[1/25] The Second Death of Remy Draskovic

[19:31] There was a trail leading to the door. She'd seen it. Smelt it. As the pink-haired individual she'd saved walked past there was no mistaking the crimson- The iron scent. She could never mistake that smell. It had been near impossible not to immediately pounce and ask- But making a scene would never help her cause.

Nearby? There didn't seem to be any people nearby. Not here, at least. Still she waited and watched for a few moments. Others entered the building. Small talk. Three words she overheard. It explained only one question, but brought forth a slew of others.

What was the logical progression?

Ask questions. Figure out why. Try to understand.

What did Donovan do?

The crash of glass sounded as she dove through the window, combat-rolling to a stop on the floor. Vermillion eyes were hidden behind quicksilver, that sickly light of sin absolutely glowing.

(Hi, let me in)
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[19:32] Akane says, "...Kiha."
[19:32] Akane says, "I'll explain everything. I must pick something up, though."
[19:33] Kiha says, "Hello, Donovan."
[19:35] Kiha says, "I'm still waiting on my explanation, Akane."
[19:38] The Drakanite stands in stunned silence, she hadn't had an opportunity to fully register or parse the happenings of todays events. Her mother had simply been dragged dead through the door - and apparently Akane is at fault. Her emotions had barely managed to catch up, she appears calm - almost serene as she waits for Akane to explain.

And then windows break, a slow pivot to the side reveals the intruder; Donovan having elected to merely jump through the window. The girl doesn't even bother to complain about it.

"...Hello Donovan.
(Kiha)
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[19:41] There was a lot of explain. And there was a lot of pain. For the moment, the young redhead wasn't sure what to do. She made sure to grab something she had, just in case. SHe had it made specifically for this scenario...


"Remy kissed me. She... didn't kiss me on the cheek or a forehead like a mother would a daughter. She made it seem... flirty. I. I was scared. I though you and her were having marriage issues. So I went to Neo. To talk to him. To tell him I was scared of how Remy was acting because of it and. I wanted to ask if he knew how to help me fix your guy's relationship." She paused, holding something delicate in her hand.

"I tried to convince them. I tried to tell them. Let her be exiled or. Let her have time to explain. To change. And just... if she continued to be bad toward me like that, let us handle it as a Family. But they didn't listen."

There was a fish tank with some blood within it. Of Jennifer's, of Akane's herself. Akane was making an attempt to bring her back. Even if it meant she had to regenerate from being just a head, she'd do it.

"If you want to punish me, Donovan, at least let me make one request."
(Akane)
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[20:00] Those quicksilver eyes focused on the redhead. There were no pupils, and there was absolutely no sign of intelligent thought. No emotion. Nothing at all- Simple emptiness so complete that one might think she had completely left the building so to speak. But she paused where she had risen to her feet.

Staring, now, at the tank beyond that ghoulish creature. Blackened blood- Not so potent as that of a mortal's, but something. It would work toward regeneration, but how long it would take, if it would even work.. She didn't know whether it would.

The sinful creature standing just above the floor turned her vision back upon the redhead. Barely restrained, standing in silence, staring. Listening to each word spoken. That explanation which made no sense. Not to her mind. Why would Remy ever kiss anyone but her?

Why would Remy do anything of the sort?

And how could this girl think going to Neo was a good idea?

How could she do that-

How could she get Remy killed?

How could Remy leave her alone..?
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[20:03] That's it? Akane had went to Neo over a kiss? And gotten Remy killed over it?

The lizard doesn't feel anything for a moment, her expression is rather blank as she attempts to absorb this new information. She's not entirely sure of who to be more angry at - Neo or Akane. She's angry beyond all measure, the feeling of which eclipses the horrible sorrow she feels over the loss of a loved one, though she doesn't show it externally beyond a slow shiver, hand gripping and squeezing on tight to her sword.

She casts her yellow gaze towards Akane, a cavalcade of emotions swirl through her mind. Confusion, rage, betrayal. It takes a moment to finally break the silence, her words come out at an almost glacial pace as she tries to measure every word to avoid simply breaking down.

"Akane. Give me the head and leave. A simplecommand, but it's almost gruff despite her minute stature.

Another moment of pause, though it seems like an eternity;A deep breath gulping down air, attempting to prepare for what she says next.

"Leave our home - or I will kill you.


