using to keep herself safe when she was working. She squeezed Mayumi's shoulder.

It'll be okay. I'm going to get Tim, he's a doctor.

She was certain Tim would know a better way for Mayumi to get through her withdrawal then Greta did. Greta had quit cold turkey and it had been a horrible experience. But she was glad she did it, she hadn't used in almost a year and she had a healthy baby on the way. She hurried out of the room to find Tim. When she found him, she said.

Mayumi needs your help. She's going through heroin withdrawal.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

I'm very sorry what's he done to you.

Amy said when Dawn said she was sorry about the things Nathan had done to her. She hoped that Dmitri would come tonight like he said and get Dawn far away from Nathan.

Someday he'll get what's coming to him.

Amy believed in karma and believed that someday all the horrible things Nathan had done to people over the years would come back to bite him in the ass. She truly believed it would happen and that was one way she was able to make it through the days and nights here.

Thanks for being my friend too.

Amy did consider Dawn her friend, that was she was working so hard to keep her alive and get her out of here. She was glad that Dawn felt the same, she figured Dawn would reject her for putting her in the situation.

I'll see you later.

She said and headed off to her room to get some sleep. She couldn't wait for the night to come so Nathan would be gone.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim and Mayumi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/1083097566_PEOPLE_ROACHEx.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Mayumi.jpg

Mayumi looked alarmed when Greta went for Tim. What would he think of this? What would they do with her? She should just try to get more heroin, so she wouldn't have to worry about this... but she didn't have the words to protest, and then Greta was gone.

Tim was awake when Greta found him, but still in the t-shirt and flannel pants he had slept in rather than his work clothes. Instantly, his face registered sympathy. "Poor kid! Don't worry, we'll take good care of her."

He grabbed his portable medical kit and his mobile phone, and went to check on her.

Sitting down beside her on the bed - which predictably made her cringe a little, although her reaction was muted by other concerns - he helped her sit up, and checked her pulse and temperature, then pulled back her sleeves. Her veins had visible track marks, although none looked more than a few months old.

"Heroin?" Tim asked gently. It was obvious; he was just confirming.

She nodded miserably.

"We're going to help you quit, okay?" Tim promised. "We'll help you get clean."

It took her a moment to process his offer, but she nodded finally.

Then Tim leaned her against him so she wouldn't fall as he dialed the number for the pharmacy at the clinic.

"Yes, hi, this is Tim. I'm prescribing Buprenorphine for the young lady who was in yesterday. I'll need to do some bloodwork first, but are you stocked to dispense it? Good. No, I just want the starting dose today. I'm going to do a full course of detox, but I'll sign it out as I need it."

He didn't want to have extra opiates in the house. No need for the temptation, and the potential overdose.

"Thanks. We'll be there soon."

He smiled at Greta. "Thanks for letting me know. Quitting is hell, but the medicine I'm prescribing her will ease the withdrawal symptoms as we wean her body off its dependence. We'll gradually reduce the dose so she'll get clean, but it'll be a lot less painful for her than just going without the drug. I appreciate that you helped her without judging her. You fit in well here, Greta."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta stayed in the room when Tim examined Mayumi. Greta knew Tim was a good man but she thought that Mayumi might feel better with the presence of another female in the room. It would probably take her a while to trust men. She returned Tim's smile.

You're welcome. Trust me, I know how hard it is to quit...

She looked down at the floor when she said that. Another part of her past she wasn't proud of, but it was the past and she couldn't change that. When Greta had quit, she didn't have a drug to help and it had been awful. At least Mayumi's own quitting would be far easier. She looked up when he said she'd fit in well here. Her smile got bigger.

Thank you. I'm glad I can help her.

She wouldn't judge Mayumi, she had no right to do so. She was no better then anyone else. Greta had done lots of bad things in the last few years and yet no one here was judging her because of her past and she wouldn't judge anyone else either.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/1083097566_PEOPLE_ROACHEx.jpg

Tim touched Greta's arm when she looked at the floor.

"Hey, you don't need to be embarrassed. You don't need to judge yourself, either. It happens. You got clean, and that's huge. That's incredibly admirable, and not an easy thing to do."

He smiled again when she did. "You're very welcome. I'm just telling you the truth. I'm glad you came to our community, and that you decided to live with our family."

"I should get Mayumi to the infirmary, but I'll see you later. I'm sure your brother will be happy for a visit, too. Bye for now."

[SilntAngl5]

Nitya
http://www.stockpodium.com/stock-photo-7758163/indian-women-image.jpgg


Nitya fell to her knees in an attempt to decrease the pressure Nathan put on her arm. She could feel her bones straining under his strong grip and that angle he held her arm. It felt like fire was traveling up her nerves, like any moment those bones would give way and snap.

"Please!" she begged, tears falling from the corner of her eyes as she looked up at him from her knees. She breathed quickly, trying to shift in a way that relieved the pain in her arm. It was to no avail. He was considerably stronger than she was and she did not dare to tell him to stop.

She watched his fist move from her stomach to her face. The whites of her eyes were large, like twin moons with dark pools at their center. She was afraid and her whole body shook with her fear. She hadn't expected this... She expected violence, beatings, possibly even him forcing himself upon her. But this... not this. Not this choice. She was not prepared to make such a choice. Her own pain and suffering over that of a child she had no intentions of keeping. Should she suffer or should she let Nathan hit her abdomen, possibly killing what lay within? Killing... Nathan would see something change in Nitya's dark brown eyes. The fear changed. Yes, she still feared for how badly he would hurt her, but if she caused this child to die, by her own insolence and ignorance to think before speaking to Nathan, was that blood on her soul? Suddenly, she was very afraid for this child and the decision she would have to make. What Nathan was asking, was did she value her life more than the life of this child? If she did, he might think she was wanting to keep it. If she didn't... the fault would be hers, wouldn't it? As the one carrying the child, she would be responsible.

Nitya wept silently as she looked up at Nathan.

"Please..." she begged again, softly in her beautifully accented voice. She began to shake uncontrollably. "Please have mercy."

And she slid a hand across her abdomen and tilted her head so that Nathan might strike her face.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta looked up at Tim when he said she didn't need to be embarrassed either. The most important thing she was clean now.

I guess it's true we are always our own harshest critics. I'm glad I did too.

It was easy to judge herself because she often heard her father's voice when she did so. She wished she had had a father like Tim and thought his children were lucky to have him. She nodded her head.

See you later.

She was excited about seeing her brother again. She had no plans to go to the circus tonight, Jasmine had warned her it wouldn't be wise to go. So she figured she'd divide her time between spending it with Fritz and spending it with the Yeats Family.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Don't beg Nitya, it's pathetic.

Nathan told her when she pleaded for mercy. Her choice confirmed his mind that she wanted to baby regardless what she said. Well she wasn't going to keep it, he'd take it from her the moment she gave birth. When she titled her head, Nathan punched in her in the face. Normally he wouldn't hit the girls in the face, he didn't want to risk turning off clients by ruining their beauty, but this time it didn't matter. Nitya wouldn't be selling her body until that little creature was out of her.

Report to Elena's lab first thing in the morning. If you don't...The next time I won't let you decide.

He would hit her in the abdomen next time if she continued to question him. When he was satisfied that his point had gotten through to Nitya, he left her room and headed to his own when he thought something. He should go talk to Sia. See if Nitya had told her about this pregnancy. He knew they were somewhat close since Sia had found Nitya after her parents had died. He went into Sia's room.

Yes Nathan?

She asked, she was getting ready to bed and putting her nightgown on. She assumed he was there for sex and was prepared to go to his room to give him that.

Did you know Nitya is pregnant?

What? No. Why would I?

Sia replied in surprise.

I thought she might have told you because you two are close.

Sia shook her head. It was true, she was close with Nitya in a way. She had found the girl after she lost her family and taught her how to properly please her clients when she was old enough.

If she had told me, I would have told you. You know that. I don't keep things from you like others around here.

For a moment Nathan wondered if she could be lying but knew from the look on her face she wasn't. Sia was far more loyal then others in the coven, he was constantly glad he had spared her life instead of killing her in Israel.

I know.

Sia offered to go to his room but Nathan replied he was tempted but would have to take a rain check. He needed to be fully rested for the circus tomorrow night. The truth was that it wasn't long ago that he had been with Dawn. He would never admit it, but he actually needed to give his body time before he could sleep with another one of his girls. Sia accepted it and figured she would have to talk to Nitya about keeping things from Nathan. It wasn't wise.

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha and Nitya
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Nitya cried out when Nathan punched her in the face, but every blow landed its mark until he was finished with her. She fell to the ground and cringed as he threatened her. She lay there, curled up and shaking until he left. Then she wept deeply and bitterly. The pain in her face throbbed and she tasted blood on in her mouth. Her lips was split and one of her eyes swollen. She knew she would be terribly bruised by morning. But Nitya picked herself up. There was a small, white light at the end of her tunnel. As much as it hurt, she made herself get up, holding onto her bed for support until she was standing. She went to her door and opened it. She took one of her shawls and wrapped it around her head and then went into the hallway, closing the door behind her. If she passed someone, she did not look up to see who it was. She went straight to his room and made sure there was no one in sight before going down his hall and opening his door. She squeezed inside and shut it quickly behind her. As it always was, the room was bathed in darkness, but it did not take her eyes long to see him, standing almost in the center of the room.

