Chapter 6: Dark Desire
Yuletide Day, a day for exchanging gifts, spending time with family and, hopefully, having a good time. Nina awoke and looked outside her window, new snow had fallen on the cityscape once again and all was covered in pure white snow. She got up and got dressed. She wouldn't be spending time with her family, she hadn't spoken with them in a long time and holidays just seemed to bring out the worst in them. However, she did always send them gifts every year, even though she never went back home. She spent holidays with her friends and she felt she should go soon, even though it was pretty early. Ryu was on the couch watching television as he usually did in the mornings; Nina was completely unsure of whether he actually slept or not. Since the incident she hadn't followed him as she didn't want to know what he faced and he always came back, ever the stoic houseguest and she never kicked him out. Nina tried to get him to open up, but he said little about himself and what he did.
She stood behind him as he watched the news, if he was looking for something in particular, waiting for some vital piece of information, she didn't know.
"Ah... Ryu?" She asked tentatively.
Even though he showed no anger, or any emotion at all towards her after the incident, she was still wary when approaching him. He turned slightly and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, an indication that he was now listening to her.
"I was wondering, if you're not busy, maybe you could come with me, celebrate yuletide with me and my friends." She said.
Ryu shrugged, got up and turned off the T.V. and got up, perhaps the only affirmative answer Nina had gotten all week from him. All though one might think it a bit rude, Nina had quickly learned that Ryu simply cared not for such things, they simply weren't important to him; he was only interested in doing things the most efficient way possible with the least loss of life.
Nina sighed deeply; it was the best she could expect from Ryu. Of course, it was nice that he was coming, that way she wouldn't have to carry all the gifts herself. They went to her car, Ryu carrying the larger packages, and left. Traffic was very light, as most people had left days ago to visit their families and they reached Lastic, Kit and Rick's apartment/Jazz Club rather quickly. They unloaded the gifts they had brought, going through the club's front door. Nina saw that, first, there was a sign on the door advertising a party that evening and, second, that there was activity inside the club itself. This was a little unusual, as Lastic and Kit wouldn't open the club on Yuletide, let alone this early in the day and the private festivities they had were usually held in their apartment above the club.
The club itself was a classic club style reminding one of decades earlier when Jazz and Blues were at their height in terms of musical popularity. Dark colours were used to decorate, however the atmosphere wasn't depressing, but rather soothing and in low light, it could be considered very romantic atmosphere. With a bar to the right for dispensing drinks and a stage in front it was a very convenient layout. Tables were scattered about evenly in the room allowing everyone who sat at them to get a good view of the stage and who was performing there. Currently there was no one in the club except Lastic and Kit who were busy setting up a Yuletide tree on the stage. Decorated with lights, baubles and trinkets it was quite an impressive sight. Nina and Ryu came in through the club's front door, Nina helping Ryu with some of the larger, more awkward gifts.
"Isn't it kind of late to be trimming the tree?" Nina asked from across the room.
Putting the finishing touches on the tree, Lastic plugged it in while Kit stepped back. The tree lit up, shining brightly and beautifully. Lastic and Kit then turned to greet Nina and Ryu.
"Of course it isn't. We have a party to get ready for tonight. Gotta make the place look festive." Lastic said.
"We figure lots of people are going to be hiding in there homes when the end of the world comes next week on New Year, so we'll have a bash tonight as well as on New Years." Kit said joking a bit.
"So who's this? You haven't dumped Joshua have you?" Lastic said nodding towards Ryu.
"What? No, no, no. Do you mind if I wait 'till Rick is up before I explain this?" Nina asked.
"Well in that case may as well wait for Rin and Lenn too."
"They're coming too? You convinced Rin to leave her apartment?"
"Well it wasn't easy, but we do need her tech expertise tonight."
At about that time Rick stumbled into the club, sipping from his coffee mug. He never got much sleep and even with coffee he was a zombie in the mornings.
"He's alive! He's ALIVE!" Lastic cackled like some sort of mad scientist as he quoted from an old movie.
Nina, Kit and Rick looked at him with sort of questioning expressions.
"I've always wanted to say that." He smirked.