(Kiha)
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[20:05] Akane says, "...I will. But. I'd like to ask. If Donovan would want to do what Remy would want in a situation like this, take me as her ghoul in her place. And take you as her thrall. So our family, what remains... stays together."
[20:06] Akane says, "If not I'll. I'll leave I guess."
[20:06] Akane says, "And figure something out."
[20:06] Donovan Draskovic whispers: If you are.. comfortable.. with gore.. feel free to.. assist. Otherwise..
[20:07] Donovan Draskovic whispers: I advise.. you.. leave, for now..
[20:08] Kiha whispers: ...Do what you will.
[20:21] No more patience, no more waiting.

There were few words which need be said, in truth. Surely Akane could immediately understand via action- Those spoke louder than words, after all. She had the audacity to claim she knew what Remy would want. The sheer idiocy to go to Neo over something that could've been easily resolved by herself.

The Invidias had always had it out for that particular drakenite. Their mantra made it absolutely clear what the intent had been from the start. Maybe the pink-haired girl didn't know. That was no excuse.

No excuse whatsoever.

Donovan drifted forward. No steps were taken upon the floor, nor upon the air. Just floating, like a dead thing strung up on invisible strings. Her limbs were limp, her shoulders slumped, her head left to tilt to one side. Until the moment she was in arms reach, she looked almost inanimate aside the forward motion.

Immediately upon coming into arms reach, she lifted a transparent hand. Her fingers made for their shoulder, their upper arm. And her other reached for the girl's hands, to see if she was indeed holding whatever she had made 'for this specific scenario.'

For that exact moment, she did not make a move toward violence. However, even upon that gentle touch, Akane could feel it. Quicksilver sin which seared into her flesh, drawing whatever life it could. Soaking it up like a sponge, ever so slowly.
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[20:23] It seemed that Donovan wanted to punish her. But Akane didn't hear words. She wasn't sure if Donovan wanted to eat her, or to kill her. And so the Pink haired girl did what she could... She'd attempt to juke out of the way of Donovan, and exit the house as fast as she could.

She had to find someone to hide.
(Akane)
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[20:28] Ah, there she attempted to go. The ghoul wanted to escape- What a reasonable thing to do. Too bad they couldn't have been that reasonable before now.

Donovan didn't move. She disappeared from sight, and appeared again with her arm out- Making to clothesline the ghoul, the inner side of her elbow against the redhead's neck as she pulled back. From there she tried to throw the young woman to the ground.
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[20:30] Aldrah says, "As always"
[20:30] Cassidy Invidia says, "Or she's right there."
[20:36] Salvas Voss says, "..."
[20:58] It seemed like Escape was impossible in this scenario. Even as Akane wanted to bring her Mom back--- even if she was honestly ignorant to the history of the Invidias and to the Gluttonous vampire. Even as she was just trying to live... she couldn't. She wanted to just have her family love her accept her. Be safe.

But now what remained of her family seemed to reject her. And so she drew her Katana. And in the same moment of drawing it, she allowed a flow of energy in the form of electricity to build up around herself, and her blade. Unlike in spars however. There was no energy or Cosmic magic cushioning any potential serious wounds. She simply couldn't allow herself to hold back.

And so her ghoulish powers emerged. Even if Remy was 'dead' or in a coma so to speak, Akane could still draw about blood given to her by her mother. If Remy didn't want her to fight, to struggle to live--- could she even get this power to begin with? Somewhere she felt what remained of her mother still empowered her.

"I. Will not. Let myself die. Remy doesn't want me to just die. She'd sooner see me take the risk of being turned prematurally than die." And so Akane had a small, brief plan in the back of her mind. Would it even work? If she felt she couldn't run, if she felt she was just going to die? She'd do anything to strive for survival.
(Akane)
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[21:08] This wasn't exactly what she wanted to use this potion for exactly but... this would be what she used it for anyway. Upon being beaten down, stricken by the bloody magics of Donovan and forced into a corner, she reached into the protective pocket of her armor. Quickly, as she made herself some distance away, the girl chugged down what seemed to be a golden colored potion, drinking as much of it as she could.

With the bottle emptied, she'd threw it back toward Donovan.

"Wish me Luck." She'd state, as her one hand still on her weapon held itself firmly in place. She wasn't going to let herself die. No, not yet.
(Akane)
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[21:38] "You dare- You have.. the.. audacity.."

They were barely even words. Each one was a struggle to force past her lips. Even thinking that far was an effort. Donovan had lost herself completely in her sin, delving into the emptiness to hide from the pain. To force the grief away. Thought had lessened to a dull trickle.

"To claim.. you.. you know.. what she.."

All the more she could focus on was the pink-haired ghoul. All the more she wanted was to end them, to make them pay for what had happened. Remy was gone because of them. Because of Neo, too, but he wasn't quite so much in the wrong. He wasn't immediately before her. He could be dealt with later.

