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Post by indeath on Jun 12, 2021 22:28:19 GMT -6
If August’s heart was capable of beating, it’d be pounding in his chest. He grinned at himself with excitement. He had been chatting earlier in the night with a friendly old woman, when she’d mentioned an odd cat she’d seen hanging around an abandoned warehouse near her apartment block. In fact, she swore it had several tails and that other cats had begun following it, swaying softly as if in a trance. It was snow white and fluffy as a cloud she had said smiling softly like she was remembering a sweet memory. She had smelt strongly of brandy and cigarettes but August didn’t let that put him off. If he could prove that WDSA needed his services surely he could get a job there. First step was just being there and next was actually being there for an actual reason and hopefully getting paid.
He’d feel like a creep following her home, so instead he’d changed into his sugar glider form and slipped into her handbag. Nothing creepy about that. She didn’t seem to notice at all and soon she was home and snoring in her armchair. He’d moved quietly out of her apartment as not to wake the poor lady and began exploring the neighborhood. Looking for signs of a magical cat. His own eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
It had taken him longer than he liked to work out which building she’d meant. It was a few blocks further up than she’d told him but something in his unused guts told him this was the place and that something otherworldly was definitely around. Other than himself… obviously.
He took a quick look around to make sure no one was watching before he began climbing up the wall towards a large open window. Gravity meant little to a vampire.
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Post by Pearl Dragon on Jun 13, 2021 9:07:31 GMT -6
Bruse stood among the abandoned wreckage of the warehouse, scanning the darkness for signs of malice. The place reeked of it, as most abandoned and unclean places did. Of late, he'd been reluctant to leave Sara's side in favor of hunting away from the woods and mountains. To be honest, his luck with finding anything of substance there had grown thinner. Which, most would say was good. It was useful having something like him around to cleanse the area of larger and more powerful entities and that also meant Sara would be safer. But, for him it meant less food.
Tonight he'd chosen to stray farther out, returning partly to an area that reminded him of when he'd first arrived in Wathais. He could have easily returned to the hotel he'd once called home, but instead chose to explore elsewhere in case the hotel was still mostly vacant of spirits and people alike. Which brought him to this warehouse. Here, a number of shadows and lesser entities had taken residence, all of which he'd consumed easily and with satisfaction. There were larger ones too, he could sense them. And perhaps they sensed him too, but this only deepened his hunger.
Bruse turned again before moving towards a few shipping crates, his form floating silently through the shadows as if they were a part of him and he a part of them. His mane cast a soft, ethereal glow across the metaphysical plane as he went.
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Post by indeath on Jun 15, 2021 23:18:00 GMT -6
August pushed himself up and over, careful not to cut himself on the broken glass that surrounded the entrance of the window. He could smell the many rodents that called this warehouse home and a decidedly cat smell too. Sometimes he hated his vampire senses. If only he could turn it off once in a while. Still the smell was at least promising for his magical cat rescue. Plus, he was in no need of a flashlight, that was definitely a vampiric bonus. His eyes glowed in the dim light of the warehouse.
He stood up, taking a good look around. What he saw was definitely not what he had been expecting to see. Not by a long shot! It was massive, blue and glowing! Not to mention the flowing green mane. Definitely not some kind of mutated cat. Or was it? Had the lady been barking up the wrong tree?
“Lawd… lawdamimbo!”
He quickly shoved a cold hand over his mouth and ducked down behind some broken boxes on the landing. He couldn’t help feeling excited as well as nervous. This was amazing! Especially if it didn’t end up trying to eat him. He peeked out from his hiding spot, it was a good distance away and on the lower level, but so darn large.
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Post by Pearl Dragon on Jul 22, 2021 17:04:08 GMT -6
Bruse stood by the shipping crate momentarily before turning towards the soft shuffle and tinkle of broken glass somewhere nearby. His eyes flickered towards the sound, seeing a set of glowing eyes and a shadowy form dip away and out of sight behind some boxes but not before their voice reached his senses. For someone trying to be stealthy, they certainly weren't at the same time.
The words were lost on him, but the figure still intrigued him. He felt a familiarity in seeing it, bringing him back to his time in many old haunts where curious humans of all ages would sneak in and make a fool of themselves. He'd nearly forgotten this old existence, but here in the warehouse, it seemed only yesterday when he last chased troublesome teens from the abandoned hotel he used to call home. And although this was not his home, he couldn't help but feel that old prickle of territorial frustration at the figure.