Rick responded by giving Lastic a one-fingered salute. Fortunately, being good friends this was all good-natured insults and jokes between them, so Rick's rude gesture wasn't taken seriously. After that it wasn't long before Rin and Lenn showed up. During previous years they had gone from here to Rin and Lenn's place so Nina already had their gifts with her. As Rin set up her equipment for the music that would be played at the party others exchanged gifts and Nina explained Ryu's presence. However, she left out the part about nearly being raped, calling it a mugging instead. She saw no reason to worry them over what might have happened.
-SOL Nina-
Gift giving among friends is always a nice thing, unlike when I used to go to my parents place way back when. My friends don't judge me or try to tell me how to live my life and they actually like the stuff I get them. Of course anything I got Kit was overshadowed by Lastic's gift for her: it was a Beretta 96 Elite pistol, very expensive. Since Kit is a gun fanatic she really liked it and smothered him in kisses for it. It really made me miss Joshua being there, I really wish I could have talked to him.
-End SOL-
After all the other gifts were given, opened and the givers had been thanked, Nina walked over to Ryu, a present for him behind her back. He was sitting in a chair by a table, not very far from the group but definitely removed from it.
"Ryu, I have something for you." Nina said, almost shyly as she gave the present to Ryu.
Ryu accepted it without saying anything. He unwrapped it and removed the gift within the box. It was the Dragon's Tear that Nina had seen in Deis' shop. For some reason, Nina felt that she should get it for Ryu.
"Thank you." He said tonelessly, placing it about his neck. "But I do not have anything to give to you."
"Hey, you saved my life. I'm supposed to pay you back, not the other way around." Nina smiled.
Later that evening the party was in full swing. A great many couples and singles had arrived for the party at he club. Kit and Lastic had sent some fliers around alerting as many people as possible to the party and a rather large crowd had come. Rick was behind the bar selling drinks, wearing a black tie and vest, looking far more debonair than usual. Kit was up on stage, in a ravishing red dress, playing on the saxophone. Rin was next to the bar controlling the music that played along with Kit, she was making sure everything was timed well and things didn't mess up and it wasn't an easy job because of her revealing dress, there were quite a few guys hitting on her. Lenn was sitting at the bar enjoying a drink and Lastic was greeting and socializing with long-time patrons. Nina came up to the bar smiling sweetly at Rick.
"Rick, my usual if you please." She asked, putting money on the counter.
Rick looked at the money and back at Nina.
"You know it's going to cost more than that." He said.
"Awww come on, it's Yuletide."
"Not my fault you like the expensive stuff and I'm not going to lower the price for you. We go through this argument and I win every time, just save yourself the trouble and cough up the cash Nina." Rick said, laughing.
Nina sighed and smiled, Rick was a good guy, not so great with money but you could count on him most of the time. Nina put the money on the bar and Rick handed her a bottle of sparkling alcohol called Schmirnoff, a rather rich, in more ways than one, vodka mix.
Among the din of the party nobody heard new guests enter the club. One in particular, a seemingly dashing and suave gentleman who slipped up behind Nina and put his arms around her.
"Nina, it's been so long. Did you miss me?" He whispered in her ear.
Nina gave him a swift elbow to the gut and he backed away doubling over.
"David, I told you to back off. What is it about the phrase 'I don't want to see you anymore' that you don't understand." She growled at him.
She looked positively angry; neither did anyone around her and the source of their ire was this newcomer, David.
-SOL Nina-
David was my ex-boyfriend; he wasn't really interested in the relationship. He was more or less out to score. The relationship ended badly and I told him simply that I never wanted to see him again. He still comes around to the club every so often looking for me. I really wish I had a restraining order against this guy.
-End SOL-
David stood up, regaining his composure, adopting an arrogant smile as he advanced on Nina once more.
"Aww you don't mean that, babe. I mean you ditched that poser, LaCroix after all." David said.
"He's out of town."
"Sure he is." David smirked.
Ryu was sitting in a corner, observing the festivities, not even enjoying a drink, when suddenly he began to sniff the air as though some odour which had caught his attention. Lastic noticed him and went over to his table.
"Something wrong?" Lastic asked, semi-concerned.
"Yes, there is a demon present." Ryu answered getting up from the table.
At that moment there was a loud slap heard and the entire club went quiet and all present turned to look. Nina had slapped David hard in the face for having been about to make a move on her.
"Hey, maybe you should leave. Or, if you want to put up a fight I can throw you out." Rick said.