"Wants..? You.. you imbecile.. You incompetent swine.."

Akane was immediately available. They were the one that started it. The reason Remy wasn't there. If the drakenite was still alive, conscious, all of that- Maybe they would've stopped her. They would've tried at least. But the ghoul didn't have that luxury.

"Give.."

Somehow they'd managed to rise from the ground. They'd managed to get their blade between herself and them, but that wouldn't stop her. At least it wouldn't stop her trying. The nyeshk blade Remy had made for them was drawn in a flash. In but an instant she was on the ghoul once more, first striking from behind then focusing in toward the side.

"It.."

Away, out of range, gathering a storm of crystalized blood. Returned, the storm following behind, encompassing herself and her prey. It was a small space, but she could work with that. The rafters were hers. The outside easily accessible to catch a breath before diving back in.

"Back!"

It was a shriek then, that last word.

To punctuate it, she sent the ghoul flying into a wall.

Still they were capable of fighting, but she was on them again.

No room to recover. No room for a misstep.
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[21:39] ** Donovan Draskovic has inflicted an injury upon Akane. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[22:06] Donovan never expected to win. Not now, not when she faced Orion in her first real fight, not when she faced Hidatsu, when she faced that kitsune in the snow. The sirenian had no confidence in her capability, despite knowing just how powerful she was. Yet she fought regardless. Simply because she could not allow herself to lose.

This could not go unpunished.

The chorus hummed in agreement. Each voice that had joined her over the years. That of the woman upon the fountain, that of a drakenite girl whom had fallen in the snow. The distorted tone of another woman. A deeper bass of a male's voice. Their voices joined hers as she sang the storm into existence. As she brought her own crystalline blood to sheer against them like fragments of ice in a blizzard.

As she took control of theirs, and brought pain to flare across her nerves. The very blood in her veins slowed to a sluggish pace. It was easier now than it might've been before. After all, their blood was black because of Remy's. And Donovan's blood had flowed through that drakenite's veins. It was just a generation apart, but it was still her blood.

One hand freed itself from the handle of her blade, even as she worked her way through their field of battle. Even as she swung, then melted into a shadow and appeared from another. As she danced through the air. That transparent hand reached forward. And with a sharp note she closed her fist, dragging her hand backward.

Akane moved with the motion. Carried by blood. Donovan came to meet her with blade and teeth bared- Like a batter at the plate. Her razor sharp teeth made to clamp down upon their shoulder, while her blade angled to bisect the torso. It would've worked out, if the siren was holding her blade right.

She hadn't noticed the angle. The flat of the blade smacked into her torso, possibly cracking a rib as the force of the blow sent her flying. Straight out the window. What a lucky shot that was.

For a brief few moments, she was dazed. Overtaken by the fragmented memories which struck the moment her sin had sunk into her flesh. Her teeth had drawn forth blood, and quicksilver light had moved quickly.. She simply hadn't had enough time, then, to properly get a hold of what she sought.

If there was any time to run, now would be it.
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[22:13] She couldn't win...

Maybe Remy was right to be ashamed of her in her last moments. That Akane was worthy of pitying. That emotion she could feel... just before her connection was severed. And she could no longer feel the presence of her mother in the back of her mind.

Yet as the battle continued on, a vicious, memory sucking bite was given onto Akane's shoulder. She felt the reverse of what happened when she fed on Remy's blood. Thoughts. Memories. It all was fading away. It seemed to be focused onto her Mother. The woman who took her in, raised her. Gave her a home when it was her only option to truly survive.

By the end of the Memory sucking... Akane broke away. Seeing Donovanappearantly turned into a daze--- the Redhead high-tailed it away from her very own home. From a place she though she'd always be loved. After her lover had threaten to kill her. After Donovan had gone after her with lethal intent? After Remy had died? She was alone again. She had no one to go to. The only thing she could remember about Remy now was that she was her Mom. And that now that Mom was dead.

Everything else was blank. But she only aimed to leave. To go to somewhere, anywhere that might provide comfort.
(Akane)
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wee lil' timeskip



[22:30] Neo values Donovan to an extent. They are extended family and what not, the Draskovic's and Invidia's have always been very tight. Torham earned the right to be Neo's uncle. Due to this his children are his cousins, and their feelings matter deeply.

The Justiciar slowly floats to the side of Donovan, a thick smog of corruption follows as the Arcane is displayed. Neo still was learning, he couldn't properly hide it just yet. The typical emotions filled the minds of all present. The hatred, the betrayal, and the multitude of other horrible feelings that weigh down upon Neo.

