A Violent Welcome Home (Open)

[sletzo]

Scott stepped off the gangway and came to an almost direct stop, just two steps beyond it. He was back in his hometown, it had been…probably over a century since he had last been here. He didn’t count the years close enough to know exactly how long it had been. There was no point for him to do so, after all…when he wasn’t aging anymore, what difference did it make if it was ninety years or a hundred years? None that he could see, so he didn’t much bother. Still, it was a good feeling for him to finally be -home- again. He had longed to walk the streets of New York while he was in Florida, almost on a nightly basis. And now he finally good, it was almost awe-inspiring.

…And then reality set in when he was shoved forwards, out of some hurried human’s way. A curse was thrown in his direction followed by an insult. Scott didn’t bother with responding though. He just took it as a cue to start moving.

The actor-turned Kindred truly was a sight to see. He had just stepped off of a cargo ship, looking very much out of place amongst the dock workers. His suit was far too formal for this blue-collar setting. His duffel bag -might- have fit in, if it wasn’t for the fact that there looked to be some silver and gold sewn into handle. Drawing attention was never something that Scott had a problem with though, thankfully…if it was, he would have no doubt been horribly uncomfortable for the entire trip. No doubt some of the humans on board had been, but that wasn’t his problem.

“Ah…New York, how I’ve missed your low lights and high buildings. Low class and high value. Low standards and high goals. Truly a bright spot on the face of a dark world.” It was said aloud before he took a deep breath in, smelling the city he had so long been deprived of. Of course he wasn’t talking to anyone in particular, he was just talking to himself.

Without another word, Scott started on his way. The dock’s themselves hadn’t changed all that much since he was last here. More large metal containers and cranes maybe, but nothing that particularly interested him. So he headed on his way. Unawares that he had drawn very unwanted attention with his attire and little speech.

The vampire continued on his way, idly wondering if the Prince was still the same Prince he had met so long ago…or if the theaters he had performed in, in life, still stood. Let alone if anyone of note owned them. Yes, as he made his way, one step at a time, towards the heart of the city…with no definitive location in mind, it was safe to say that his mind was elsewhere. So it came as no surprise when he was taken unawares by a particularly grungy looking mugger.

The unclean man brandished a lead pipe at Scott as he spoke, in almost a growl. “Gimme tha’ bag!” Such a filthy human was almost too much for the kindred to bear…almost, but not quite. The smell coming from him attested to the fact that he probably slept near a dump…or hadn’t bathed in weeks if not longer. Whatever the case, it wasn’t someone Scott wanted to be around for long. However, he couldn’t very well give up his few meager possessions to this mugger…then where would he be?

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, you however can leave before this gets out of hand.” His words were spoken with the calm confidence of someone who really wasn’t afraid of a lead pipe. He didn’t want to have to hurt the apparently homeless mugger…not if he didn’t have to.

“Gimme tha’ bag!” The mugger screamed as he raised the pipe high. He ran in at Scott as he swung the pipe down towards the Kindred’s head, aiming to kill the man and take the bag from his body. After-all, he was desperate enough to mug someone with a weapon, why wouldn’t he be willing to kill them just to get their possessions?

[kozeph]

The old engine of Allan's Van muted the noise of the busy streets of the Big Apple, he made it Allan thought as the a traffic light showed its red color. Waiting for the light to turn green again Allan watch Like a superior being the people walk pass him, he saw desperation, hunger, fear, love, joy and sadness in the inhabitants of this dirty city. He liked it..

the light turned Green and a angry cap driver shouted to Allan to move, he was amused even more. Stepping on the accelerator the old van drove off. Allan thought of where should he first head, the great prince that plays king of all kindred and kine? Should he contact the sewer dwellers? Maybe on of the bars that is no doubt under control of a Vampire. Allan mused the ideas in his head "I'm hungry, my search can start later" he stated and at the same moment saw a post sign indicating the way to the docks.

he turned the steering wheel and headed for the dark looking docks, Allan drove around looking for a morsel for his belly. He never killed when drinking but he enjoyed the act of holding someone helpless in his arms.

