Destin Murray's Story

It had only been a month since Destin arrived in Verinotte Hollow. He had spent some time in Wing City, the place where he'd originally planned to attend university; however, the hectic nature of the city had proven too much for him to deal with after Flight T396 went down. The traumatic event changed him in more ways than one. He needed a change of pace—and here he was. The brilliant rays of the moon shone through the stained windows of his apartment, rousing him from his slumber. “Must be time to start the day.” he muttered to himself sleepily. Living in a city mostly populated by vampires meant that he had to become accustomed to sleeping during the day and being awake at night. It hadn’t been an easy transition; however, a sleeping pill here and there helped to mitigate the process.

Destin rose to his feet and nabbed a pair of pants slung over a chair near his bed. Then, on his way toward the door, he grabbed a clean shirt from a pile sitting on his dresser before slipping it over his head. When he opened his front door, he was surprised to see an envelope laying on the brown placemat sitting just outside of it. “The sigil of the Vankoryth Détente.” he said in a suspicious tone, wondering what business they had with him. After all, he hadn’t been here long enough to make a name for himself. He was a nobody.

He had received an invitation to something called the Ball of Chaos. He wasn’t terribly fond of dances but this would serve as a good opportunity for him to meet some of the locals. Maybe then he could find someone who could help him learn more about his power. Someone who could help him control it. There was one thing he needed to do before then, though: find something nice to wear. So, Destin stepped out of his apartment, hopefully to find someone who could direct him to the nearest clothes store.

Destin's eyes shifted to his watch. He was early. No matter. This would give him a chance to mingle. His charcoal gray slacks and matching vest hugged his slender form as he stepped through the doors and strode toward the main hall. He could feel the quickened thud of his heart from beneath his chest, which was accompanied by a growing tightness shortly thereafter. He raised a hand to adjust his scarlet tie, not only to make sure its placement was correct, but to ensure that he could breathe. The tie felt like it was tightening around his carotid. This wasn't the first time that Destin find himself in an unfamiliar environment, but the anxiety triggered by tredding into foreign waters never seemed to allay the more he stepped out of his comfort zone.

He arrived at the ballroom as Akio setting up the room with what looked like an oversized wand--or maybe a staff. "That's one way to get things done." he said to himself beneath his breath. For those that had been blessed (or perhaps cursed, depending upon one's perspective) with heightened olfaction, they would perhaps notice the peculiar scent that filled the room following Destin's arrival. It smelled of human, but one could clearly deduce that there was something else there. What that "something" was, however, was unclear.

To Akio, Carnidine, and Temperance did Destin provide a nod before making his way toward them. "Good evening, everyone." he began, "My name is Destin Murray. This is my first time coming to an event like this so, please, excuse me if I make a fool of myself." A smile to end the sentence and now he just had to wait to see their reactions.

Outside, the chaos had begun.

Verinotte square was teeming with life dressed to the nines. It was as if day had, for one night, descended upon the Hollow. The lanterns lining the cobblestone walks were fully lit, flashbulbs blinded at every fanciful turn, and there was even one guy who for whatever reason was sparkling.

A long limousine dripped through the crowd like freshly drawn blood. It came to a smooth halt right in front of the stone stairs of Verinotte Hall. For a long moment it lingered, when suddenly the suicide doors swept open. A milennial pink carpet unfurled like a tongue, licking it's way up the stairs and ending promptly before the giant doors. A roar from the crowd! A thousand more pictures!

Daemala Tauvyr and her cream colored gown spilled seamlessly from the limousine. A dark haired woman muscled through the crowd. She shoved a microphone in Daemala's face, who straightened her posture and opened her mouth unprompted to speak.

"Welcome, all, to the Ball of Chaos," Her voice was more than velvet, richer than cake, seeping through speakers all across Terra. She grinned into the camera, which followed the reporter woman everywhere, showing all the world her fangs.

The air shook, and a benevolent force entered the scene, the air's temperature fluctuating slightly with his presence, rising in temperature before evening out as the Dragon's presence solidified, regal robes fluttering in the wind as the night fell on Verinotte Hall. "A ball. I've not been to one in... millennia at least. It shall be refreshing." he mumbled to himself as he walked towards the gates. He towered over most, if not all the inhabitants of Terra supernatural or not.