"Cousin."

He calls out in a very bold tone. His voice projecting without him needing to scream. He hoped that they'd listen. Neo was not like the others, he did not lie.

"If you are wondering, it was I who executed your love. I received word of them mistreating their Ghoul Akane, and apparently you were having martial issues. That stacked upon the horrible history between Remy and my family added and I made a quick decision. I killed them-- their death was peaceful and nothing like the one Malentine had given."

"The body has been disposed of, and the head should be in Akane's position."
(Neo Invidia)
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[22:34] Cassidy Invidia whispers something.
[22:34] Neo Invidia says, "I am speaking with my Cousin, wait."
[22:34] * You have been awarded 0.5 Roleplay Points! *
[22:35] Cassidy sighs.
(Cassidy Invidia)
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[22:38] Cassidy Invidia says, "Just... knock on the door when you're done. Alone, please."
[22:46] Sirus says, "Dam"
[22:46] Sirus says, "these girls always after me"
[22:46] Sirus exclaims, "pfttttt!"
[22:49] "I.. heard. From.. From Akane. She said.."

It was hard to believe. Donovan had refused to believe that's what happened. Refused to think Remy could ever do something like that, or anything close to it. What could they find in someone else that the two of them didn't have together?

But, then, this was Neo talking.

Invidia he might be, one cloaked in an aura of chaotic arcane, but he had never been the untrustworthy one. Not only that, but she had tasted the memory. Drawn it from the ghoul's blood directly, though it was fragmented in her own. Her gaze was dull as she stared forward, never bothering to peer toward the vampire at her side.

She had attacked out of anger, but the ghoul's fear had been justified. They'd gone to the wrong person, in her mind, but- The sirenian winced, lifting a hand to the side of her head. Maybe she should've kept her cool.

The scene had been a tad overwhelming. She couldn't help it.

"I know.. why. Why you did.. what you did. I understand.. But it.. should've been me. I should've seen it.. stopped them. I didn't. I was.. blind."

It still hurt. Even knowing why, even completely understanding, and even agreeing with the act, it was an ache unlike any other. Unlike any, but the one Malentine had left behind the moment Remy had died the first time. Heartbreak.

"I didn't.. Believe.. the ghoul. Attacked. She might.. dislike me, now.. Tell you.. she's scared. I was.. upset. If you care.. I wont try again. If you don't.. I'd rather she stay away."
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[23:01] It's painful, it truly is.

Love is one of the most powerful emotions of all. It's what drives Neo, it's what made Neo. Love is why he is who he is and why he's grown to such heights. His undying love for the many that surround him only being multiplied by his seemingly unlimited passion and desire makes for a force that wont stop until things become stable.

He felt her pain, it was similar to the betrayal that his father displayed during their last hunt. While the situations were different the pain was all the same, and it wasn't physical-- that's what made hurt.

"They were yours, yes-- however you weren't around and I had to act fast. I couldn't let people that serve under me go through this pressure. I am the symbol now and I cannot allow those to feel unsafe. Many thanks for understanding, and if needed I will be available. I know the pain, you will return from this more powerful than ever."

As chaotic of being Neo is, as bloodthirsty, and prideful as he is, Neo is still a father, a man doubling as a monster. Qualities don't just vanish he is still who he is. Comfort was needed, Donovan was hurt.

"Not many are worthy of my apologies, cousin. However you are family and so I will say sorry for not allowing you the right to deliver the punishment. I cannot apologize for their death for obvious reasons-- but do know that I still cherish you and the many that we call kin."

Neo would briefly wrap his arm around Donovan, as that chaotic dome that shrouds him would expand. He'd embrace her with the most fatherly, yet wicked embraces of all time. Someone had to do what Torham wasn't here to do.
(Neo Invidia)
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[23:19] Priscilla continues waiting for her boiling tea.
(Priscilla Invidia)
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[23:21] No truer words were ever left unspoken.

It was agony, beyond power of speech.

There was no way to articulate what she felt. Perhaps there was some way to let another feel it, but Donovan didn't particularly care to share that. It wasn't something that needed to be said outright. He seemed to already understand- And for that she was grateful. Even if it was a struggle to keep from attacking him, too.

He had taken Remy from her. He'd done what Malentine hadn't quite managed. All that was left was their head, and she couldn't bear to think about that just then. Even if there was a way to bring them back. It was something she shoved to the back of her mind.