He had been pacing since she left. He didn't know what to do. Sache knew he shouldn't have let her go back to her room. He knew he should have done something to keep her here, but when she left the terrible feeling in his stomach grew. He could not be idle. He always had hated when Nathan left him idle. He stood and paced the room, from one end to the other over and over. He wrestled with the growing anxiety he felt inside, the weak feelings Jurek had warned him against. It was one of the few good things he'd taught him. Emotions made you weak, he would say to those he owned for fighting, Control them or they would control you. But Sacha found that more and more difficult. A few times his anxiety grew so that he punched the wall and quickened his pacing. He ran his hands through his shock of white hair, making it stand upright and outward at odd angles. When the door to his room opened, he froze. His knives were under his pillow. He could reach them if-

"Sacha?" Nitya came forward to him in the darkness. Her hand reached out and touched his chest, in a strikingly, achingly familiar way. He reached out and touched her arm. She made a noise and pulled her arm back.

"Chto sluchilosʹ-" he reached over beside his bed and turned one of the lamps on. The sudden light made Nitya squint. and shirk her face away, but Sacha saw it. He reached out and pulled her chin back so that she faced him. Her lips was cut and bleeding and her right eye was swollen near to shut. Her face was black and blue and her arm was swollen. She had been crying. There were tear stains on her cheeks.

Sacha stared at her.

"Yebatʹ!" he cursed and went to the door. "Stay here."

He left the room before she could say anything. He was not gone long, just long enough to make her worry. When he came back, she was still standing in the middle of the floor.

"Sit" he commanded and guided her over to the bed. In one arm he had cradled an icepack, some gauze and bandaging. So many years fighting in tourneys gave him all the practice he needed in treating wounds. He'd seen more serious, but he never knew anyone to go and expect to get beaten. Not for this, over a... a...

Sacha applied the gauze to her cuts and iced her lip and eye. He wrapped her arm and made a sling from the remaining wrappings. She was silent the entire time.

"Why did you go back if you knew he was there? If you knew this would happen." Nitya watched him as he worked, but said nothing. He almost sounded angry. He did not look at her, could not look at her without a tide of anger rising up in his throat.

"You are not as heartless as the girls say" she said quietly as he finished dressing her wounds. He stopped then, tied off the last wrap and threw the extra supplies on the bureau beside his bed.

"Yes I am" he said quickly, almost defensively. "You do not know me."

Nitya looked down and moved her arm in the sling. She winced and let it be still again.

"I have seen enough of you" she said, though he pretended not to listen and kept placing leftover wraps on the bureau. "I know that I am safe with you. You kept your word."

He stopped. His hands were trembling and he placed them in his lap, so they would stop. He swallowed. An odd warmth was rising in his chest, swelling there.

"Does it hurt you?" he asked in a tense voice. He would not look at her, but he saw her nod her head. Sacha pursed his lips. One of his hands had balled into a fist. There were scars on his knuckles. He did not ask anything about the child within her.

"You are staying here tonight" he told her, not a request so much as he was stating that she would. Nitya's eyes grew glossy.

"Lay with me" she said softly in so much the same tone as he, yet so very differently. Sacha undressed into shorts and then got into his bed. He lifted the covers and helped Nitya in. She lay her head on his shoulder, her back against the wall and put her fingertips of her splinted arm on his chest. Gently her lips touched his shoulder.

"You are a good person, Sacha." she whispered gently. Sacha said nothing, but he put an arm around her. He was very careful of her injuries and held her until she fell asleep. But for him, sleep was an illusion. His other hand remained balled in a tight fist. There was a great deal of anger inside him, such an amount that could only be taken out at the gym. Sacha sighed and very carefully slid out from beneath Nitya. He grabbed his shirt, left his knives beneath his pillow and glanced at her on his bed. She slept soundly, exhausted from her trials and injuries. Sacha reached down and pulled his thin covers over her shoulders, running his hand along her chest and downward. His fingers touched the small semi-solid mound at her midsection. He took his fingers away and then left. He went straight to the gym, threw his shirt on a nearby stool and steadied the thick punching bag Bruno often used. For a moment, he stood there in silence before he brandished a well-formed fist and slammed it into the punching bag. At first, his swings were uniformed, well trained and equal. The bag bounced from his blows that came in rapid, steady succession. As more anger bubbled beneath his skin from deep within his core, Sacha's speed picked up and his swings grew more deadly. He was equally dangerous without his knives.

"Idiot!" he cursed in English, steadily winding his swears into his native Russian. "Glupyĭ ublyudok! Chert synsuki!"

He punched rapidly, spitting venomously as he yelled with each swing.

"Yebatʹ derʹmo yebatʹ! Chert materi chertovski asshol!"

He ended with kicking the bag violently before walking away from the bag. He put his hands into his hair and yelled angrily. He turned and ran back at the bag, punching it over and over and over again, swearing and cursing and yelling until his fists were reddened and sore. He left the bag and sat harshly on the stool where he'd thrown his shirt. He put his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. His knees bounced with excess anger before he kicked an extra stool within reach, sending it bouncing across the sparring mat

"Yebatʹ!" he yelled again and sat with his head in his hands.

[Tigers]

Emily, Bradley and Abigail


Apologies seemed to be the starting off point in the conversations. Bradley was quietly saying his piece for his father scaring her, while Abigail did so with Millie. Since he was not aware of the layout of the community, he allowed Emily to guide them. She kept to the places that their parents had taught them too when strangers were within the compound. The garden was one of the more secure locations where they could sit and talk but not expose anything related to their security.

Bradley caught himself glancing over at Emily as they walked. She was quiet, but in a way that Bradley found oddly comforting. Emily led them to one of the benches in the middle of the garden where they could all sit together. He didn't mind the fact that his mother and Emily's had accompanied them. He wanted Emily to feel safe, and after everything she'd been through he was the last person to want to scare her.

"Perhaps your family could come visit sometime. Our community is a bit more old world but I think you would have fun. The streets are still cobblestone and there are a few family's that still use a horse and carriage to get around. "

"Horse and carriage? I've never seen that except in books. The Mas...I mean, Mr. Harris never gave us access to anything outside the Menagerie."Emily replied shyly.

Bradley remembered his father describing Harris' place. He could only imagine what it was like, but even then he supposed that he wouldn't even come close to what it was really like.

"I'm sorry. I can't imagine what it was like. But I'm glad that you've found a family and you have that freedom to discover new things. It must have been....indescribable seeing things outside the Menagerie for the first time."

Emily was still very nervous, but she didn't sense anything bad about Bradley or his mother. It helped that her own mom was sitting so close beside her. Having that reassurance of safety helped to bolster her confidence in her conversation with Bradley.

"It was difficult at first." Emily admitted quietly.

"But my family was patient. I don't think I would have done as well without them."

While Emily and Bradley talked, Abigail took the time to get to know Millie better.

"Have you lived here long? You're accent, I can't quite place it, but it's definitely not from here."

[Tigers]

Randolph Blackburne



"I understand that there are other cultures outside my own that have practiced such traditions. I would be remiss if I told you that I had studied them, or taken the time to learn about them. Perhaps that is also something I need to work on. Trying to remain hidden from not only the world as a whole, but other immortals as well tends to limit your point of view. " Randolph replied in retrospect.

He held out his hand to shake with Asif's once more.

"Shall we start over. I'm Randolph Blackburne."

"I do apologize for my behavior, we got started off on the wrong foot. And I am afraid I'm an old fool, stuck in his ways Asif. I have become rather defensive about my beliefs, a sore spot with me when I have a son that is trying to get his father to broaden his thinking. I never saw anything wrong in the fact that my wife was chosen for me, but I do understand there are always risks. It's just hard to see the negative side when I've had so little to compare it to my own experience."

"Tell me of your culture Asif, I would like hear about it."

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

"You have a good ear," Millie replied with a smile. "You're right. I'm from Canada. I've only lived in this country for a couple of years."

"As you can probably tell, I'm one of the Fae. A goblin, more specifically. I was born in slavery. When I was a few centuries old, the masters needed a changeling, so they used me to replace a human girl. I lost all my memories... although I've since gained them back."

"The life of most Fae is quite outside the mainstream, but once I joined human society I spoke with a Canadian accent. Later I moved to Hungary with my parents, married Lukas, and started my family here."

To outside appearances, Millie's marriage might have looked like it was for political purposes. She had been accepted as a member of the Lycan Pack even though she was Fae, so her marriage to Lukas had permanently joined the Pack with the Volkov family. Then when Millie had been chosen (reluctantly, on her own part) to lead the rebel Fae, a three-way alliance was further cemented. Millie marrying Lukas was extremely advantageous for the groups involved.

That wasn't why they had wed, though. They had met as potential friends and fallen hard for each other. Millie had married her soul mate, for only that reason. The rest was just a pleasant side benefit.

"If you've heard much about changelings, you may be surprised that I'm still alive after they found out, and that I'm accepted here. This community is... kinder than most."

Most people only thought to get rid of the changeling and get the "real" person back. It was rarely even considered that the changeling might also be an innocent party. In the stories - and in reality, although changeling incidents were quite rare - usually the changeling was killed, burned, tortured, or exiled.

Millie counted herself very fortunate that the community's commitment to her had not lessened when they found out what she was. They still loved and protected her. It still mattered to them that she was safe and happy. She was grateful for the empathy.

"Where is your home, Abigail? Have you always lived there?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/AsifAvatar.jpg

Asif smiled at the reintroduction, and shook the offered hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you... and to know you more truly this time."

"I can understand the defensiveness. I have found myself, more than once, put in the same position regarding my religion. There are many who judge all Muslims by the actions of the criminals among us. Rather than seeing us as we are - individuals who make our own choices for good or evil - they define us only by the actions of the lunatics. So I understand the need to defend."