"Come out.. Come out, where ever you are" Allan said as he rested his chin on the steering wheel with a cat like smile and the fire of a predator stalking prey. It was at this moment Allan spotted an unusual figure making his way through the docks. A man wearing an elegant suit the man seemed distracted as a rugged looking person approach him... A mugger no doubt. Allan stopped the vehicle and watch the events unfold.. with his ever amused smile

[sletzo]

The pipe was violently flying towards his head. A moment later it harmlessly on the ground, the would-be mugger who had been wielding it on the ground near it. If anyone who had been watching, had blinked, they would’ve missed entirely what had happened. There was no magic to the act though, no great trick performed. It wasn’t a difficult puzzle to figure out what had happened either.

Scott was a trained fighter, he could defend himself whether he was armed or not. This situation didn’t demand much skill in the way of fighting though, not to do what the Toreador had done. He merely sidestepped the charging man. Of course he had also dragged one foot behind, so that when he did move out of the way with the majority of his body, he had left just enough of his foot in the way. The would-be mugger, as expected, ran right into his foot and after stumbling for a step…completely lost his balance and fell in a most comical way. Complete with a spin, he landed flat on his butt.

Spinning fluidly on his heel, Scott turned to face the would-be mugger that was now clutching an apparently sprained ankle. “I did offer you an easy out to the situation. Perhaps the next time you attempt this, you will take your victim’s advice.” It was said with a brief smirk, just before Scott turned and continued on his way.

“This city hasn’t changed much, it seems.” he mused aloud as each step was taken. “Once a home to the most desperate sort, always a home to the most desperate sort.” How long it had been since he himself was that very sort, of course he didn’t add that apart aloud. He could recall with vivid detail, what life had been like back then. None of these modern marvels were around then…at least they weren’t common if they were. So long ago, it was even before the invention of the automobile, such common sight today.

Like the one that seemed occupied, facing the direction he had been in not long ago. The white van received a backwards glance as Scott continued. It was a shame he couldn’t drive, or he might be inclined to steal the van, if just to make his trip into the city proper all-that-much-faster. …That would be something to learn how to do soon, he decided, driving would be a useful skill…as would knowing how to rig one of those mechanical monstrosities to move without the proper key. …Everything required a key today, after all, surely vehicles did as well.

[kozeph]

A hardy laugh slip through Allan lungs and mouth "Great show! seems I've found something better than a meal" Allan started the engine rusty engine once more. Now now what will this little bird do now I wonder?

The van slowly makes its way next to the Elegant man. A plan was being built in Allan's mind, he had it, he made it, he was going to make a contact. That man perhaps was not a kindred or perhaps he was. If he was then Allan was going to use him as is gate way into the webs of this city, if he was not a kindred then a feast would be all Allan could get of that man.

The van slowly stopped, Allan rolles down the passenger "Evening friend, you like a lift. You've earned it with your little dance" Allan said with the tiny hint of what remains of his Latin accent. "I'm new to this city but perhaps I can be of assistance to a new found friend" the cat like smile springs into Allan's lips

[sletzo]

Funny how things work. The van he had idly thought about stealing started to move…only to pull up along side Scott. Of course he stepped aside so the van wouldn’t run him over, expecting the large vehicle to keep going…but instead the window was rolled down and an apparently Latin man was talking to him. Scott looked the man over, as best he could. From what he could see the man wasn’t particularly handsome…neither was he particularly ugly either though, which was a definite plus.

The words struck Scott as strange though. Well…they weren’t the only thing to strike him as being strange. In his experience, he was never offered a ride for free…regardless of where he was, but especially not after having been in a minor tussle like he just was. So to be offered the ride, was on it’s own, odd…not unwelcome, but odd enough to make him somewhat suspicious of this stranger’s motives. Added to that, he was just attacked…badly, but attacked all the same, and the way he had dodged said attack, was now being called a ‘little dance’. And then the smile…all together, this was strange enough that he wouldn’t feel any regret about declining the offered ride.