The Dragon was also here for another reason: To keep Draco away. He was Draco's polar opposite; controlling Light and Benevolent in nature. He made little to no noise as he walked, and glanced here and there at the vampires who stared at him in awe, passing swiftly yet slowly (to him) past the reporters and cameramen and women swarming the hall. Mortals were such fickle creatures, so enamored by fame and fortune that they resorted to things like Vampirism to give themselves more time. He pitied them, but they knew how to throw a party, so he would with-hold judgement for the moment.

He may as well have fun while he was here.

"Gigas Machina cloaked and ready to go".

"All food is prepared and ready!"

"Extra mana reserves are set and ready".

Akio' three maid reported in, as Akio prepared for the opening entrance show. This was all a part of the plan after all, but he decided to wait for a few people and the cameras to show up first. He wasn't particularly submissive or patronizing, but no way was he going to deny Dae some camera time. That would make things more difficult for him after all.

And it was during this time, two others were arriving. The first from an interdimensional portal opened up like a cut mark. He stepped out with red hair, a large black coat way too big for him that went down to his knees, black pants, a red shirt, and bright red sneakers. He also had Crimson eyes, and held a Crimson colored scythe in his hands that looked bigger then him, but he held it with no problems.

At first, one might think he would be turned away for his attire...until he showed him a certain ID, and the bouncer himself, along with anyone else, noticed the quality and design in his clothing. His ID stated this seemingly eight year old boy to actually be an Eldritch being, the son of the very concept of death, above all gods, beings, able to kill even true immortals. As they existed outside the normal universe or even Multiverse, it was possible their idea of attire would be different or that their "clothing" was actually a part of their form.

But even if this was ignored, anyone who paid attention to his clothing would notice it was formal attire, as they saw the patterns and craftsmanship. In fact, they might start to think it was some of the highest quality clothing they had ever seen. It was truly incredible, holding great detail into the form and elements expected in formal wear.

"Yay! We made it on time!"

"Hey, don't be too loud! You will disrupt everyone Crimson!"

Suddenly another being came out of the portal...and it was a young boy, but older then Crimson by a few years. He had white hair and red eyes, like those reported to have been appearing in the area out of seemingly nowhere lately. He was dressed in a seemingly normal tux, but it was clear the level of quality was equal to Crimson's.

Ivera had just started a private investigation business, and his first job...was to uncover any real plots of the vampires if they had ulterior motives. He was also asked to babysit Crimson, as the job came from his father. And when the concept of death itself given consciousness, an Eldritch being older then time itself, if it even has a concept of time, gives you a job, you very damn well take it, especially when you still get paid.

He showed the bouncer their invites, and between the official invites, the quality of their clothes, and the fact one was Death's son, he let them in without any hassle.

Getting reports of others arriving, Akio turned to face the others.

"Thank you for the compliments, but that was nothing. I will get to you all in a sec, but first...allow me to show you something truly amazing".

Akio turned out to the door, and having given Daemala enough time he figured, immediately swung the doors open to invite them in...

...when suddenly two dragons made of pure energy and lightning shot out from behind him at the crowds and the guests! Yet seconds later, right before impact, they exploded into a beautiful cloud of lights which then raced through the crowd, not touching anyone but swirling through them as a smoke trail, before "exploding" once more into a large display of lights that everyone had become a part of. Simply letting them watch it is one thing, but Akio made them part of the display, without harming anyone. Furthermore that move would usually make a magic user feel some stress or strain, but Akio looked fine...and he also looked unfinished...

He raised his hands, and suddenly fireworks shot out from behind him, appearing from nowhere, and radiating him in it while giving everyone a close up view. But even more, they then blended and turned, becoming a pathway of lights that led up to the door.

"Welcome one, welcome all! I hope you will enjoy our food and entertainment tonight! My name is Akio Revela, one of your hosts this evening!"