The eyes though, and the way they glowed like an animal of the night, were intriguing. Perhaps not human, he thought to himself. But if that were the case, he'd need to know and determine the threat.
As the vampire hid and eventually peeked from his hiding spot, he would find his face mere inches from the front of the spirit's form, who had just moments ago been clear across the warehouse. It's movements were silent, and it's presence was disturbingly sudden.
Bruse looked down at the figure, his eyes and form expressionless. It was hiding from something, but the fact that it might be him had not yet crossed his mind.
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Post by indeath on Jul 26, 2021 21:28:57 GMT -6
August was glad he didn’t have a heart to pound in his chest. Or breath that needed to be held. He held his squatted position for a moment before curiosity overcame him. This was a magical beast, something he’d never seen or thought of before. He didn’t even have a name for it. Every particle inside him, hummed with excitement.
He almost forgot the reason he was here, missing cats. Led possibly by this gigantic thing, perhaps it looked like a cat to humans? As long as it wasn’t eating them, the thought made August feel a little ill. Even monsters had to eat though, it didn’t occur to him that it might eat vampires. He carefully peeked out, then yelped with surprise at the large thing staring down at him. It was even more impressive up close. The blue glow more intense. It was almost filling the entire warehouse.
“Lawdamimbo! Ya a big fella… I ain’t gonna hurt ya. Ya ain’t been stealin’ cats have ya?”
He didn’t voice the other thought he’d had. Didn’t seem polite. If only he had some extra large cookies.
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Post by Pearl Dragon on Aug 2, 2021 16:18:03 GMT -6
“Lawdamimbo! Ya a big fella… I ain’t gonna hurt ya. Ya ain’t been stealin’ cats have ya?”
The entire phrase spoken by the startled figure seemed to pass through Bruse's mind in chunks. That word again, was it a curse? Bruse didn't feel any change around him as it was spoken, so it must not hold any power. A comment on his size and the figure's immediate declaration of peace seemed odd, although Bruse was beginning to believe this being would mean him no harm. And the question about 'cats', an animal of the mortal realm was also strange. Bruse considered the question while gazing down at the figure. There were a few things he noticed about them, but the most striking was the detached nature of their essence, a reanimated or undead quality. This indeed was no human, but some kind of vampire or ghoul. A bristle of energy seemed to ripple through Bruse's mane at this discovery, memories of the night that Sara was attacked threatened to bubble to the surface of his mind, but he kept them at bay. The only external sign of this momentary flare of memory was a faint bloody haze that seemed to shimmer over Bruse's form, barely a whisping sheen before it faded entirely from view the next second.
Bruse took a few steps back after a long uncomfortable stretch of silence, regarding the figure.
"No." He answered simply. To the vampire, the spirit's voice was clear despite no apparent mouth. A sudden deep echo, rolling like distant thunder. Almost akin to actual sound, but more in the mind than anything as it seemed to come from no specific direction.
The vampire seemed harmless enough, although Bruse knew their nature. "Who are you?" He asked after a moment of silence. It was clear he wasn't one for deep conversation, at least not immediately.
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Post by indeath on Aug 6, 2021 0:11:02 GMT -6
August’s jaw dropped when the deep rumbling voice erupted from the blue creature. He honestly hadn’t half expected it to answer him at all. He could feel the vibrations of the voice in his very bones. Still, just because it sounded like a final boss didn’t mean it wasn’t squishy inside. Well figuratively anyway… It wasn’t trying to eat him or throwing blue flames at him. No boss music yet. He could still try to charm the giant creature.
“I’m August Hayes! I ah well… I will work for WDSA if ya heard of em. Workin’ by helpin’ magical creatures and stoppin’ em botherin’ humans. What’s ya name? Have ya seen a weird cat around here?”
He stood up, no point hiding now. He was wearing tastefully ripped jeans, a shirt that said “My blood type is Be positive” with a dark military jacket. Simon had been very kind in helping him buy more clothes. He grinned up at the creature.
“How do ya not get seen by people?”
He didn’t want to make a comment on weight but surely a massive blue creature would cause some kinda stir! It was like some new kinda kaiju. August wondered if it would be interested in starring in movies. How amazing would that be? His eyes glazed over a little at the thought.
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Post by Pearl Dragon on Aug 14, 2021 12:52:17 GMT -6
The figure introduced themselves, standing now from their original crouched hiding spot. Bruse watched him rise, took in his name as he spoke it and the detail about working for WDSA. The same organization that had overseen his own holding and recovery, and which Sara worked for. Bruse wasn't sure he knew how to feel about this just yet, but would keep this information in mind.
