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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 7, 2008 19:23:18 GMT -5
Jasmine stalked the darkness of Tokyo with a curious train of thought. Okay, so what would a normal vampire be thinking? Maybe, where can I get something to eat around here? Or, maybe I'd kill for some blood. But Jasmine was different. She wasn't thinking those things, instead she was trying to remember the Japanese lessons she had taken in junior high.
"Ha- ha-" She spoke aloud, trying to remember how to introduce herself. "Hajememashte!" She finally remembered. "Watashi wa Jasmine desu," It was all coming back to her. "Hajememashte, watashi wa Jasmine desu. Nee juu ichi sai desu. Oosootooraria jin desu," She was so proud of herself. "Doozo Yoroshiku! Yes, I did it!" She exclaimed to herself, not even realizing that she was speaking aloud.
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Post by Dieter Helyanwe on Jun 7, 2008 22:19:38 GMT -5
Dieter had heard of a newly embraced vampire in Tokyo. Newly embraced kids are always nothing but trouble. However when a friend calls in a favor to meet the kid and show them some of the ropes, Dieter is always powerless. Picking up the scent of a vampire was no real trouble and tracking might be trouble. She obviously new how to read and westerners stick out a bit in Japan.
Dieter loved Japan. He had traveled quite the ways with his mentore and even made it into 16th century Japan. My how things changed. It used to be that if you screwed up some article of politeness then people would try to hack at you with swords. He slid down the side of a nearby building and landed in front of her. "gonban wa Jasmine-san. Watashi wa Dieter Helyanwe, hajimemashite." He gave a polite bow. Dieter decided to scan some of her thoughts to be sure that she wouldn't freak out and run away. He just wanted to have a nice chat. "It's my understanding that you could use a guide of Tokyo. For that I could be of service."
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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 8, 2008 2:24:57 GMT -5
Jasmine stopped short as someone landed in front of her. She stepped back and clenched her fingers into fists in case she had to fight. However, she kept them at her side until she was sure she had to attack. A scent tingled at her nostrils as she realized, almost instantly, that he was a vampire to. She smiled hesitantly, sweetly. She wasn't quite sure of how to interact with other vampires. In the short time she had been a vampire, she had never come across another of her kind.
Jasmine listened to him and slowly, her fingers uncurled. 'okay' she thought 'just be cool' she reminded herself. She took a deep breath. "Um, yeah, that would be great," She answered. She reached up to push some hair from her face. She tucked it gently behind her ears. She was glad to find someone who could speak English. She had been surrounded by chattering Japanese people all day and it was starting to wear on her.
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Post by Dieter Helyanwe on Jun 8, 2008 23:26:18 GMT -5
Dieter read some of her thoughts to gage her reaction. Dieter didn't often read people's thoughts because it was very invasive but it definitely had prevented quite a few fights before they ever started. In this case he just read a couple of Jasmine's surface thoughts in order to establish whether or not she'd freak out. Or whether or not he had to put her down. Sometimes vampires thought themselves Gods for cheating death. Those guys are nothing but trouble, killing innocents, slaughtering families, Dieter couldn't abide by that. If you go that crazy, one way or another you're not going to hurt others again.
He smiled and said, "Well at least you know the smell of the dead Jasmine san. Would you like to acompany me for a drink. I know a great ramen restaurant that has great sake and some pretty people. It's charmingly secluded and there is much we should discuss on your trip to Tokyo. Would you please follow me this way." With a courteous bow, Dieter looked to see if Jasmine would follow.
((In case you wondered Dieter's wearing nice buisness suite. Respectable enough for a guide.))
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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 9, 2008 3:23:52 GMT -5
Jasmine wasn't aware that he was reading her thoughts. She didn't know that vampires could do that and she remained blissfully ignorant. Because of this, she could afford the thoughts running through her head. 'He seems nice enough' 'he is very polite' 'what if he speaks more Japanese than I know?' 'What if he doesn't like me?'
Her thoughts were all jumbled and confused but he should have gotten the gist. She was curious about him. About other vampires. Even about herself. She wasn't about to pass up an opportunity to learn something about herself. She smiled at him.
"Actually, a drink would be wonderful," She admitted. She hadn't rested well. She could do with getting something into her system. She followed him, curious as to what she was going to find out. She wasn't quite sure why she had come to Japan. It just seemed so exotic and different from her home country. Australia was very laid back but here... Why they even sent guides to new vampires! "Hey," She asked, realizing something. "Do I have to pay you or something cause I don't have all that much money," She admitted, blushing.