Vance parked the ship before he and Boo entered the Hall and showed Boo to the food. He stood in a shadowy corner and watched the fireworks. He didn't know anyone here so he felt a little out of place. He hoped it wasn't a trap. (Sorry for short post on phone @work)

Both of the werewolves whistled softly in amazement. There was no other way to put it as they watched the amazing displays of lights and fireworks. Carnidine taking a puff from his pipe, and as he let out the smoke from his mouth, it changed into a small rainbow of different colors. Nothing flashy, not something that most people would even pay attention to. "Well, to each their own style I guess." He muttered under his breath. Not being one for most flashy types of magic, he shrugged it off seeing as it was a special event. "Now lets just hope that the cameras don't focus on either of us, yes?"

Temperance had gotten caught up in the excitement. Cheering along with most of the crowd as the fireworks and dragons of light and smoke went everywhere. Like a child watching in wonder as a fair walked passed them. Her blue eyes looking all around in an attempt to catch it all.

Carn sighed a bit but gave a half smile as puffed from his pipe again. Making sure not to blow any smoke into other people's faces. He didn't want to be rude after all. Watching Temperance from the top of his glasses, wanting to make sure she didn't get into trouble as they slowly walked inside to enjoy the food and other entertainment.

Ondona clapped her hands at the spectacle in the air. Fireworks, such a simple but wonderful display. As they lit up the night sky her attention soon returned to the many guests arriving. Dragons, more people human or not. This party was now getting into full swing.

As she looked around, her butler got her attention. "Would you like tea? Or would you like the refreshment provided here? There seems to be a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages." He spoke as he motioned to the table.

"Oh, just tea would be nice...Actually, lets make things special. Alcoholic tea would be delightful Royka." Ondona spoke with a grateful nod as her butler nodded before suddenly vanishing.

Maybe she should have picked wine? No need, she never did well with heavily alcoholic things. Still, the crowd was lively, the entertainment was good, and the guests were all varied. She decided to take a seat on the sides to watch. No need to tire herself out standing around. Who knows, there could be a dance.

This was so exciting!Boo had been on her own for so long and in one evening she had met Vance, gone for a ride on his ship, and arrived at ball! The bubblegum ping ball gown Vance gave the cat sized girl was a far cry from the dirty, ragged tunic she had been wearing when they met. Granted, she was still bare foot, but the length of the gown should hide that well enough. Boo managed to brush most of the knots out of her unruly pink hair so, aside from a little dirt on her cheek, she actually looked like she belonged here. Or, at the verey least, it would be hard to guess that Vance had plucked her off the street mere hours ago.

Boo hitched a ride on Vance's shoulder as they made their way inside. Big, violet eyes scanning the party with excitement. There seemed to be a particular fuss made about one ladies arrival "Vance-kun look! A princess! And a dragon! Look! Maybe She'll get kidnapped and we can save her! What'cha think?" If Vance didn't stop her Boo would climb right onto the poor man's head so that she could look at him upside down for a moment, but the miniature feline quickly returned to his shoulder.

Once introduced to the food, Boo easily hopped onto the table. At her size it was the only was she could reach anything. Then the child proceeded to load up a plate with sweets. Finally! Food! Well, Vance had said he would feed her! Still, Boo was use to having to fight and cheat for every bite. So even as she was loading up her plate, a few little cakes vanished into her bottomless bag for later; just in case. Hay, everyone needs to eat!

Destin’s eyes widened in disbelief as he watched Akio’s fireworks show. He stepped toward the hall’s doors to get a better view and fetched his phone to record the event so he could watch it later. Among the crowds that had gathered to attend the ball was a towering draconian that moved with a sense of purpose into the building. Then there was the woman who had arrived in the limousine and stopped to address the denizens who had gathered there.

He could practically feel the power and importance in the air. These were all people who, in many respects, seemed to be better than himself. Destin didn't intend to let that get to him, however. Clearly the people responsible for this event weren't considered with the social status of those invited if he, a newcomer, had been invited.

After a quick scan of those within and just outside Verinotte Hall, Destin inferred from her entrance that Daemala was one of the more important figures there. That's who he would approach--especially since Akio was occupied and the other two he had approached appeared to be caught up in their conversation. Destin assured that Daemala had finished speaking into the reporter's camera before he made his approach.

There was something about being in a nice outfit that made him feel like a totally different person. There was a palpable aura of confidence radiating from him as he moved past the partygoers with long strides. He swiped a champagne-filled glass from a passing platter during his approach and took a swig.