The question was difficult to answer. Not because Asif couldn't think of a response, but because there was so much he could potentially say. Like all countries and groups, his was complex.

"My culture... hm. In a way that is difficult to quantify, because one of the major tensions in Pakistan is how tribal groups who often feel little loyalty to one another struggle to function as a unified country."

"My homeland has many things to admire, though. We have lovely music, poetry, writing, and art. There are several excellent universities. We grow up with a great love of our landscape, which ranges in incredible diversity from mountains to desert. My people hold strongly to our traditional values and customs, some of which are quite beautiful."

As he spoke of this, his voice was slightly wistful, although not sad. Much as he appreciated the country of his birth, he was truly comfortable here now, and would struggle to adjust in the opposite direction if circumstances somehow took him back there... something he considered unlikely, especially since he had Lina and the girls with him now...

Which, unfortunately, brought him to the less positive aspects, and his tone went from fond to sad.

"Not all is well in Pakistan, however. Particularly for women. Ninety percent of Pakistani women will face domestic violence in their lifetimes. Rape victims are often accused of adultery, and beaten or jailed. My country is believed to have the highest rate of 'honour' killings in the world, sometimes targeting victims of sexual assault. In some tribal areas, if a man commits a crime, his wife, daughters, or sisters will be raped as revenge or punishment."

"There is a traditional preference for sons, and baby girls are killed or abandoned in shocking numbers. Women often do not have the same educational opportunities as men, and there is a huge literacy gap - although my own wife is fortunate enough to have a university education. Those who refuse an arranged marriage or marry for love may be killed or shunned for it. The government has very little control, and crimes often go unpunished or are even ordered by tribal authorities."

He sighed. "There are those in my country who claim it is religion that causes these things, which makes it harder to change them. However, these practices fly directly in the face of what we have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and what is written in the Qur'an. They are cultural practices and beliefs, many of which pre-date Islam... which makes them harder to eradicate."

"And thus, I must ask your forgiveness, too. I judged you hastily and harshly - and, I now see, wrongly. This was not entirely due to the impression you gave. Probably not even primarily. Recent events in my own family have shaken me. I found out not long ago that my brother did... horrible things. He forced my nieces to marry against their will, at the ages of only twelve and thirteen at the time. And he... he abducted and horribly abused my wife."

"My brother is dead now," Asif said calmly. "But I think I am still unusually sensitive to what seemed like exploitation or force, particularly regarding marriage."

"I would not change anything about how I met and married my wife. I love her very much. She is perfect for me. But... not all are so fortunate. I admire my wife's intelligence and spirit - that was what first made her so attractive to me - but there are men in my country who would have sought to beat it out of her. If she had been betrothed to my brother instead of me, she would have ended up with an abusive sociopath, which no one knew at the time. Likewise, I could have ended up with a wife who would hurt or betray me; it is not always exclusively men who hurt women. Or in a less dramatic scenario, we simply could have ended up with someone entirely incompatible, with whom we could never have found true joy."

Asif smiled again. "As I've said, I wouldn't change that I married Lina, and I am confident she would say the same. But for my nieces, and for my child yet to be born... there will be another way. A way with less uncertainty, and more choice. I also hope that they will not entirely abandon our traditions when they become adults, although ultimately it is their choice and we will love them either way. I think, though, that they can live by the spirit of our beliefs, while still embracing what the modern world can offer them."

He chuckled. "And now I must apologize again - I am sure that is more than you wished to know. Yet I fear I cannot sum things up more simply, so I am grateful for your patience."

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

Bruno hoped the circus would go the way Nathan planned, if anything was messed up...He didn't want to be around for that. He was actually eager to go, he would finally get to see Jasmine again and he missed her so. As always, rumors spread too fast. The gossip had already started that Nitya was pregnant and hadn't told Nathan even though she knew for a month. The girls were quickly comparing her to Greta. That she must have thought she would keep the child because why else would you not tell Nathan right away? Although Nathan had learned from his mistake with Greta, Nitya wasn't leaving the warehouse until she gave birth. Which meant if she truly wanted to keep her child then Bruno couldn't just help her the way he had Greta. He knew the community would accept Nitya if he could get her there and if she wanted to go. Jasmine had told him how happy Greta was there. And thankful to both of them for helping her. He wondered how Sacha was reacting to it all. He knew Sacha made an effort not to favor any girl, but Bruno wasn't blind. He had seen that he and Nitya shared a connection. Luckily for them, Nathan was self centered and he didn't see it much himself. They were far more careful then Bruno was about expressing feelings. Knowing Sacha the way he did, Bruno knew if Sacha was having troubling dealing with Nitya's pregnancy he would be in the gym. Bruno found him there and said as he approached him.

<<I heard about Nitya. Did you want to spar?>>

He didn't ask if Sacha wanted to talk about because that wasn't how their friendship worked.

[Tigers]

Randolph Blackburne


“It would be nice if we all could focus on the lovely things of our cultures, to share those things in which we all have in common. Unfortunately, it is not that way, there are just as many who prefer to keep their old prejudices as to let them go.”

“It is….a horrible thing to think that a woman could not be valued as much as a man. Even the English have been known for treating women as second class citizens, only worthy to marry and produce heirs. I am glad that our culture has changed, but as so noted, beliefs and traditions…and old fools…” Randolph added with a sad smile.

“…take a long time to understand that the world has moved on. I am sorry that your family has suffered so much. From what you have told me, I can understand the change of heart in an old custom. I never saw Abigail until the day we were married. I never questioned my parents, it was our custom and it was expected. We had very few incidents that ended badly so I had no reason to believe that a pre-arranged marriage was an undesirable custom.”

Randolph let out a weary sigh.

“I am glad you found love Asif, it is a wonderful life sustaining arrangement. I could not imagine my life without my Abigail. Perhaps you and your family could come visit us; I would be honored to have you in my home.”

Randolph chuckled along with Asif.

“There is no need to apologize, I am grateful that you would speak about something so personal. Thank you.“

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/AsifAvatar.jpg

Asif smiled. "For the record, I don't think you are a fool. Nor, I think, does anyone else. I am glad you and Abigail found love, too, and that you are so happy."

"We would be glad to visit you someday - we've never been to England. I've heard it's very nice. Our family would enjoy spending time with yours. Thank you for your kind invitation."

"In the meantime, perhaps while you are here, you would be willing to join us for dinner at our house? We would like to have you as our guests."

"Before you answer, I should warn you that our nieces are still very traumatized from their experiences. Sometimes they act differently. Sometimes they act very frightened. If you were willing to come to our home, you would need to understand that it is not about you, and not take it personally. Sometimes it is hard for me to remember that; I love them, and it can be heartbreaking to see that they are, at times, afraid of me as well. I think it is good for them to have company, though. If we simply lock them away from the world, they will never overcome this."

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha
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Sacha looked up hen Bruno spoke to him. His hands clenched his shock of white hair and his blue eyes looked crazed, desperate. Desperate to rid himself of all that he was feeling, desperate to go back to when he would feel nothing, no love or pity for anyone. He wished he were stronger, hated himself for not quelling the rising tide of anger inside himself. He wished he could just let it go.

When he looked up at Bruno, he would look terrible. Stressed in a way that seemed beyond him, and it was something he did not know how to cope with. Bruno, thankfully, knew Sacha as well as the white-haired boy knew himself. if he asked to talk, Sacha might have screamed, but Bruno knew how to reach him and what he needed in the most primal of ways. Sacha swallowed the hard lump of anger in his throat and nodded his head.

"Da."

He got up slowly, as if in pain, an accompanied Bruno over to the sparring mats. He bowed to him, as always, assumed a fighting stance and circled. But this time, instead of waiting for Bruno to attack first, Sacha did. He leapt at Bruno with inhumane speed and threw several punches to his midsection. His muscles strained with strength as he attempted to assault Bruno's torso. He then swept a leg to try and knock the larger man's feet out form under him.

[Tigers]

Abigail Blackburne


"It must have been dreadful. I'm terribly sorry Millie, but thankfully it looks as if you've had a happy change of events in your life."

"I have heard of the fae, mostly in stories. It has only been recently that we've had any dealings with the fae. As a child, even an immortal one the fae seemed like a fantasy realm, obviously more of a pleasant one than what the real one is like."

Abigail smiled pleasantly, pleased that they would be able to end this meeting on a more pleasant note.

"My home was in the Glasfynydd Forest of Wales, but as the world has changed it was no longer safe to remain. As governments began claiming land and setting up National Forests it made it more difficult to live in seclusion away from the mortal world."

"It was difficult to let go, it had been my home for so long. Viktor may have believed that he had total control over all of the vampires, but with all the fighting amongst the lycan's many escaped during the war. My grandparent's were among those that came to Wales and built a life. Now we make our home in St Davids. One day I fear that it too will be overrun by progress."

[Tigers]

Randolph Blackburne


"Good it's settled then. You will come for a visit. Although it won't be to England just to let you know we live in Wales now. I moved there long ago so that my wife could live near her family. But I'd be happy to show you around England and what's left of the untouched country."

The returned offer for dinner was heartily accepted. He listened carefully to what Asif said concerning the emotional health of his nieces.

"I'm sorry that they suffered so terribly, but I can understand their need to have their faith restored in men. If you are sure that having us over so soon will not cause further harm, my family would live to dine with yours Asif. "

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

Bruno nodded his head when Sacha replied he did want to spar. He bowed as well and assumed a fighting position. This time it was very different then any other time they spared. Sacha usually let him make the first move. His blows to Bruno's midsection hurt but given his size, it would have hurt a smaller man much more. He wondered in his mind if Sacha was imagining that he was hitting Nathan or himself. Curious as he was about it, Bruno knew not to ask. He saw the leg coming for him and jumped up to avoid it. He then threw a punch at Sacha's face when his feet hit the mat again.