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Post by Dieter Helyanwe on Jun 9, 2008 16:12:49 GMT -5
Dieter couldn't help but chuckle. "Money's still kind of a new thing to me so I tend to forget how this medium of exchange can consume people's worries. I usually don't ask for monetary compensation except where it comes to paying the mortgage or rent. Lots of older beings will barter favors, promises, power, or goods directly. But to answer your question no, you don't owe me anything. I am helping you as a favor you need not feel obligated to reciprocate. If you are wondering how to address me call me Dieter because only elves use the name of Helyanwe. Please miss, we do have much to speak about, however I don't find it prudent to do so on the open streets can we resume our conversation until we get to the restaurant."
Dieter was incredibly relieved that Jasmine, although a little flinchy, wasn't prone to hysterics. Dieter remembered several people who were and they were rather unpleasant. You couldn't even have a good joke at their expense without feeling incredibly guilty or a sense of regret from the drama afterward. Dieter lead Jasmine around the corner, up a set of stairs to the next stree, across that street, and into a tiny quaint restaurant that said "Delicious Ramen" in Kanji. When Dieter and Jasmine were seated Dieter a waitress came to their table and greeted them and asked what they wanted to drink.
"Etoo, Futatsu-kumi Kobe no sake onegaishimasu." Dieter liked Kobe's breweries the most and figured it'd be a good starter to the meal. He chose to remain as polite as possible even though the waitress did give a bit of a glance to his long hair. Fortunately he used said long hair to cover his pointy ears. Lot's easier than wearing something to round them off or tuck them behind.
"Please take a look at the menu, Everything here is delicious I just ordered us some good sake to get started with. I know you must have a lot of questions. Feel free to start asking."
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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 9, 2008 18:39:07 GMT -5
Jasmine sighed with relief when he answered her question. She didn't exactly have the budget to stretch it for a guide. But still, it was nice to have someone who could answer all her questions. She followed him into the restaurant and looked around. It was small, but it had a nice feeling to it. She took to it immediately.
Jasmine was impressed by Dieter's Japanese skills. But then, she was in Japan. It was expected that you speak the language. She sighed. She didn't exactly know what he had said. She knew how to introduce herself and count up to ninety nine but that was about it. She cursed herself for not taking language after seventh grade.
She smiled as he finally invited her to ask her questions. She picked up the menu and scanned it quickly before turning back to him. "Okay, where do I start?" She wondered to herself. She thought for a moment. "Right, um, how many of us are there?" She asked. She had never met another vampire so she didn't know just how common they were. She figured it was a safe place to start.
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Post by Dieter Helyanwe on Jun 9, 2008 20:40:13 GMT -5
Dieter smiled, "well that all depends on how much blood's around doesn't it. The thing is there's plenty of vampires worldwide and quite a number in busy cities like Tokyo. The thing is we can't have too many vampires in one place because then humans and animals start to suffer. It's kind of a difficult balance to maintain and there has to be certain rules on feeding to keep things safe for all parties involved. Especially since killing lots of people tends to set off a hunt of some sort. The thing you should be concerned about is meeting the council and pronouncing your loyalty to them. Only hard core people can live outside of council law for any time, or those really well protected."
Dieter thought it best that he come around first to the responsibility and governance part of being undead. Sure she was at the bottom of the tottem pole right now, didn't mean he needed to say it. She's just a kid who deserves to feel good about herself. I mean she's kept things pretty quiet for the most part and that helps. Also, Dieter was trying to get a feel for the girl because he may have to vouch for her in the council. He hated taking on people he never personally sired. Dieter himself had only sired 3 of his kind, but as a favor he's been asked to show new vampires the ropes every so often.
After the gloom of responsibility and thou shall not slaughter a hundred innocents in one night because it makes people look bad talks came the fun stuff though. The "guess what you can turn into mist, talks" were so much more fun to have. Also it usually cheered up the angsty newbies who kinda felt bad about being dead. Well undead.
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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 10, 2008 7:01:50 GMT -5
Jasmine nodded slowly. That made sense. She didn't like to kill anyway. She avoided doing it on the most part. She studied him carefully, placing her head in her hands and propping her elbow up on the table. "There is a council?" She asked curiously. Wow. A unified front. And an undead one at that. How strange. She considered this for a moment before asking a new question.
"So I meet with this council and tell them I'm not going to massacre the entire city," She began with a bit of a grin. "Then what?" She asked. "What is a vampire supposed to do?" She added. She didn't know how she was supposed to act. She hoped that it wasn't like in the horror movies she had seen where they were supposed to act all sexy and stuff. She shuddered. She wasn't good at that. She was very bad at flirting. Her attempts in themselves could be turned into horror movies.