"Nice ride. How much did that run you for?" Destin asked, gesturing toward the limousine that had just begun to pull away.

The smell of Magic in the air turned Irral's head towards Akio, Glowing, Golden eyes tinged with purple focusing on the boyish Vampire hastily. As he approached, Irral did not change his appearance nor stance; doing so would cause his body to implode upon itself by trying to contain his sheer magic power; and that would cause half the continent to be wiped entirely in the ensuing explosion.

Kneeling to sort of level with the boyish Vampire, Irral looked him in the eyes; looking particularly at that wand in his hands. It had a familiar smell to it; a familiar feeling. Irral slowly gestured to the wand, and the thing would likely gently vibrate as he approached it, magic power colliding with Magic power the closer he got. Irral paused for a second before moving his hand away, looking to the boy once more.

"Tell me, Vampire. Where did you acquire this ... Wand?" he asked, a low rumble echoing in his throat as he spoke, his draconian pupils narrowing into slits as he took in the sight. "And do you know just what it is?" he asked. His voice rumbled forth; not human, vampire, or most other mythical creature the boyish Vampire before him would likely be familiar with. It was a hearty, throaty bass that conveyed wisdom and unfathomable power.

Akio was first visited not by the boy that send shivers down his spine, with red hair and holding that scythe, nor was it his companion...but, it was the dragon with the golden, glowing eyes. However, Akio stood there, even as he spoke, with a smile that had not changed since he finished. The news crews as well went up and broadcasted this, Akio remaining unphased even when confronted by a large being that faced him. Although he had the appearance of a human, Akio recognized the eyes. He was...familiar, with dragons.

And so, while remaining unphased, but also without any sign of a challenge, Akio...conversed normally.

"I acquired it from a small village over one thousand years ago. Everyone thought it was worthless, but that was because they made a misconception I cant help but notice you didn't. They all thought it was a staff, but you just recognized it as a wand just now correct? Because a requirement of use is 'Recognizing it as a wand', it was deemed junk and left behind in a village, where I found it. As for what it is, of course I know. Using something for one thousand years, without learning what it is, would be a fool's decision, don't you agree?"

Akio just talked to him casually, like he was just another man on the street. Like the person who asked you about the morning paper while on the bus. Friendly, but not intimate. Different, but not antagonistic.

"May I ask for your name? I did already introduce myself, after all".

Meanwhile, the two others entered with everyone else, and CR immediately ran up to the werewolves.

"Hey, guys! I gotta know, how are you not hot wearing all those layers?!"

CR's eyes could see them as human, but he could also "see" their "true forms" as well. As he was born from not just the concept of death, but also the concept of life, he could "see" the "life" within people. Hence, he could understand what they were, and thought with the layers of fur they had, wearing the stuffy suits would be hot and irritating.

ANd, if looked at, he seemed to possess a childlike innocence, that no one seemed to mind the fact he was still carrying a scythe....but, it was not being held in a way to imply use of any kind, so there was that.

"Also, do you know where the ice cream is and other snacks?!"

Meanwhile, Ivera was monitoring CR from a distance, while looking around at the others. Eventually, his eyes first rested on Daemala, as he knew she was one of the big shots. He also paid attention to Akio, but there were others who drew his interest...such as Ondona.

"Ivera Rixy, nice to meet you. What brings you to this party?"

Although the boy looked young, he was very well dressed and acted pretty mature when he introduced himself, following all proper etiquette. Indeed, out of everyone, Ivera might be one of the few that fit in the most.

Both Carnidine and Temperance looked at CR in confusion."W-what do you mean exactly?" The female asked in confusion.

Carnidine regained his composure as he realized the nature of the question."For me, I guess its a bit uncomfortable, but at the same time, what I normally wear wouldn't be appropriate, so I just deal with it like anyone else would."

All of a sudden it was like a switch flipped in Temperance's head."Oh....OH! I see! I'm sorry! I um....This feels normal to me I guess....Although I'm a bit different when it comes to....that....if you catch my meaning." She said. Quickly looking over at the food table."W-why don't I get us some drinks? Would you like anything....sir?" She asked the one who had ran up to them. Her eyes moving up and down as she checked the person out. If for no other reason than habit to make sure they weren't going to hurt her.