“Yes, that would e most appreciated. I’m Scott, by the way. And you are?” Of course, with all the warning signs there, Scott still accepts the ride. After all, he was never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes. So why not? Besides, he reasoned…the worst that could happen is that he has to jump out of a moving vehicle…which would ruin his clothing, but would be a small price to pay, if it came down to it. And even that was in an absolutely worst case scenario. Which wasn’t extremely likely in Scott’s mind.

Of course it did also cross Scott's mind, that this could be just another...far more elaborate way to attempt a robbery. Which if that was the case, he would probably react far less kindly than he had a few moments ago when the apparently homeless man had tried to mug him. But he was willing to give this stranger the benefit of the doubt, at least for now.

[kozeph]

Allan smile grew wider "My name is Allan. Allan Calderon you may call me however you wish Mr Scott I do not care about names"

Allan slowly opened the passenger seat to Scott and waits for him to sit on the car"I'm kinda of a collector" Allan Say's to Scott when he gets in, gallantly showing his collection of junk from ancient relics to modern pieces of art to a medieval sword, old and new posters where attached to the walls of the car.

a wide smile appeared in Allan's mouth after watching his collection for a few seconds, a wide enough smile to show is fangs "Where ya headed friend?" he asks as the Van drives through out of the docks

[sletzo]

Allan Calderon, it wasn’t a name Scott recognized. But considering how long he had been gone, well he wasn’t actually expecting to recognize it. Still, it would’ve been nice to have this Allan be someone he might be able to have known a relative of. Of course, if he did, he wasn’t about to share that information considering that it would mean the relative was no doubt dead for a good number of decades now. But since he didn’t recognize the name, he couldn’t guess at anything about Allan based purely on the name alone.

When the van door opened, Scott got into the mechanical monstrosity, as he thought of automobiles. Despite seeing them become popular and everywhere, he couldn’t get over the fact that they looked more like the monsters that would have been seen in a nightmare. The metal was so cold and inhuman to his eye, he’d prefer a horse any-day, but of course those were far more rare now. Reserved for glue factories, and the like, it was a real shame to in Scott’s mind, but you couldn’t stop progress and just because he didn’t change anymore, at least physically, didn’t mean the world stayed as static.

He kept his duffel bag on his lap after he had gotten into the automobile, not bothering to buckle up…after all, he may have to make a quick escape, which a buckle wouldn’t help for. The sudden statement that this Allan was a collector seemed odd…but then when he looked into the back of the van, it made more sense. Still, it didn’t leave Scott trusting this stranger anymore than he already did. Not when it was just revealed that he kept so many random things inside his van…and apparently lived in it, given the sheer amount of junk in the back.

Altogether Scott was figuring out, piece by piece, just what sort of person Allan was. And the first part of that determination was that he was probably in the country illegally. The sheer amount of junk in the back of the van, seemed like Allan was probably also the type to move a lot…possibly without any sort of ‘home’ other than the van. Probably not someone with a career…odd jobs most likely. It was a shame that he wasn’t hungry at this point, or else this stranger would make for a perfect meal, considering how he probably had no strong ties to anyone…he could no doubt disappear without a problem.

Perhaps another time though for that though. “Where…hm…that is a good question. I hadn’t decided yet. It’s been some time since I was last in this city, you see. So how about to some place where I could find a room for rent?…preferably a nice hotel.” His words flowed out smoothly, no preplanning involved at all. Idly he had to wonder just how much a nice hotel room would cost, he was sure he could afford it, still it would be nice to know in advance.