((Sorry it's so short))
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Post by Dieter Helyanwe on Jun 10, 2008 13:58:17 GMT -5
Dieter held back his chuckle and then the sake came in. He poured some sake into either of the small bowls and rose a toast of "kampai," then asked the waitress for more time. Dieter looked down. Young vampires had it lucky. Most older vampires couldn't keep food in their stomaches form more than an hour before vomiting (and trust me turning out the contents of a vampires stomach is very very messy). Young ones could usually sustain some food in their system for a while and even partially digest it or regurgitate it later. It wasn't nearly as volatile as Dieter's stomach. Sake seemed to agree withe Dieter along with most other strong liquors. Dieter wasn't a drunk but the occasional drink was a nice thing. Blood was definitely much better though.
Dieter's mind then snapped right back to the topic at hand. "Ah yes, that's right. You have to meet with a member of the council actually. See the council of Elders is pretty old and sometimes gives right of way to a request that was favorably argued. Usually there's a bunch of statistics on the ratio between undead and feasible prey. You have to have a small bit of reputation or earned a certain amount of respect to be allowed to embrace. Usually the leader of that particular region will give some right of way. Then the sire's supposed to actually look after the new vampire and help them transition. You however were left out to dry. Which means a council member or someone appointed by them will have to decide whether or not they want you alive. Quite unfair and arbitrary I know, however it usually works. The members of our ruling body would probably say this kind of work was 'beneath' them." Dieter held back a smile as he was a member of the Elder council. He didn't like to wave the position in front of people and kept it mostly a secret as the position is quite enviable.
Dieter paused for a bit of effect. "I don't think you have anything to worry about. I've looked into your history and now that I've met you in person I've concluded you arn't a liability. Ignorent yes, but trouble, not at this moment and I think it's best it should stay that way." Dieter smiled as gregariously as he could. Took another sip of his sake. "It's very important that you understand the rules set by the Council of Elders. As for where you go for here though. That's really a matter of choice. Nymphomaniacs do come around every once in a while but are definitely not the rule. What you do from here all depends really. What do you want to do with your unlife?"
Dieter figured that based on her answer he could point her on the right path or to some of the right people to talk to. Whatever she decided Dieter would advise her to go to the Coven or other neutral ground as Lycan wouldn't pass up the chance to slaughter a vulnerable vampire. There was also the hearth thing she might have to worry about. These were what sires were for. Dieter promised he'd do everything he could to help her out. Dieter never promised to be a sire though. It was a lot of work and he had the seraphs to worry about. As long as Jasmine made her own informed decisions then she was subject to the consequences. Dieter would make her well aware of them.
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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 10, 2008 18:45:56 GMT -5
Jasmine returned his toast with a smile, but that faded when he mentioned the council wanting her alive or not. She swallowed dryly. She had thought this was safe. She thought that she had been doing the right thing. Why would anyone want her dead? She looked away from him, glancing once more around the restaurant.
She didn't know why she kept her eyes averted. Maybe it was because before then, she had never been in any danger. Now that he was there, there was a small possibility that she would die. She didn't hate him for it. She cursed herself for not thinking about that possibilities. They were vampires, of course there were going to be regulations and the such.
At the mention of a sire, she shuddered. She didn't like to think about the vampire that had changed her. She bit down hard on her lip to keep the memory away and concentrated on listening to his words. "Ignorant?" She repeated, her voice raised a little. He had been nice until now, he didn't have to go and ruin it by calling her ignorant.
She put her drink down carefully and turned her eyes back to him. She tried not to look hurt. She hated how sensitive she was to words. She considered him. "I haven't thought about that," She answered, an annoyed edge to her voice. She took a deep breath. She would stay calm. She didn't want to end up dead. But it seemed there was a chance of that anyway, maybe she should just leave. Just walk out right now and be done with it. She resisted the temptation.
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Post by Dieter Helyanwe on Jun 10, 2008 20:07:03 GMT -5
Dieter looked down at his place and then back. The thought to run had crossed her mind and Dieter thought that showed some good instinct. He thought it was rather telling that she concentrated that hard to not think on her sire. That was a sign of all kinds of complications. He looked across the table at Jasmine and thought how best to assuage her fears. He wanted to scare her a bit and let her know there was a lot of danger out there. Dieter hated throwing around status as a means to getting people to believe him. He preferred to earn trust the good old fashion way. Also, many Elder Council members tried to keep their position a secret due to the threat of assassination. Dieter found himself in good standing with most of the council. Sure the council was old and crazy, but all of the Council were crazy like a fox. You don't live that long as a Elder Council member otherwise. In fact one of the reasons of joining the Seraphs survivalism. To cleverly kill a council member was Darwinian and really the only way one gets in. To kill the head seraph at TI, that causes a lot of problems. Most of his old enemies within the council thought the move so brilliant he begrudgenly won their acceptance.