Instead she focused on the present. On the words which he spoke and the chaotic energies which swirled about his form. It was hard to focus past the hurt. Past the anger. But she did. She forced herself to do so, because she knew he was in the right. He had done what was best just then.

She remained silent even afterwards. As he made to embrace her, as his aura of arcane chaos enveloped her. It was a familiar sensation. Something that almost made her homesick. He could feel the exact moment her shoulders slumped, and likely caught sight of the glistening trail the first tear tracked down her cheek.

The rest of those she blinked away. She couldn't do that just yet.

After a slow, deep breath, she finally responded, her head leant against him for the moment. Just so long as he would allow, until he decided to pull away. While he allowed it she'd take comfort where he offered such.

"I understand.. And.. and you were.. right. Right to do so.. I just.. They were mine. Mine.."

It seemed words were not coming to her very easily just then. That was probably sensible given what had occurred.
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[23:32] Cassidy Invidia asks, "Neo, Donovan... Are you two calm now?"
[23:32] Cassidy Invidia says, "I'm- oof."
[23:33] Cassidy sucks in air through her teeth.
(Cassidy Invidia)
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[23:33] Someone needed to decide fate.

Someone needs to do what needs to be done, and Neo believes himself to be that someone. His actions effect those around him, but he goes through the efforts to rebuild his people. Neo is desperately trying to hold his people afloat while also keeping them sane.

Donovan was at their worst right now, much like Valentine. The only difference in their situations were that Neo was the butcher opposed to Huangzhou. He understood this and it is why he allowed her comfort for as long as she needed.

Neo himself remained powerful, his gaze unwavering as he stared forward. It was his job to be that Vampire for them. It was up to him to stay solid when there were many cracks. "I know, I know. Stay strong, Donovan you've always been one of the more powerful Vampires. You never fold in the face of danger, a great quality cousin. You will overcome these bad times."

Neo stopped speaking, it was best he just let her have her time-- doing whatever it is that she would do. He'd lessen his hold allowing for her to run along whenever.

His attention now turns to Cassidy, his gaze narrowing. "What do you need, speak it out here."
(Neo Invidia)
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[23:33] Cassidy Invidia says, "Haaahhh... Mmmmmgh..."
[23:33] Cassidy Invidia says, "Alright, I have Akane, she's crying, she's borderline hysterical."
[23:34] Neo Invidia says, "I'll deal with that later on..."
[23:34] Cassidy Invidia says, "She's complaining of headaches, she can't remember anything about her mother, and she says she's sick."
[23:35] Cassidy Invidia says, "And for some reason she really wants you with her."
[23:35] Neo Invidia says, "I'll get to it, do not fret."
[23:35] Cassidy Invidia says, "Ghh, alright..."
[23:45] There was no verbal response to his words. Nothing that came to mind needed to be said. All she wanted to do just then- Well, there were plenty of things she wanted to do. Bringing Remy back was on that list, as well as crushing their skull. Keeping close to Neo- Or fighting him, as she had fought Malentine. So he would give it back. Give Remy their life back.

But it didn't work like that.

And the evidence Donovan had seen- Well, it certainly was convincing. Enough that she couldn't bring herself to raise her blade. Not against the one at her side, whom only acted out of concern for his kin. Another shakey breath was drawn. Her eyes fell shut for but a moment.

Then his grasp loosened, and she heard that voice again. Cass was talking about something or other, it certainly wasn't- .. Important.. No, it probably was, actually. She lifted her head, standing a bit straighter in the air. Akane was with the blonde-haired woman, then.

She still wanted to kill the ghoul. To finish them off where she had already started. But she hadn't quite been in the wrong. She'd just handled it poorly. That was.. Fine, probably. It was the last tidbit which really caught her attention.

So that's what happened when she used her sin like that.

"Can't.. remember.. huh? Sick.. how?"

The first part she already knew. The second, it made her curious.
(Donovan Draskovic)
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[23:51] Cassidy felt more than a little bad breaking up their pow wow, especially since Donovan just lost like... All of her family. Maybe she shouldn't've said anything in front of them, she didn't really want Akane to die when the girl probably did nothing wrong. She just bolted into the bean's house and started crying and bleeding on her rug. How could you say no to someone like that?

"Sorry for interrupting, but she's talking about how she feels sick and empty. But she can't remember anything about the why and how. She might be asleep by now, though. I tended to her wounds and gave her something to replenish what she lost in blood and tears."
(Cassidy Invidia)
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[23:53] Neo Invidia says, "--I see, I'll deal with that as I said."
[23:53] Donovan Draskovic says, "Nm.."
[23:53] Donovan Draskovic says, "That uh.. Might've been me."