Carnidine took another puff of his pipe, the smoke flowing around him for a couple seconds before disipating high up in the air. As not to bother the other patrons."Temp....I'll have a glass of white wine if thats alright." The girl nodded, waiting for a response from the other person.

Midgra had seen fancy places before in his travels, but never anything quite as fancy as this. Some sort of ball, regarding peace... Blah Blah. There must be so much in there to... Well, he would perhaps get to that later. One piece of silverware from this ball could probably feed him for a week! But before he could let himself get distracted, he had to get inside. He found it surprisingly easy, slipping behind a crowd of people and scooting inside. His eye looked up at the ceiling, which seemed to be miles away. Now he was inside he wandered away from his cover, dodging larger patrons. His nose picked up a heavenly smell, and Midgra couldn't help but follow it over to the table full of appetizers and finger foods. While he wanted to sprint over and start to shovel everything is sight down his face, he tried his best to hobble over there with dignity, acting like he knew some of the patrons, pointing and smiling at one, winking and doing the finger guns to another. Perfect.

He approached the table, all the food being at about eye level. Somehow, it still felt crazy that he had gotten in with so little trouble. No mind to that however. An eager smile began to curl upon his lips as his hand slowly reached for a handful of expensive looking finger sandwiches, toothpicks and all.

Confetti, massive paper dragons, and the center of it all, a massive platform with Taiko drummers playing a hearty beat, in step to the marching soldiers, the dancing costumed people, and the swaying paper dragon that weaved and bobbed all about the formations of paraders.

Seated atop a large float, before a massive O-daiko the size of a small house was the Emperor, Shimizu Takayama of the Taiyou Empire. His Peace tour had taken him through Wing City, putting on a show for the denizens of the city to enjoy as he moved through the city streets.

His tour had now taken him to Verinotte Hollow, where the Second Ball of Chaos was taking place. His eyes set upon Verinotte Hall as his float slowly started to make it's approach, though by now the constant drumming had become deafening, and the men behind him persevered all day with constant drumming, it could be described as a near superhuman effort.

There was a line of limousines in front of him, the various guests being dropped off for the ball of Chaos, Shimizu's parade was next in line, while people carried on, to the sound of drums, traditional flutes, and the chants of the Imperial Warriors.

"Subete teishi!" The Grand Marshal called out, and it all stopped, right in front of the grand hall.

In a booming voice, addressing the guests of the Ball, the Grand Marshall called out.

"Ten'nōheika, Shimizu Takayama, kangei shite kudasai!"

"Please welcome, His Imperial Majesty, Shimizu Takayama!"

Shimizu slowly stood up, adorned from head to toe in a formal black sokutai, an extremely complex adornment of robes, sashes, which bore the crest of the Imperial Family, and his hair was done up in the traditional Chonmage style. Such fluff, and pomp was foreign to the young Shimizu, but never the less he tried his best to wear it with dignity.

Now that the procession had come to a stop before the Hall, and the formations of Taiyou Soldiers went to parade rest, Shimizu slowly rose from his throne, alone with his two sisters, Aeka, and Yukiko. Like Shimizu they were garbed from head to toe in formal Kimono, their faces done up in stark, porcelain white makeup, red lipstick in the traditional style, and their hair styled to match their noble status.

A small set of stairs was placed near their float, and Shimizu moved to step down first, followed by his Eldest sister, and Aeka last. They kept their gazes downward, while Shimizu kept his forward, once on the ground, rose petals were tossed at their feet leading up the marble stairs.

Step by step he moved, while his sisters remained behind him.

Midgra had seen fancy places before in his travels, but never anything quite as fancy as this. Some sort of ball, regarding peace... Blah Blah. There must be so much in there to... Well, he would perhaps get to that later. One piece of silverware from this ball could probably feed him for a week! But before he could let himself get distracted, he had to get inside. He found it surprisingly easy, slipping behind a crowd of people and scooting inside. His eye looked up at the ceiling, which seemed to be miles away. Now he was inside he wandered away from his cover, dodging larger patrons. His nose picked up a heavenly smell, and Midgra couldn't help but follow it over to the table full of appetizers and finger foods. While he wanted to sprint over and start to shovel everything is sight down his face, he tried his best to hobble over there with dignity, acting like he knew some of the patrons, pointing and smiling at one, winking and doing the finger guns to another. Perfect.