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

"Thank you for your sympathy about my past," Millie replied. "But I'm very, very happy now. So many things in my life are good. I'm very blessed. The present outweighs the difficulty of the past. So please don't feel like you have to feel bad for me. My life is full of joy."

"I'm sorry to hear you lost your home. That must have been very difficult for you. I'm glad you found a safe place... but it's hard to leave a place you loved behind. I understand the need for seclusion, though. Our community is near the city, but we certainly can't share everything we are with the humans there, it just wouldn't be safe."

"I was in Wales once, a long time ago. It was really beautiful. I hope you can find a way to remain in your home. If the worst should happen, though... I'm sure we would all welcome you to make a new home here with us."

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/AsifAvatar.jpg

"Ah, I hope I did not offend by assuming. I know the Welsh are unique from the English, and would not want to be classified otherwise."

Asif was from a country that was a former British colony; he knew how touchy these identity issues could be, and he was pleased that Randolph didn't seem insulted by his mistake.

"My family will enjoy a trip to the UK very much. Thank you for inviting us."

He smiled. "I am also pleased you will be joining us for supper. I do indeed think it will be good for the girls. I hope it will not be awkward for you and your wife. If you'll excuse me, I should let Lina know we'll have company. I look forward to it."

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_BirvUCzeN8s/St2HII5voTI/AAAAAAAAB5A/jHJcELtkY3o/unknown_037.png


Sacha did not fight like himself. The blow that Bruno threw down at him, was one that could have easily been avoided, meant to give the larger fighter the space he needed. But the blow glanced Sacha in the head, as if he did not move quite fast enough, as if he wanted Bruno to hit him. Throughout the rest of their spar, his blows would be quick and painful, but not always on target. Bruno was able to land many more significant blows than Sacha would have allowed in a normal spar. Sacha was slower, sloppier as if he was letting his anger get the best of him. Finally, when Bruno landed a painful blow across Sacha's face, Sacha fell to his knees and pounded the mat with his fist.

"Chert poberi!" he cursed and got up. He threaded his hands angrily into his white hair and walked a few paces away. Bruno would see his hands clench into thick fists around his shock of hair. He breathed very heavily, not from being winded, but from struggling with something. He looked as if he wanted to curls up and scream, or to hit something painfully hard. But he did neither. Instead, he asked Bruno in a voice laced with a very unsteady calm.

<<What is wrong with me?>>

He did not understand why he was so angry, so upset over what Nathan did. Nathan always did this to the women who got knocked up. Always. He knew it was because of his mother. Because she betrayed Nathan and died for her betrayal. The women knew it too, though what precautions they took against it, Sacha didn't know. He and Nitya never...

<<What is wrong with me?!>> he asked, a bit louder, a bit more frantic.

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

Bruno knew that Sacha was not himself, this what not how Sacha normally fought. He easily could have avoided that punch to the head if his mind was clear. The blows that Sacha gave him hurt but Bruno was able to easily get harder punches in, ones that Sacha should easily have been able to avoid given that he was smaller then Bruno. When it was over and Sacha exploded in anger, he let Sacha have his space but told him.

<<You're angry at Nathan. You care about Nitya and what happens to her and her baby.>>

He was just voicing what Sacha was surely thinking although Sacha would not like to admit. He tried so hard to be cold and not allow his emotions to take control of him. Bruno didn't blame him much, emotions got you in trouble. Bruno's own emotions were getting him on Nathan's bad side.

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha
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Sacha wheeled on Bruno and came at him with uncanny speed and silence. He moved closer to Bruno with a tightness and anger as if he meant to hit him, but he stopped a few feet away.

"Nyet!" he yelled, hands clenched into tight fists. He was so angry, he could barely speak and fell in and out of English and Russian.

"That is weakness!" he shouted "I am not weak!"

He paced for a moment, a few steps and turned on Bruno again.

"If he is wanting women to obey he should not make them fear him. Nitya would have told him her problem if he was not beating them for it. They are whores. Why is he not expecting them to be having children?"

Sacha felt his anger losing steam as he tried to justify it. He felt the podium of it collapse beneath him, leaving him feeling as if he were falling through mid air. Sacha's hands started shaking. So he moved, shifted back to where he was before pacing, so that Bruno might not notice. but, once still again, the shaking started and got worse.

"It is being sold at birth. What should I care? She never claimed it mine!"

But, she never said it wasn't and there was always a chance... Sacha turned away from Bruno. He couldn't breathe, no matter how deeply he tried.

"I am not weak" he said, not facing Bruno "I am not weak."

But he felt himself losing. He could not control his racing heart or his quick, deep breathing. Nothing could calm him. None of his old ways were working. He sat down and put his hands into his hair again.

<<What is wrong with me?>> he asked aloud again, in a much more defeated Russian tone <<I am not weak! Why do I feel this way?>>

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

<<I never said you were weak.>>

Bruno said and took a seat on the edge of the boxing ring while Sacha sped around the gym trying to make sense of what was happening to him. When he commented about Nathan, Bruno replied.

<<He believes fear is the best way to control everyone.>>

Fear that he would harm Jasmine was how Nathan was keeping Bruno in line. Fear of dying kept most members of the coven loyal to him. Fear was a powerful emotion and Nathan liked to manipulate it for all it was worth. He caught that Sacha said he wasn't sure why he cared about the baby because Nitya never said it was his but didn't comment. What Sacha did with the girls was none of his business. Bruno himself always made sure he used protection on the rare times he slept with one of the girls. Although he knew Nathan didn't and Sacha probably didn't either. Birth control pills weren't 100% effective.

<<Despite what Jurek and Nathan told you, caring about someone doesn't make you weak Sacha. You care more then you let on about Nitya and there's nothing wrong with that.>>

He told Sacha when he couldn't understand what was wrong with him.

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha
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"I am not fearing him!" Sacha said hotly, though the anger was not directed at Bruno. truthfully, it had no direction and that was what made this situation so bad for him. If it had a place, a person to blame, it could be solved, diffused, stored for another day. What Nathan had done got under his skin and outside of this gym he could never, never let anyone know.

"I am not afraid of Nathan because I have nothing to lose. It was always Sacha. Just myself. I was always taking care of myself, feeding and clothing myself from little child."

Sacha's voice was calming down, but there was still something broken about him, a strain in the way he breathed. A crack in his very thick and long-ago built walls.

"Now" he said and paused as he looked over at Bruno "Now everything is feeling different. Now I am feeling like there are things I would not like to lose."

He sat down across from Bruno, took the stool that had nearly missed his anger and wrath. He propped his elbows on his knees and let his arms hang loosely between them.

"Before it was okay if I died. What would be the pain in that? Life goes on without Sacha. Everybody dies someday and my time would just be the end. Gotovo."

This might be close to the most Sacha ever spoke with Bruno. He certainly never came close to speaking this much with anyone but Bruno. He blue eyes became downcast and he looked at his bare feet on the mats below.

"Now it is different" he said very quietly. "Now I am knowing that without me, she will be sad. And... I am... I am not sure what to do. I did not want to be liking Nitya's company, but I prefer her to any other."

It might sound like a purely sexual company, but Bruno would know better. Sacha was being too sheepish about it. Too guarded and careful instead of the usual, joking banter carried out between men. Sacha looked up at Bruno and returned to their native Russian. For emphasis. Importance. For a connection.

<<Big brother>> he asked Bruno <<Is there someone you care for? What would you do?>>

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

Bruno knew Sacha's anger was not directed at him, so it didn't bother him. He shrugged when Sacha said he was not afraid of Nathan.

I know you aren't, but most of the girls are and that's why he gets away with what he does.

Although Bruno didn't think it was right for Nathan to force himself on the girls or to beat them. It didn't matter if they were whores, they were still people. He just pretended it didn't happen, because it made it easier to live in the coven. Although Dawn was making him realize pretending wouldn't work forever. He nodded his head in understanding when Sacha said before he would have been okay with dying. It was part of life and he had nothing to lose.

When I was human, I felt that same. I was famous as a boxer but no truly cared what happened to me. When I lost my fortune, all my "friends" disappeared with it. It wouldn't matter if I died, no one cared and I didn't really care much either.

Probably why it was so easy to accept Nathan's offer. Bruno had been surrounded by people when he was rich but none were truly his friends. When he ran out of money, they were all gone. It wasn't until he met Jasmine did he finally have someone who cared about him again. To anyone listening in, it would sound like Sacha just thought Nitya was the best in bed, but Bruno knew it was more than that. When Sacha went back to speaking Russian, so did Bruno.

<<I care deeply for Jasmine...Do not let Nathan know how you feel. He will use Nitya against you. To control you.>>

Just like Nathan had used Bruno's feelings for Jasmine against him when he had confronted him about raping Dawn.

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha
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For a brief moment, Sacha wondered what it must have been like for Bruno when he as human. They were always eating things, some of which smelled good and on the move. Always talking and yelling and complaining and advancing. Always trying to get more. From the way Bruno talked, being human sounded like being lonely. Sacha had been born a vampire. He's never known the sun or food or the urgent sense of living life fully in fear of his own mortality.

"Jasmine" Sacha said thoughtfully, looking down. He nodded his head as if his brain were connecting all the minute instances he saw the two of them together, on missions or otherwise.

"She is wonderful girl. You have wise choices in women."