"...Workin' by helpin' magical creatures and stoppin' em botherin' humans. What's ya name? Have ya seen a weird cat around here?" August continued, to which Bruse stood as well. He still towered over the smaller August, even when he was slightly crouched face to face with him.
"August Hayes..." He said, trying the name, "I am Bruse." He turned his side to the man, perhaps a sign of trust or perhaps a test, walking slowly back as if to continue his search through the shipping crates. Even if he no longer could see the man, he was fully prepared for any unexpected attack should one come. "I have seen many cats. Most were afraid, but all were normal." Bruse answered. Then, as if on cue, there was a loud squal and hiss as an orange cat leapt from a nearby corner, reacting to Bruse's presence. It scrambled forward, tail bushed to maximum fluff as it bolted towards and then through both of Bruse's wide front paws. It disappeared into the thin spaces between the metal shipping crates.
"How do ya not get seen by people?" August asked, smiling up at Bruse. Bruse's gaze turned back to him, tilted in interest.
"I suppose some can. My existence is..different from theirs." Now his eyes seemed to narrow, their flickering movement tightening. "But perhaps not so different from yours...How is it you can see me, August Hayes?" The question had a pinning tone, perhaps more interrogative than conversational. Still, the spirit's body language remained relatively unguarded.
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Post by indeath on Aug 17, 2021 22:15:42 GMT -6
August watch the large as it moved around the warehouse. For a moment he’d thought it was going to leave which made him sad. His eyes flashed in the darkness not unlike the orange cat. He jumped startled by the sudden noise and movement.
“Nice ta meet ya, big fella.. Mr. Bruse. Gosh darnit!!! Ya sure ya haven’t seen a big white fella with lots of tails? Supposed ta be around here. Makin’ the other cats act all funny like.”
It was hard not to feel a but intimidated by the large creature with its voice like a boulder being pushed against rock. He wondered if he should tell Bruse to just to call him August, but he didn’t want to push his luck. It could still decide to eat him or something.
He scratched his head, trying to think of a reasonable answer. He wasn’t one to question his existence too much.
“Ermmm I dunno… I am a vampire and uh one of the others said even though we look human we’re also part spirit, so I reckon it’s something ta do with that. Me mate Ru specializes in helpin’ ghosts out.”
He climbed into a crate and stood up on his toes to try and see around the blue creature. Looking for a telling flash of white. He didn’t want to give up on finding the nekomata.
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Post by Pearl Dragon on Sept 22, 2021 16:29:55 GMT -6
"I have not." Bruse answered in regards to August's inquiry about a big white fella with many tails. Although Bruse did find the description rather intriguing. He'd been around quite some time, and seen plenty of other metaphysical spirits. This one had a rather familiar description, which he thought maybe he could have encountered others like it in his past. If he had, it was not here nor was it recent.
August answered Bruse's question as well, and confirmed that he was indeed a vampire. Bruse appeared not to have outwardly noticed this, but internally he felt another flare of emotion and memories which he suppressed. Not the same vampire....not the same.
"Perhaps" Bruse replied, accepting August's answer. "Well, August, I might assume you seek another spirit from your description. These are dangerous things, you must know that? Why do you seek them?" Bruse turned to him. He held some curiosity for the vampire's presence and quest for this other creature. Although he wasn't necessarily asking outright to assist, his curiosity was somewhat evident in his tone. "Perhaps....I can help you find them." He offered finally. Why did he want to help? Bruse wasn't even quite sure, but his hunger was still present and he was here. Plus, now that August confirmed his vampirism, Bruse seemed much more interested in him.
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Post by indeath on Nov 17, 2021 0:07:21 GMT -6
“Darn it… It’s supposed to be around here. Unless it’s hidin’.”
August stood on the crate, glad he was light enough that it didn’t break. He wanted to make a good impression on this large spirit. It reminded him in someways of the Ghibli films with their Japanese spirits. It was certainly exciting. He felt a little like he was being tested and he was determined to pass. His livelihood depended on it, he had to prove himself to WDSA. That way he would be earning money, which he could give to Ru and not be such a deadweight. Hehe. Deadweight.
He grinned at the giant’s words. He was practically jumping with excitement.
“Ya will? Well ain’t that just bombaroo! I don’t reckon it’s so dangerous… it sounded pretty cute to me. I mean all that fluff… How can a cat be evil? It has been causin’ other cats ta disappear an’ causin’ mischief though. Gotta capture it so it don’t do anymore an’ find it a nice new home. Hopefully where it’ll be happy but uh not troublesome. Ya don’t know anywhere like that do ya?”