Dieter put his head down, "Listen Jasmine san I know you think I'm hear to scare the crap out of you and possibly kill you. If I had the intention to kill you I would've. I'm here for the reason I said. I'm a guide. I'll guide you to the right information and help you out however I can. I'm not here as an assassin, judge, or representative." He looked around, "I'm here to give you an idea of what's going on. I'm here to make sure you don't get yourself killed." He scanned the bar. Dieter had been having some trouble lately, it seemed to follow him.
"If you want, I can help you out in a multitude of ways. A couple other things you should know. Lycans, or as you would probably call them werewolves, will probably look for a means to killing you because they really don't like vampires. I'd walking into homes uninvited because there can be some nasty things that happen as a result. Being the walking dead does have reprecautions. If you meet people that know what you are they're probably not going to like you. Sorry comes with the territory." He shrugged. "There are many ways I can help you. The first is that you can order anything off the menu. The Soba with egg and chicken is pretty good. The waitress is on her way and the night is young." Just after he said it the waitress started making her way toward the table.
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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 11, 2008 6:54:25 GMT -5
Jasmine looked at him carefully. "Have you ever had to kill someone like me?" She asked him, keeping her voice smooth. She wondered about him, reconsidering her initial impression. There was more to him. He was important enough to be asked to 'guide' newcomers. That said something about him. But there was something else. Maybe it was the way he kept looking at her as if to judge her reactions. It was getting weird and she wasn't sure she liked it.
Jasmine raised her eyebrows at him coolly, her temper flare kept to a minimum. "Werewolves?" She rolled the word over her tongue slowly. She remembered watching movies about them too when she was human. They were only supposed to come out in the full moon. "So stay somewhere safe when the moon is full?" She asked.
((Sorry it's so short, I'm bedbound))
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Post by Dieter Helyanwe on Jun 11, 2008 13:34:58 GMT -5
Dieter looked as if he swallowed something bitter when she asked him whether or not he'd killed someone in Jasmine's position. Dieter coughed a little then said, "I've done a lot of regrettable things." After that he ordered for Jasmine in order to get the waitress away. "If you want something else it's ok you can order whatever you want." Dieter downed the entire bowl of sake, refilled it, then took another drought. "To be honest, yes I've had to kill people in your possition but they weren't anything like you. They thought themselves above everyone else and decided that no rules, ethics, or even codes of conduct need apply to them anymore. If you rub too many people the wrong way someone's bound to off ya. Its never enjoyable to be the one to do it." Dieter finished the rest of his drink.
"If you really want my advice, if I were you in your position, I'd go get some school so you know when and where is safe. There's a few decent schools in the Coven. However they're a little esoteric. Honestly I think you should try taking a class or two at the academy or mingling a bit on neutral ground. That way you'll get to know the magically aware and active community while becoming a bit more aware of your own powers. I can't make you do anything but it's a lot more fun around them." Dieter was kind of happy to get the, yes I kill people, and the gloomy part of the conversation over. His demeanor seemed to brightened a little and he had a smile on his face. He knew the girl was scared and angry.
If the roles were reversed Dieter knew himself well enough to know he would've tried to bolt by now. Jasmine was very practical and Dieter couldn't help but find her almost as interesting and perplexing as she found him.
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Post by Jasmine Leigh Markus on Jun 11, 2008 18:41:33 GMT -5
Jasmine just stared at him, ignoring the waitress completely. "I'm fine with... what did you order again?" She asked him. She brushed the subject off quickly. So he had killed people that were in her position. 'Now that was a comforter' she thought sarcastically. But at least he was being honest about it. She sighed and made a decision. She looked at him again, a smile now adorned her lips and her eyes shone. "Fine," She said. "I don't care. If I die I die. It's not like I'm still alive or anything," She tried to make light of her words, but that was how she was trying to look at it. What happens happens. There's no point fighting it.
"There are schools?" She asked curiously. "And I have powers?" That bit startled her. Well, okay, she already knew that she was stronger than the average human and that she could smell things from a mile away, but still. Powers? How cool. She surveyed him, smile still planted in place. "What powers?"
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