He was having one of his rare genuine moments. Unlike Elena and Turner, who he saw as goofy and too cowardly to say anything to each other, for Jasmine he held a small amount of respect. She was prized in Nathan's eyes, trusted with missions. She also helped him whenever he was hurt. Once with the drugs and once, he remembered when he first came to the coven. He'd been hurt trying to fight off Jurek's men.

Sacha nodded again, looking reminiscent. Bruno was right.

"I have been taking... measures to hide Nitya from him" Sacha explained, looking back up at Bruno. "When he lets me, I have been not sleeping with just her. That way he is not knowing I favor her. I do not think he knows."

He hoped he didn't. None of the things done to Nitya seemed to be a personal dig at him, but more to teach her a lesson... still... He could not let Nathan see that it bothered him.

"It is getting... difficult. When Nathan hurt her, I saw red in my eyes. I wanted to kill him and I was having no regrets for those thoughts."

Never had Sacha thought about killing Nathan. He'd had more chances than anyone else in the coven, and was skilled enough that he just might be able to pull it off. But he never thought about it, just as he hadn't with Jurek...

"He already is in control of me" Sacha admitted. "He owns me. I am his servant."

Something in Sacha would seem sad in this small window where he opened up to Bruno. Something sad and contained and now struggling with the perception of freedom.

"Now I am needing to protect Nitya and... and her child" he said uneasily, as if he were still struggling with the concept that feelings were not a weakness. And the idea of Nitya being pregnant. He looked up at Bruno. "Would you die to protect Jasmine?"

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

There were some things Bruno had missed being a human but it had felt lonely at times. He had been famous and had money when he didn't gamble it away but he didn't have people he could really rely on. It was ironic to him that he had to sell his soul to Nathan to find a few people he truly trusted and cared about. Those people were why he couldn't just shut Nathan up once and for all. No matter how much he was starting to want to. He gave Sacha a small smile when he said Bruno had good taste in women.

Thanks.

He would have said the same to him about Nitya but he knew Sacha was struggling with this and didn't say anything. Although he did think Nitya would be good for him. They were both quiet and observant people. When Sacha said he didn't believe that Nathan knew he did favor Nitya, Bruno replied.

If he knew you favored her, he would have gloated about what he had done in front you. He most likely was just teaching her a "lesson" about not hiding things from him.

Bruno had spent too long in the coven and knew Nathan too well. If Nathan suspected that Sacha cared about Nitya then he would have hit Nitya in front him. Or even ordered Sacha to hit her himself. To test Sacha's loyalty, like how he tested Bruno when it came to sending Jasmine to the community. He nodded his head in understanding it was getting difficult for Sacha. It was getting difficult for Bruno to pretend like he didn't care what was going on in the coven. Although he didn't voice his own opinion that he had debated killing Nathan or that he would have if Nathan hadn't threatened Jasmine. When asked if he would die to protect Jasmine, Bruno replied without hesitation.

Yes. I would do anything for her. What are you willing to do for Nitya?

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes



"I'm glad that you've found joy Millie." Abigail replied.

She glanced over at Emily and Bradley who had now engaged in a full blown conversation about school and life in general. She couldn't help but smile, Emily seemed like such a sweet young lady. It was easy to see why her husband had become concerned about her in the menagerie. His methods were often not completely thought through, but his heart was always in the right place.

"A good husband and children can often be a wonderful source of constant joy and happiness. "

As the subject returned to Abigail's home, she gave Millie a genuine smile.

"Thank you. As much as I miss it, home is where your family is and as long as we're together, that's good enough for me."

"It is a beautiful country, but there are many beautiful places in this world. Someday I hope to see them all, but for now until Bradley is finished with school our concentration is on our son and our coven. I would hope that things never become that desperate, but thank you Millie for kindly offering your home to us."



*************



Randolph laughed.

"No offense taken my friend. I am very much English, it is my wife that is Welsh. "

He shook Asif's hand before he left.

"Good and thank you for the invitation for dinner. I will gather my family and we will see you shortly"

Randolph parted ways with Asif, glad to see that they had been able to work things out amiably. When he found his wife and son, they were still in the garden visiting with Millie and Emily. He was pleased to see that they were all getting along so well. He couldn't help a hidden smile for the fact that his son seemed to be enjoying his company with Emily. He may be an old fool, but he knew his son would like Emily, and he hadn't been wrong.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation ladies. Asif has been gracious enough to invite us to dinner and I don't want to be rude to our host."

Emily felt better knowing the truth of the situation with Mr. Blackburne, but it hadn't totally eradicated the anxiety she had built up. She gently touched her mother's arm and leaned in and whispered in her ear. Hearing her mother's response, she gave her mom a kiss on the cheek and addressed Mr. Blackburne.

"Mr. Blackburne, I know that your family has plans, but I was wondering if it would be alright with you if Bradley ate supper at our house?"

Randolph exchanged a look with his wife, it was more than okay, he was very happy at the turn of events. Despite his old ideas of bringing the two kids together, it looked as if things were progressing naturally without him. Even if nothing came of this meeting today, he was at least pleased that Bradley had made a new friend.

"His mother and I would be fine with him dinning with your family Emily."

Bradley was a bit surprised by Emily's invitation, but he was pleased to be able to continue their conversation while he had the time. Besides, being an only child, he was looking forward to meeting this large family of Emily's.

"Mrs. Kazlar, thank you. Abigail and I will be by to pick him up after our visit with Asif and his family."

They said their temporary goodbyes to Millie, Emily and their son. Taking Abigail's arm, he escorted her to Asif's home. They chatted quietly amongst themselves as he knocked on the door, today had started off badly, but it was looking up.

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

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"Please, call me Millie," the changeling replied when Randolph referred to her as Mrs. Kazlar. "After all, we're friends now. Bradley, we look forward to your company."

She hoped Bradley wouldn't be too overwhelmed at their house, after growing up in a small and seemingly fairly sedate family. The Kazlar children were in general well-behaved, but there were simply enough people in their home that meals were inevitably rather boisterous.

Millie showed Bradley into the front room, and said, "I have a few things to finish up in the kitchen before we eat. You two can just relax in the meantime. I'm sure you'll be meeting some of Emily's siblings before long."

True to form, within moments Bradley was surrounded by the younger Kazlars.

"Hi!" Erzsi said. "This is my lobsser." She held up her stuffed lobster for him to see.

"Hi, I'm Simon," the young Hybrid said next. He briefly introduced the other kids to Bradley by name and age.

Jade smiled, and said. "We've got a pretty big family, huh?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif and Lina

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Asif opened the front door, allowing the smell of freshly-prepared korma from the kitchen to waft out into the evening air.

"Welcome to our home," Asif told the Blackburnes. "Please, come in."

Shazia was setting the table; Lina dished the meal into serving bowls - her movements were surprisingly deft for having only one arm and limited eyesight. Samira, unable to help much because of her still healing injuries, sat on one of the dining room chairs and chatted to her sister and aunt. All three were dressed in newly-bought European clothing, and Lina had a thin scarf draped loosely over her head and neck in the traditional manner of her home country, a manner more symbolic than an actual attempt to conceal her dark hair.

When the Blackburnes entered, Lina smiled warmly, and the girls smiled more shyly. Samira's face was still very bruised and swollen, and she couldn't help feeling rather self-conscious about it. Both girls were a little nervous about having strangers in the house.

Asif introduced the Blackburnes, then said with obvious pride in his family, "This is my wife, Lina, and our nieces, Shazia and Samira."

He added, "They speak English, too," just so the Blackburnes wouldn't hesitate to try to talk to them. Although the girls had never attended school, their homeland was a former British colony, and they knew the language.

"It is nice to meet you," Lina told their guests with enthusiasm. "I am glad you could join us for the meal. I regret that we can't share the food and let you experience a Pakistani meal, but of course we have something more appropriate for Vampires for you."

Asif carried over the dishes and set them on the table: the serving dish of rice, the mild chicken korma, the seasoned lentils, and the flat roti bread. For the Vampires, of course, there were goblets of blood, which Asif was careful not to spill.

Shazia and Samira would sneak the occasional curious glance at their guests before turning their gazes back downward - old habits returning to the surface. For a second, Shazia seemed on the verge of saying something, but she didn't manage what she considered the audacity to voice her thoughts, and stayed silent.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/DanJongebloed.jpghttp://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Muriel.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Laura_Vandervoort.jpg
Lukas, Muriel & Emily



Bradley walked with Emily and her mother to their house, he was quite amazed at the community and had said as much to as they walked. He was just young boy when they had left England and their home now was a small and simple town. He traveled when he could, usually in the summer when there was no school. Emily who had very little experience in much of anything listened carefully to everything Bradley had said. She was making her first major trip with her family this summer and they were going to go to Canada and Scotland, Emily could hardly wait.

As Millie disappeared into the kitchen, Emily and Bradley sat down in the family room. He was pleasantly surprised by the sudden appearance of several of her siblings. Emily scooped up Erzsi and set her on her lap while she showed Bradley her lobsser.

"Hello Mr. Lobster." Bradley said with a smile.

"This is Erzsi." Emily replied.

"Hello Erzsi, I'm Bradley. It's nice to meet you and Mr. Lobster."

He turned to Simon as the young hybrid introduced himself and several of his family members.

"Hi, Simon. Strong grip you have there." He said as he shook Simon's hand.

He greeted everyone of the Kazlar kids that were present. Coming from a small family and a small town, it was overwhelming, but in a good way. He could only imagine what it must have been like for Emily when she first came here.

"Yes, but I bet it's wonderful." He replied to Jade.

