Path of the Necromancer - FACTION WARS

Chapter 2.1 - Ian

Ian -

Meanwhile, Ian Cale had been disappointed to learn that Vampirism wasn't an undead condition, thus he couldn't control them as a Necromancer. As far as he understood, it was more of a viral mutation which altered genetics. It made them sensitive to light - though nowhere near enough to burn them to cinders - and reliant on uninfected blood for sustenance. And as Ember so succinctly put it, taking in excessive amounts of new blood tended to kill off the fluffy, puppy-loving, ethical portions of their brains. In return, of course, they got increased speed and strength, longer lives, the ability to see in the dark, and an unlimited supply of 'date-rape' drugs flowing through their system.

"Seriously?" He asked Grim, after he'd finished giving them the low down on their prey. "They put a kill order on 'me,' but let these virtueless parasites run around free?"

Ember pursed her lips and reminded him, "There are many Vampires who feed only in moderation. They're as sane as you or I."

Ian thought about that. "Then there should definitely be a kill order out on them," He firmly concluded. A laugh burst forth from Dani, captivating him with how innocent and free the young Assassin sounded. He sighed. He was really beginning to dislike this Order that would inflict young girls with what she'd been through.

'Not to mention the stuff she 'isn't' saying.' He worked his teeth together in a tight-lipped frown.

Something had passed between Ember and the Slayer, though he didn't know what about. If it was something he needed to know, he trusted Ember to tell him. The silent look she sent him said 'not-now.' He kept his eyes forward as his mind went to the task ahead.

His promise of Night Watch assistance had garnered mixed results, yet he still felt good in his decision. May his mentor and teacher mock him for it, he had his reasons for offering a helping hand to the struggling Kin Faction - not least amongst them the principle of two weak potential enemies was much easier to fend off than a guaranteed strong one. He'd also been keenly aware of the Heaven and Earth leader's lecherous gaze slithering hungrily over the Kin's female Mages.

They got to the Faction backed storefront and Ian relaxed his determined expression, trying to weave a compulsion around the vehicle so it wouldn't be towed for illegal parking. A voice behind him called out, "Don't bother." He turned and saw one of the Castille sisters leaning against a building without any sign of how she got there. "We'll make sure no one touches it."

Ian chuckled, "I hope so. Otherwise, some poor meter maid is going to get the shock of their life."

"You're late." The head-to-toe leather clad woman shouldered herself from the wall. Chinning towards the hitherto unseen Assassin stepping out, "Who's this?"

"She's my psychic medium," Ian stated seriously.

"What?" She frowned.

"It's real serious work," Ian took on a look of contemplation. "She figures out who I want killed and sorts out all the middle work. I don't know all the details but I'm a fan of the end result. Much less hassle than dealing with the bodies in the moment." He grinned wolfishly.

Dani did her best to hide her amusement behind a raised hand. Ember felt no such compulsion, her melodic laughter titillating their gathering at the bewilderment tracing their contacts features.

"Did you just make that up?" She snickered.

"Wait! You were mocking me?" The girl got feisty.

Ian's smirk didn't waver under the ugly glare. To Ember, "Yes, I couldn't help myself from showing the same respect and manners gifted to us by our hosts." To the girl, "No, I was trying to lighten the mood. We're about to get into some serious shit and I don't want anyone getting trigger happy because of some pre-game jitters."