He approached the table, all the food being at about eye level. Somehow, it still felt crazy that he had gotten in with so little trouble. No mind to that however. An eager smile began to curl upon his lips as his hand slowly reached for a handful of expensive looking finger sandwiches, toothpicks and all.
(Repost)

There was a stampede of flashbulbs and cameras as the press drew in to the Taiyou spectacle. All across Terra, paper dragons and drums would radiate from screens! Winne Rineswurth elbowed her way to the front lines of the media barricade.

"What a show! The Taiyou Peace Parade has arrived at Verinotte Hollow for the Ball of Chaos! Will the Imperial Majesty engage in the gravity-free dancing we've heard is inside? " Winne did her best to be heard over the roar, cameras panning from the paper dragons to the high clock tower.

"Apologies for the wait mistress Ondona. I have prepared some Black Tea with a hint of Vodka. I also have procured some miniature sandwiches for your enjoyment." Royka spoke as he handed Ondona two plates. One with the Black tea with some small little biscuits, the other plat containing the small sandwiches along with small sauces to enjoy them with.

"Thank you very much Royka. Please, enjoy yourself as well. There is no need to continue doing your duties." Ondona nodded as she took the two plates. "And that's my order to you. I'll call you if I need assistance so take a break." She added with a small smile.

Royka reeled back a bit as she gave her order and wanted to argue against it...but...He was not going to argue with her at all. "Of course mistress...Enjoy yourself as well." He gave a bow as he reluctantly left her side to stay by the food table to eat some of the delicacies laid out.

Of course with the sound of drums from outside and another man entering, Ondona looked over before returning to her tea. As she took a sip she coughed a bit, been a while since she had any alcohol but with the tea it was fine. After a small sip, she took a biscut and took a bite from it. Sweet and crunchy.

Of course someone soon approached her. It appeared to be a child of sorts, of course she decided to reply to him. It would be rude to ignore anyone of course. "Oh, I heard of this party and well...um...decided to come." She spoke a little anxious. It has been a long while since she interacted with anyone other than Royka.

Boo's bright, curious eyes watched the guests in awe. This place was amazing, and everyone was so pretty. Yet, for the moment, the little girl sat on the table like a cat, which was appropriate given she was about the size of one, and continuing to help herself to the delicious food that had been provided. The miniature Neko-jin moved from one table to another as she sampled different items; some of which she had never seen before. The new dress made walking on all fours as Boo was want to do a little more awkward but she managed.

As she reached the end of one table, Boo spotted a plate of finger sandwiches. The little girl paused, however, when she saw another creature reaching for the same plate. Boo quickly hopped with a hiss. Her back arched, her ears lay back, and her tail puffed up out like a Halloween cat. "Dog!" She squeaked. After blinking a couple of times and looking again, Boo realized her mistake. With a faint blush, the little girl sat down and started smoothing out her tail. "You aren't a dog." She mumbled. "You shouldn't sneak up on Boo like that. Er.. not that Boo was scared or anything."

Looking for a distraction, the little girl nudged the sandwiches towards the fox, after taking a couple and tucking them into her bag of course. "You wanted some too, right?" She asked with a curious tilt of her head. Boo hadn't seen a fox person white like this one before. "Where did you come from?" The sounds of drums and marching made the little girl glance towards the door. It seemed like there was more fun happening outside, but she would check on that in a moment. If she remembered.

Irral nodded to the boy holding the Wand, Akio. He knew vaguely what it was. Who it belonged to however, he'd leave to time to reveal itself to the boy. If he didn't already know, anyway. Nodding again, Irral stood slowly, thinking slowly and carefully. "Indeed, it would be a shame to use it and not know what you're using.... very well; I shall leave you to your duties."

Speaking of duties, the Dragon of Corrupted Light felt something was off, somewhere far off; and so needed to take his leave. And so he did, with a great shake the air froze and the ground rumbled before with a flash of Golden Light, he was gone from the Chaos Ball. Maybe he'd be back; maybe he wouldn't. More than likely the latter.