"Forgive me if I seem a bit awed, I've never met any fae before. Your mother is the first, I've only ever heard stories. But it's nice to meet you, all of you. I hope after today maybe you can all come visit us in Wales."

Muriel was in the kitchen helping with dinner. This was her niche, she had already told her mother that she was going to be a chef and cook for her family, forever and ever. Millie and Lukas of course had exchange a smile and continued to encourage her that she could be anything she wanted to be, just in case the young pixie changed her mind.

She was absently stirring a pot of vegetables with magic while scrutinizing the young vampire that had come to dinner. This was the one that was going to try and take her Em away from her. Muriel was protective of her family, and with Emily and Raina being the first family she'd known, she sometimes was a bit more protective.

"Hurmph." She said as she returned to her pot of vegetables.

Lukas gave his mate an amused smile.

"You can go out there and meet him. He's a nice boy and they're not going to take Emily away." Lukas reassured their tiniest daughter.

"But we're cooking." Muriel said.

It was difficult not to smile. As long as Muriel didn't get carried away and do something mischievous, it was okay for her to have these feelings. Lukas and Millie had had to stay vigilant with some of their younger fae children to make sure that they didn't give into their more base nature. Phyrre would easily slip off all her clothes to run around in her birthday suit if given the opportunity and Pixie's were known not only for their pranks but their tempers as well.

"Alright." Lukas replied.

"Muriel, just remember what your mother and I talked to you about. Be on your best behavior."

Muriel sighed.

"I know dad, no pranks, no mean tricks, no turning his green...." She replied as she went through the list.

Later tonight, when he and his mate were alone, Lukas would allow himself to laugh at the situation with Muriel. If it was one thing Lukas loved, it was the spirit that each of his kids had, all very different and all cherished.

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes


Randolph and Abigail had talked quietly amongst themselves as they followed Asif's instructions to their home. One of the topic happened to be Asif's nieces. He had already started the day off here in the community showing the worst side of himself. Part of him still argued the fact that he saw nothing wrong with arranged marriages. It was people that were the problem, not the concept itself.

In retrospect, he could see that they were fortunate. The world had changed, and what was once acceptable and expected was no longer the case. Women still struggled for equality and for rights that in most countries they did not possess. He had steeled his nerves so that he would not offend the girls. He really was a very protective man and his concerns had mainly been for Emily's safety, even if he had lost himself in the idea of her marrying his son. At least they could end this trip with some new friends and give them reason to come back to visit Budapest.

He shook Asif's hand once more when the lycan opened his door and invited them in.

"Thank you for having us Asif." Randolph replied with sincerity.

"Thank you Lina. It smells wonderful." Abigail replied as she inhaled the aroma.

"It's moments like these that make me wish I wasn't a vampire. I suppose it would be even worse if I'd been born human and lost the ability to eat."

She turned to the girls.

"Hello Shazia and Samira, it's nice to meet you young ladies. Thank you for letting us come over to your home and share a meal with you." Abigail added with sincerity.

"Someday soon I hope to have all of you visit us in Wales, and we can treat you to Welsh cuisine."

Randolph added his additional heartfelt greetings to the girls as his wife did, then he added.

"We live near the ocean, I'm not sure if you girls have ever seen the ocean, but it very beautiful. Abigail and I can show you the best places along the beach to collect seashells. We took our son Bradley almost every chance we had. You can take your shoes off and walk on the sand as the tide rolls up on your feet."

[Monkey Kitty]

Simon, Erzsi, and Jade

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Simon smiled at the comment on his grip. It made him feel good that Bradley was treating him like an equal, not just some little kid.

"We have Wales too!" Erzsi announced proudly. She scooted off Emily's lap, and dashed upstairs to her bedroom.

Jade smiled at Bradley. "Yeah, most people don't know about Fae. Not even other immortals. Until recently, it was all very secretive. We're fighting against the Fae slavers, now. Most of the Fae here used to be slaves or prisoners."

"It would be fun to visit!" Simon said enthusiastically. "We're going to Scotland this summer, and Canada like last year."

Erzsi was back, and she carefully set a stuffed orca and a stuffed dolphin on Bradley's lap.

"These are ours!" she explained.

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif and Lina

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"Thank you for the compliment," Lina replied. "This visit was a pleasant surprise, otherwise I would have cooked something a little less fragrant. I know it is difficult to smell food but not be able to enjoy eating it."

During her captivity she had often smelled cooking - which she now knew had been Shazia and Samira's efforts, rather than the men's - but had never been able to enjoy it. Lina was only given the bland or bitter food in quantities that were a bare minimum for survival. She had lost weight as their prisoner because they had deprived her of food, and smelling it was torment. Not that being a Vampire was exactly comparable, but surely having the same thing over and over was boring. Food they couldn't enjoy must be an irritation.

The girls looked excited as the prospect of the visit. "That would be wonderful!" Samira replied. "We have never seen the ocean. Can we?" she asked her uncle.

Asif glanced over at Lina. He had already expressed to the Blackburnes that they were interested in visiting, but he had noticed that the girls tended to ask him rather than Lina whenever they wanted permission for something, accustomed as they were to a male-dominated world. Asif would subtly direct the questions to Lina instead sometimes, just to help the girls understand that their aunt had equal ability to answer.

"I think that would be lovely," Lina replied. "It would be a very pleasant trip. Thank you for inviting us, Mr. and Mrs. Blackburne."

Shazia so far had been mostly silent, except for saying hello and that it was nice to meet them. She looked slightly troubled, as if still debating whether to speak. Finally, she seemed to work up the courage, although she didn't make eye contact.

"Emily is my friend," Shazia said quietly. "Please don't take her. You can take me instead. I already know how to be a wife. I will please your son. I can keep a house and... do the other duties."

Her voice shook. She didn't want to go be a wife again. It was better than the alternative, though. Better than her friend suffering what she had. Shazia explained, "Emily has a future; she could do so much. I... I'm used to it. It is too late for me to learn something else, anyway."

[Tigers]

Bradley

Erzsi’s sudden exclamation about having their own whales made Bradley smile as she dashed up stairs. While she was gone, he turned his attention to Jade. He had no idea that things had been that bad for the fae. His brow furrowed slightly.


“All fae were slaves or prisoners?”


“We would be glad to have you,” Bradley replied to Simon.


He was about to talk about some of the places he had visited when Erzsi showed back up and plopped the wale and dolphin on his lap. He picked them up carefully, noting how Erzsi had set them down.



“What are their names?” He asked.


His home was definitely quiet compared to this. There were conversations and activities with his parents, and up until today more arguments with his father. But it looked as if things would settle down, and for that Bradley was grateful.


He looked at Emily and smiled. Bradley knew that Erzsi was special and he was quite taken with her. He was glad that the Kazlars seemed to be a family that loved no matter the circumstance, and in his eyes that made them all the more better as parents and immortal beings.

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes

“We would be glad to have you,” Abigail responded.


She was pleased that the invitation had been accepted with such enthusiasm, especially from the girls. She had expected them to be a bit leery of the idea after knowing what they had gone though. Randolph had mentioned this during their walk to Asif and Lina’s home.



When Shazia spoke up, Randolph and Lina exchanged a glance. They had been expecting some type of reaction from the girls, but they hadn’t known what until they had made the first move. Randolph addressed this, since this was more pointed toward him than anyone else. He spoke softly, not wanting to frighten the young lycan girl.


“Shazia. Emily won’t be going with us. I have no intentions of hurting her and I did not choose her to please my son. I know that you have been put through a horrible situation and I’m sorry. My wife and I we were married by arrangement. We had never met until the day we were married. I love her very much and I would never hurt her, or allow another woman to be hurt.”


He looked at his wife, who smiled and squeezed his hand for encouragement.


“My first thought was to help get Emily away from that man, Harris. I did not know she was a young lady until I went to Harris’ estate. It was only after that, that I had the thought to marry her off to my son. I am an old fool; I never had a problem with arranged marriages, because mine was so great. We rarely had a problem in my community with them, but times have changed and what worked for me, does not necessarily work for my son or Emily. I do not wish her ill, or you my dear. It just took some time for me to see that not everyone thought the same way as I did about marriage.”


He could see the other side of this, the ugly side. But an arranged marriage was not a bad thing in and of itself; it was what people did with it that made it that way. There was a time when this was perfectly acceptable, and expected. But life had moved on and the way people thought changed as well. He could not bring himself to force his son to marry, or Emily. If they had both agreed, then it would be different. Perhaps it was a good thing he and his wife had never had any more children. He could not stomach the idea of a daughter or son despising him, as Bradley had almost done.


“You don’t need to worry about her anymore. Emily will remain with her parents, where she belongs. You will not lose your friend.”

[Monkey Kitty]

Jade and Erzsi

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Jade shook her head. "No, not all of us. Some are slaves, some are masters, and some just... live their lives without ever being either. It's just the ones who were slaves and prisoners tend to end up here, because we had nowhere to go. The ones who weren't slaves mostly already like where they live and don't need to move here. And of course, the masters wouldn't be allowed here. My mom, Millie Yeats-Kazlar, is the leader and prophet of the rebels, so they come here for her, too."

She continued, "Fae tend to be very clannish and hierarchical, though. The wilder tribes keep to themselves. The more 'civilized' - and I use that word loosely - live in courts, and in the courts there are those at the top and those at the bottom."

"Goblins like my mom are treated as mindless expendable labour. Imps like me, Fabian, Eve, and our cousin Maria are used as spies, scouts, thieves, prostitutes, and sex slaves, because they think we're sneaky and promiscuous. Gargoyles like my sister Nadya and my Aunt Junie are sort of in the middle; some are slaves, and some are free but not far up the totem pole."