August looked hopefully up at Bruse. He seemed very wise. He had to be sounding like that. He was probably as old as the hills. Or older!
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Post by Pearl Dragon on Nov 21, 2021 18:32:09 GMT -6
Bruse watched August climb atop a crate, the nimble way the vampire perched and walked its top edge with ease as he looked about for whatever it was he was hunting for.
August let out another strange word at Bruse's acceptance to help, and inquired about the thing he was hunting. Bruse considered the question of relocation, and could only think back on all the places he'd come from. But those places were wild and untamed, even in the spirit world. Still, if this thing was causing havoc here, it might do just fine in a more competitive environment.
"The ancient oak forests of Ireland, my old home for many thousands of years. If your...WDSA...would need a place to send your captured spirit, you may start there." Bruse did feel some disappointment at the thought of capturing this thing rather than consuming it. He hoped he could do so and not accidentally give in to instinct. Depending on who or what this thing is, if it gave them too much trouble, Bruse would not feel an ounce of regret for simply putting it out of their misery. This he did not tell the vampire, though.
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Post by indeath on Dec 11, 2021 4:24:00 GMT -6
August’s eyes crinkled as a smile crept onto his face. Ireland? Unless WDSA had a special portal that could cross seas, Bruse had about as much ideas as he did. He made a mental note to ask Simon because a portal to Australia could be super convenient. Then he could check on his friends and relatives there, from afar of course. Facebook stalking only got you so far and was kinda creepy.
“Maybe we can err workshop that idea, it ain’t bad though. It’s the thought that counts ya know?
It was at that moment that a sudden rush of white movement caused a cardboard box to fall to the ground with a crash. Whatever was in it was definitely breakable. Or at the very least noisy. It was followed by an annoyed hiss and what looked like a score of cats started coming out from hiding spaces all over the warehouse. Bruse could also see the movement of any spirit in the area begin to follow the same path. Whatever had knocked the box off was pulling them to it.
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Post by Pearl Dragon on Mar 27, 2022 8:56:02 GMT -6
A low but not unfriendly rumble answered August's comment, simple acknowledgement. He wasn't sure on workshops or counting thoughts, but it seemed the vampire liked the idea.
Just then a crash sounded from nearby, a streak of white darting past where it occurred and a box lay on the ground next to an even stack where it had probably fallen from. The contents remained inside, but more than likely not in one piece. Bruse's eyes flickered towards the motion, his form turning slowly and following where it may have gone to and noticed quite a decent number of cats now crawling out of their hiding spots to gather towards one area. Not only that, but shadows and a few spectral whisps also joined them, to which Bruse recognized as lesser spirits and ghosts. Quite a few, if not all, were feline in nature, more than likely cats who had lived and died in the city or this very warehouse. He was concerned at their presence, normally earth animals ascended to the next plane when they expired here. This was not the case with these cats. The shadows, however, were just that. Small pockets of darkness, a common resident of most abandoned places which Bruse was used to hunting. Whatever was drawing them in, his attention was now hyper focused.
"There." he said simply, taking a slight step forward as if to point August in the direction if his prey. "Your quarry." Bruse felt his form grow tense, ready at that moment to act if this thing decided to engage. His mane billowed in a more agitated manner, and the glow of his eyes took on a sharper intensity.
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Post by indeath on Apr 20, 2022 0:02:06 GMT -6
“Lawdamimbo!”
August had been so distracted by meeting the large spirit, that it took him a moment to realize what Bruse meant. The spirit and cat magnet was here. The only problem was he was rather high up and the noise had come from below. He wondered what would happen if he accidentally jumped into Bruse, was he solid?
It was no time to dilly dally August flung himself from the top, floating down like a plastic bag in the wind. Bruse seemed to grow larger as August went lower but really he was already very large but being on the ground really put it in perspective. As soon as his feet hit the ground August rushed towards the cats, tripping past a errant box and only just missing running into the wall by mere inches. There was a small hole in the back of the factory that they were all rushing out of. It was not August’s size and definitely definitely not Bruse’s current size. It was very much cat size.
“Darnations! They’re escapin’ can ya phase through walls or somethin’? I’m gonna turn into a sugar glider an’ hope they don’t eat me.”
Small spirits continued to woosh past him, they bobbed and weaved as if in a strange dance. August waited for Bruse’s response before he transformed since he couldn’t exactly communicate in glider form.
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