[kozeph]

As the van slowly made is way out of the Docks Allan slowly and with no threatening movement opened the passenger compartment revealing a small collection of Cd's for his stereo, he used this moment to smell the stranger, confirming his suspicions about Scott "AH! a fellow night crawler! what clan sires you fair friend? You can try and guess mine" Allan asks enthusiastically "So.. your native to this city but you've been traveling for a long time eh?" he asks again all in a fluent rhythm, Allan weaves his hand again in direction of his music collection "Pick whatever you like, there is an ample collection there" He Say's with pride, all the way from the 60's to this very years, from classical to heavy metal, pop and instrumental bands famous and obscure bands could be found in that pile of music, surprisingly there was no single CD that had a Spanish singer, among the many things Allan left behind him when he left Colombia was the taste for Spanish music, he found English better suited for music or any language for that matter other than Spanish.

He kept himself silent after Scott response, thinking is next move. while keeping his mask of jovial joy

By instinct Allan knew already that this kindred would not be of much help to him specially in his search. But he may find something useful out him yet. Now in a serious but still being friendly "Do you know much of the current affairs and powers of this city?" Allan asks at least that kindred would offer that freely.

Eventually Allan spotted an expensive looking hotel after twenty minutes away from the docksWhat do you think? his enchanting smile that hints pride, danger, safety and a uncanny intelligence all at once. "Nice talking to you Mr. Scott, it was a pleasure.. Should you ever need a friend or an ally since friends are something unknown to our kind you may look for me" He offers his hand before Scott leaves the vehicle "I'm planning to spent sometime here so we might as well meet some other time" Allan gives a friendly smile after Scott leaves handing him a list of cellphone numbers. only one worked the rest where false, decoys or broken. After wards Allan drives off. Looking at the time Allan decides to find a parking spot and wait for the next evening, his hunt will start soon... After he introduced himself to the ruler of this town

[sletzo]

The sudden statement by Allan, that Scott was “a fellow night crawler”, was fairly disturbing for the Toreador. Not only was it completely unexpected, but it also declared something that if a mortal knew, would be a serious issue to deal with. The Masquerade did exist, with good reason, afterall. The fact that Allan said “fellow” suggested that he was also a member of the Kindred. It wasn’t until Scott realized that much that he actually calmed himself down mentally. He completely missed the CD’s being displayed, after all…with a shock like that, it wasn’t easy to focus on something so small like a few CD’s being revealed.

“Yes, yes I have been. It’s been almost a century since I was last here. What of yourself then? I gather you’re fairly new to the ‘big apple’?” The CD collection was ignored as he asked the questions…of course he wasn’t fully even expecting an answer. He was just using Allan for a ride afterall, not trying to get to know his whole life story. Some small talk was required, but nothing of real value, not in his mind at least.

The rest of the car ride went fairly quiet, Scott not bothering with music though. Instead he chose to look out the windows and watching the city he was driving through, taking in whatever sights he could see to try and familiarize himself with the area and changes. There was a considerably high number of Kine around now, compared to how many were around before. It was always a packed city, but now there were so many more than there had been. A side effect, he supposed, of humans living longer lives than they once did, back when he himself was human.

When they finally came to a stop at a nice looking Hotel, Scott had to give a nod of appreciation to Allan. “It seems nice enough, thank you for the ride, Allan. It was appreciated. I’m afraid I can’t answer your other question though, being so long gone, I’m sure things have changed greatly since I was last here.” After shaking Allan’s hand, he stepped out of the vehicle, “Perhaps we will.”

Without another word, Scott shut the door to Allan’s van and proceeded to walk inside the hotel and arrange for a room for two nights. After all, it would be needed all day tomorrow…but considering that he had sold off the majority of his possessions in Florida before traveling back to New York, money wasn’t going to be any large issue for him…not any time soon at least. Once he was settled in his room, Scott would go about looking through the phone book to learn just what sort of businesses could be found and where…particularly any theaters. Broadway, of course. He would have to look into purchasing a play house…or an empty building that could be turned into one. After getting permission to remain in the city from the Prince, of course.

((End))