Jade frowned and added, "And some, like Emily and Raina and Muriel, end up with crazed human collectors. That's basically slavery too."

Assuming Bradley actually cared about this Fae political stuff. He had asked, though, and Jade wanted to be polite.

When Erzsi had returned, she grinned at Bradley's interest in her stuffed animals. "This is Flipper," she said, pointing to the dolphin. Then she pointed to the whale and told him, "This is Bob."

Jade blushed and said, "I named him for her. I know it's weird, but it's... like a joke. Because a whale bobs in the water."

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif, Lina, Shazia, and Samira

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Shazia nodded, relieved, and her eyes focused reflexively back on the floor.

"Thank you," she said softly. "I don't want Emily to go, and she's so... so innocent. I don't want her to have to lose that."

To Shazia, speaking of this innocence was a high compliment, not a criticism. She wished she could reclaim her own - that three years of being a wife and fretting about her inability to conceive could be erased and she could be a normal schoolgirl. It didn't seem possible, though, and she would rather be hurt again herself than see Emily end up like her.

She was glad that no one would have to suffer, this time.

Asif still looked worried, though - not about the Blackburnes, but about what Shazia had said. He spoke her name gently, and when she met his eyes, he told her, "You do have a future. It is not too late. You had no choice before, but now you do. Your life can be whatever you make it."

It wasn't her first time hearing this, of course - but Asif knew she would need to hear it many times before she believed it.

Lina nodded. "We would never send you away or let you be hurt."

Asif promised, "We will always protect you. No matter what. We'll protect your sister, and Emily, and everyone else who is part of our community. No one will be forced. We don't trade away girls and women like property. That is over."

Shazia nodded, and looked down at her food, but she seemed more relaxed than she had since the Blackburne's arrival.

Asif smiled at the Blackburnes. "Thank you for your understanding," he told them. "Things have been... difficult... but it will be better."

[Tigers]

Emily & Bradley


"That's horrible." Bradley replied.

"I'm sorry Jade, I had no idea and I don't think there are adequate words to really express how terrible this is. I'm glad there is a place like this that can provide sanctuary. I thought the Covens started by the original elders was awful, but it sounds as if it is practically the same kind of evil."

Bradley wasn't aware of Emily being fae and his mind grasped that notion and held onto it while he focused his attention on Erzsi.

"Hello Flipper and Bob, it is so very nice to meet you." Bradley replied with sincerity.

"I think Bob is a great name." He said to Jade, hoping to ease her embarrassment.

He turned to Emily.

"So, you're half fae?" He replied in amazement.

"I had no idea, I'm sorry for missing that fact."

It was Emily's turn to blush.

"I didn't even know until I came here and it was a scary way to find out. I think I scared my parents enough to last a lifetime. I don't know a lot about myself outside of the menagerie, but apparently my mother was part vampire and water fae."

The other part of her revelation was a bit more awkward to tell and she glanced from Jade back to Bradley.

"My father was a djinn."

Bradley's eyes grew wide he knew from stories that djinn often commanded the power of fire. Fire was not a vampire's friend at all, and the contradictions that it possessed for Emily were great.

"It....it won't kill you will it?" Bradley asked genuinely concerned.

"No, it just gives me an edge over most vampire's and an immunity to light that most don't have naturally. It was just the idea of bursting into flame was terrifying at first, it still makes me nervous. I don't want to hurt my family."

Bradley gave Emily a reassuring smile.


"From what I've seen of this community and your family, I think you're in the best hands and you have nothing to worry about."

Lukas poked his head into the living room.

"Kids, time to eat."

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes


"Do not worry. You have a long road of recovery ahead of yourselves, but things will indeed get better my friend." Randolph replied.

"Shazia." Abigail began.

"You are still innocent too. You cannot lose what someone else took by force. Do not judge your own value and worth by a few evil men. Listen to your aunt and uncle, you are safe now and in a home where you can heal. The world is your oyster, it's time to make it what you want it to be." Abigail finished.

"I know that my wife and I were betrothed to each other without ever meeting. But there was never a moment that I felt she was any less valuable as a living being." Randolph said to the girls.

"I know your experiences were not the same as mine, or my wife's. But I want you to know it does not make all men the same. I care about my son. Just as I care about Emily and you girls all as if you were our children. Children are to be treasured. They are a gift from the Creator that we only have for a brief time, as some grow up and live lives of their own. And that is okay, because it is our jobs as parents to raise them to be able to stand on their own and someday be the adults, the husband, the wife and the parent."

"Take comfort in the fact you can be safe now, and try not to dwell on the past." Abigail added.

"It won't be an easy journey, but I know you won't be alone." She said with a reassuring smile.

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie and Erzsi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/ErzsiFace.jpg

Millie made sure all the kids were settled, then helped Lukas bring the dishes of food and glasses of blood over to the table.

"I'm pleased you could join us," the changeling told Bradley with a smile.

She didn't really know anything about the young man's interests, but she wanted him to feel welcome, so she would do her best to make conversation.

"Do you enjoy school, Bradley?" Millie asked. "Which subjects are you studying?"

She hoped it didn't seem like an interrogation; it wasn't meant to put him on the spot. School just seemed like the safest subject, when addressing a teenager.

"Do you know the names of all the colours?" Erzsi asked Bradley innocently, wondering if he was working on the same scholastic task as she was.

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif, Lina, Shazia, and Samira

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/AsifAvatar.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Lina.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/shaziaandsamira.jpg

"Thank you," Shazia replied, addressing both Abigail and Randolph, although she only managed to look at Randolph's feet, not his face. "You are very kind."

For a moment, she paused, and then she added, "We do not wish to dwell on the past. So far we have been happy here, and we are embracing our new life. It is just that... our old life is all we knew. We did not know things could be different. Even now... sometimes it is hard to know what is possible. It is hard to be in a different mindset than the one we had for so many years."

Samira nodded her agreement, and leaned against Lina, who put her arm around the girl.

Shazia looked at the floor, and added, "I am sorry if I seem ungrateful, or... or as though I cannot let go of the bad things. I know it is better here. I just sometimes don't know... in what ways, or how it could be for me. It is difficult to remember there is another way. I am very thankful for what they have done for me, though."

Suddenly her voice was a whisper. "Even if I don't know how to show it, or what to say."

To Asif's surprise, Shazia leaned against him as her sister was against Lina. This was only the second time she had ever made physical contact with him; this was the first time it seemed like a deliberate choice, rather than just that she was distraught and seeking the closest person.

He smiled, and put his arm around her shoulder in a comforting squeeze.

Shazia told the Blackburnes sincerely, "I am very glad your marriage is happy."

[Tigers]

Bradley

“Thank you for allowing me to come, Mr. & Mrs. Kazlar,” Bradley responded in kind.


It was quite the scene, this gigantic table filled with children. Bradley had only seen such things at gatherings and festivities amongst his family's Coven. But to know this was an everyday sight for the Kazlars was something else. He couldn’t help but smile, he just hoped he didn’t look like an idiot doing so.


“Very much so, Mrs. Kazlar.” Bradley replied.


“I’m leaning toward molecular science, so my classes are pretty science based, with biology, chemistry and genetics. I suppose I’m a nerd at heart, I just find it fascinating how the cells work. Outside of my studies, our Coven participates in immortal sports. We have swimming meets, fencing, track and field, so I stay pretty busy.”


When Erzsi spoke up, he couldn’t help but smile. He really adored her.


“I do Erzsi, but I’d be happy to go over them with you. But first, you have to tell me what your favorite color is, mine is Blue.”

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes

“Thank you Shazia,” The Blackburnes replied together.


“We realize that life isn’t always so kind to everyone. We’re sorry that you’ve suffered so much and have been given such an awful view of what love and marriage is supposed to be like,” Randolph added.


“You have an opportunity to be happy now, both of you,” Abigail replied.


“From what I’ve seen you have a wonderful aunt and uncle who love you two very much. I think you won’t have any problems finding happiness yourselves. We appreciate your willingness to allow Randolph and me to come eat with you; I know it couldn’t have been easy. Thank you girls.”

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie and Erzsi

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/ErzsiFace.jpg

Millie was impressed by the young man's academic interests. It sounded like he was very devoted to his studies, and making great progress.

"That sounds fascinating, Bradley. I'm sure you're very busy indeed, though."

The changeling was fairly sure Bradley was smarter than she was - although she did have a degree, counseling wasn't as academic as molecular science. He didn't seem conceited, though. Millie smiled watching him interact so kindly with Erzsi.

"My favourite is orange because oranges are orange!" Erzsi told Bradley.

"It changes by the week," Millie explained with a grin.

Erzsi nodded enthusiastically. "Colours are really hard but my teacher is helping me and my mom and dad help too."

For a child who struggled with memory and grouping items together, colours were indeed difficult. It was hard to know two shades were close enough to be the same but different from something else - and to remember all their names. Erzsi was working hard at school, though, and she was making steady if slow progress. Her family was, rightly, very proud of her.

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif, Lina, Shazia, and Samira

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/AsifAvatar.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Lina.jpg http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/shaziaandsamira.jpg

"We will be happy," Samira agreed. "Our aunt and uncle are very kind."

Shazia said quietly. "It is nice to have guests. I am sorry I acted strangely. We are glad you came. It is truly a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for joining us."

The girl thought for a moment, and then said to her aunt and uncle, "Thank you for taking us in. Thank you for being kind to us, and being patient."

Lina smiled, but replied, "You are welcome, but you don't need to thank us. We are family. Your uncle and I are only doing what family should. You deserve to be happy, and to have people understand."

"Thank you for saving my life," Samira whispered to Asif.

"And for that, I really need no thanks," Asif replied softly, surprised she had opened up so much. "It was wrong that your life was in danger in the first place. I wanted nothing more than that you and your sister survive and enjoy your lives."

The girls grinned, and Lina suggested, "Let's eat."

[Tigers]

The Blackburnes



Bradley had to admit, he was taken by the young lycan. How could anyone not find her absolutely adorable. He could tell she had a sweet disposition, but he found he liked all of the Kazlar's. He also also found that he would like to spend more time with Emily. He enjoyed his evening with her family, and despite the fact he was an only child it was a pleasant change to be surrounded by a large family.

By the time his parents came to pick him up it was obvious that their visit with Asif and Lina had gone well. They had arrived at the school for reasons that Bradley hadn't agreed upon and it had caused tension, but now they were leaving with friends and on a much more positive note. Maybe sometime in the near future they could return, Bradley found he'd like that very much.

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_BirvUCzeN8s/St2HII5voTI/AAAAAAAAB5A/jHJcELtkY3o/unknown_037.png


Sacha was surprised at how quickly and bluntly Bruno answered him and it sent him into a difficult, thoughtful silence. Clearly, Bruno's love for Jasmine was great and Sacha knew he had... feelings for Nitya. He had concerns for her wellbeing and valued her company over any other female Nathan employed, but he could not lie to himself. It was more than that. Unlike Bruno, Sacha did not feel empowered by acknowledging that feeling, he felt bogged down. Weak.... vulnerable. Nathan could never know.

"I would sacrifice my living for hers" he said finally. His voice, when he said it, was very careful and very quiet, as if he were suspicious of the walls' ability to keep his secret.

"For the child..." he hesitated "I am not sure. I am not knowing if it is mine because of her profession."

Did such things matter? Sacha looked distant for a moment, tired as he had not slept since Nitya came to his room.

"But she is a woman and having this child is seeming happy for her. If it makes her happy..."

Sacha exhaled, as if finally relieved of that burdensome thought. He still seemed terribly subdued.

"My life is never matter" he murmured, looking at his hands as if they were chained to something from which he would never be freed. "I am born a servant and I will die the same. Feeling this now, I would rather it be for her than Nathan."

And even softer still...

"She can be as I never was. Free."

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

The reason it didn't take Bruno long to respond to Sacha's question was because Bruno had been in love with Jasmine for seven years. When he had seen her with Nathan in Las Vegas he thought she was attractive but joining the Coven and being with her...He had a long time to come to terms with his feelings. He could tell it wasn't as easy for Sacha. The boy had spent his life not letting anyone get close, developing feelings for Nitya had to be uneasy for him. He offered quiet support when Sacha admitted what he would do for Nitya. Bruno looked around and told Sacha in a quiet voice.

Then we'll figure a way for her and if she wishes, her baby was well, to be free.

Greta had wanted her baby but Nitya might not even want hers. If it was Sacha's wish for Nitya to be free, then Bruno would help him. He'd help Sacha be free to if he wanted. Sacha deserved to be more then a slave for greedy men.

We'll talk more about it after the circus.

They had to focus on Nathan's personal mission there. Nathan would notice if Sacha or Bruno's attentions were on another topic. The best way for Nitya to remain safe was not draw attention to her. Nathan would get suspicious and would use Nitya against Sacha if he knew how deep his feelings ran. Just like he used Jasmine against Bruno.

Just keep doing what you've been doing with her. It'll keep her safe.

And you as well, Bruno thought but didn't voice it. He knew Sacha would never appreciate the idea of being considered weak. Although Bruno knew Nathan considered love a weakness and one to easily exploit.

[SilntAngl5]

Sacha and Nitya
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_BirvUCzeN8s/St2HII5voTI/AAAAAAAAB5A/jHJcELtkY3o/unknown_037.png


"Chto?"

Sacha's intense blue eyes looked quickly up at Bruno from beneath his shock of white hair. He sat up very straight and glanced around the empty gymnasium, as if he were readying himself to kill the walls for hearing he and Bruno's discussion. He had never thought freedom from this place was a possibility. Until now, he had never thought such a thing mattered. He had been born of a prostitute and she was killed by nathan for her betrayal. He was sold to Master Jurek and had now come full circle to being owned by Nathan. Freedom was a concept he did not understand or care about. Not for himself. But Nitya wasn't like him. She hadn't always been a captive servant as he was. She was free once. That must make living this way more difficult. Greta died and there were rumors that she'd wanted to keep her baby.

Sacha's head whipped back to Bruno.

"You helped Greta get free."

A statement, not a question. Sacha's quick mind had put the two together. He must have, with how delicately he spoke of freeing Nitya. Sacha wondered if she was actually dead, or if it was a cover up. Perhaps she was living somewhere with her child, a free woman. That was all he said, and he knew Bruno would confirm it verbally or with his eyes. Sacha made a face, though, when Bruno mentioned the circus. He was not looking forward to going to the circus. there were too many variables, too many unknowns, too many witnesses. His job always included dispatching witnesses... He could not kill everyone at the circus.

"I am not having good feeling about Nathan's plan for circus" he muttered, looking sour. All those people... it made the blood in his veins turn to ice at the thought. As anti-social as Sacha was, he was making improvements. In the beginning, he would not have spoken to anyone, but his conversations with Bruno now were lengthy and intelligent. A hint at the brilliant mind behind the blue eyes. Sacha stood from the wrestling stool.

"Keep Jasmine safe, Big Brother. I am being watch for your backs. Both of you."

Sacha bowed to Bruno and then took his leave. He was very careful to avoid anyone who might be in the halls during the daylight hours and crept back into his room. It was pitch black, having no windows and no lights on so Nitya could rest. His eyes adjusted easily to the quick onset of darkness and he saw that Nitya was sitting up in his bed, propped up on one arm. Sacha frowned. He was hoping she'd be asleep so he would not have to explain his absence.

"You should be resting" he said pointedly, as gently as he could manage. Nitya did not seem affected by the slight negativity to his tone. She remained sitting up, using her good arm for leverage against the welcoming warmth of the bed.

"You were gone" she said gently, as if that were all the answer needed. Without using words, she was asking. She was too polite to ask him outright, a side-effect of her traditional upbringing. He had no desire to lie to her. What was the point in lying? She did not ask, and he did not need to answer, but he knew her ways well enough to know that there wasn't always a verbal question for a required verbal answer.

"I was with Bruno in gym. Sparring."

She shifted in the bed, and he could hear her pain when she moved. He clenched a fist at his side. Nitya reached out and touched his balled hand and Sacha felt it instantly relax.

"Do not be angry with Nathan. I should have told him the truth. The fault is mine."

Sacha took in a deep breath. Nitya did not take her hand from his wrist. She knew him too well.

"I am having hard time in believing those words" he responded quietly, swallowing. "He should not-"

"Sacha."

The softness of her voice stopped him. Nitya started to get up to go to him, but he moved quickly forward, touching her gently at her elbows.

"Do not" he said sternly and gently sat her down on the bed beside him.

"If we think any other way" she said wisely, smoothing a piece of his white hair away from his eyes "we will act it. If we believe that he is always right, then we will act it, if only for a little while. We will be safer that way."

Sacha closed his eyes as her hand touched his face. He exhaled slowly, feeling an odd sort of calm wash over him. She was right. He knew he was right, but the overwhelming desire to cut Nathan's throat while he slept remained in the backdrop of his mind. If he ever harmed Nitya again...

Sacha found himself being drawn down into the bed by her. He cradled her back so she would not have to support herself with an injured arm. For a long moment, they were silent and Nitya was content to dote small, delicate embraces upon his cheek and neck. After a long moment, he exhaled in defeat.

"You are wise, Nitya" he said quietly. She said nothing to such a compliment, as was her custom. She slid down into the warmth of his bed and body and soon fell asleep with her head against his shoulder. Sacha did not sleep, not right away or for the next couple of hours. He sat in the darkness of his room. Occasionally a finger played with Nitya's hair or smoothed her shoulder. She was at peace and for that he was happy. When dusk came, Sacha woke Nitya gently and helped her to leave his room without discovery. When she was gone, and the inevitable trip to the circus began to loom closer, Sacha found an emptiness in the pit of his stomach that left him numb and cold. He really did not like the circus, or so he told himself.

[Corey]

Bruno Sinclair

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/brunounderworld.jpg

<<She deserves a chance to be free again.>>

Bruno told Sacha in Russian. Nitya had been free before Sia found her, she should get to spend the rest of her life the way she wanted. Not being a slave to Nathan. When Sacha stated that Bruno helped Greta get free, Bruno didn't deny it but he also didn't voice it either. You could never be too careful in Nathan's Coven. Who knew if that annoying Cara was nearby eavesdropping. It wasn't like she was capable of doing much else. He gave a slight nod of his head to confirm Sacha's statement about Greta and left it at that. When Sacha said he didn't think the circus would go well, Bruno replied.

I don't think it will either, there are too many variables that can't be controlled.

Although Nathan would not listen to reason about it. He was just obsessed with the idea of killing Arrah and Violet. That's all he could think of. The places he had killed his other enemies were isolated and much easier to prevent outside interference. He gave Sacha a small smile when he said he'd watch his and Jasmine's backs.

I will and thanks. I'll watch yours too Little Brother.

He bowed to Sacha as well, and headed to his own room. He spent some time texting Jasmine and decided to get some sleep. He'd need to be alert for the circus.