"H-hey. She's the one who slapped me." David protested.
"I don't care, you're a trouble maker, David, now get the hell out of my club." Kit said from the stage.
David looked around him and, seeing that everyone was fixing him with malevolent stares he grinned in defeat.
"Guess I ain't welcome here... When you realize your mistake, Nina babe, you know where to find me." He said, blowing her a kiss before leaving.
On his way out he bumped into Ryu; the look that David gave Ryu was one mixed with contempt, hatred and fear. Ryu remained ever expressionless, but seemed more focused on David, as though there were something about the lech.
"Hey, Nina... You okay?" Rick asked as the music started playing and everybody returned their attention to their own business.
"Sure, I'm fine. This has just really got me down, think I'll head home." She replied. "Ryu, you coming?"
"I have things I must do. I'll join you later." Ryu said, heading for the door.
Nina went home on her own, traffic was quite heavy so it took her a while to get back. When she did arrive at her apartment she saw that her door was open. Most people would rush in and most likely get robbed if the thieves were still there. Nina carefully and quietly put down the gifts she had received that day and walked towards the door. She slowly and cautiously walked in, turning on the lights. Someone jumped at her from the left and grabbed her. Reacting quickly, she threw the person off her; employing a martial arts technique that Lastic had taught her. Then she got a good look at her attacker: he was as pale as death, gangly and he had eyes like that of a doll's, glassy and blank. She recognized these traits, she sometimes dreamed of them, remembering her first encounter with the undead creature that Ryu called 'Nikanoru'. Nina was shocked by this realization and did not see a second Nikanoru coming for her. It acted fast, smashing her into the wall, knocking her unconscious. Another walked into the room and seeing Nina at his feet he smiled.
"Always knew you'd fall for me Nina." David smiled.
"They are the eyes of the Baron and they know your fears." Ishan's Shade (Sengir Bats, Magic: The gathering)
Music: 'Warlock Battle' (Brink of Time CD, Chrono Trigger)
Yuletide Day, a day for exchanging gifts, spending time with family and, hopefully, having a good time. Nina awoke and looked outside her window, new snow had fallen on the cityscape once again and all was covered in pure white snow. She got up and got dressed. She wouldn't be spending time with her family, she hadn't spoken with them in a long time and holidays just seemed to bring out the worst in them. However, she did always send them gifts every year, even though she never went back home. She spent holidays with her friends and she felt she should go soon, even though it was pretty early. Ryu was on the couch watching television as he usually did in the mornings; Nina was completely unsure of whether he actually slept or not. Since the incident she hadn't followed him as she didn't want to know what he faced and he always came back, ever the stoic houseguest and she never kicked him out. Nina tried to get him to open up, but he said little about himself and what he did.
She stood behind him as he watched the news, if he was looking for something in particular, waiting for some vital piece of information, she didn't know.
"Ah... Ryu?" She asked tentatively.
Even though he showed no anger, or any emotion at all towards her after the incident, she was still wary when approaching him. He turned slightly and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, an indication that he was now listening to her.
"I was wondering, if you're not busy, maybe you could come with me, celebrate yuletide with me and my friends." She said.
Ryu shrugged, got up and turned off the T.V. and got up, perhaps the only affirmative answer Nina had gotten all week from him. All though one might think it a bit rude, Nina had quickly learned that Ryu simply cared not for such things, they simply weren't important to him; he was only interested in doing things the most efficient way possible with the least loss of life.
Nina sighed deeply; it was the best she could expect from Ryu. Of course, it was nice that he was coming, that way she wouldn't have to carry all the gifts herself. They went to her car, Ryu carrying the larger packages, and left. Traffic was very light, as most people had left days ago to visit their families and they reached Lastic, Kit and Rick's apartment/Jazz Club rather quickly. They unloaded the gifts they had brought, going through the club's front door. Nina saw that, first, there was a sign on the door advertising a party that evening and, second, that there was activity inside the club itself. This was a little unusual, as Lastic and Kit wouldn't open the club on Yuletide, let alone this early in the day and the private festivities they had were usually held in their apartment above the club.
The club itself was a classic club style reminding one of decades earlier when Jazz and Blues were at their height in terms of musical popularity. Dark colours were used to decorate, however the atmosphere wasn't depressing, but rather soothing and in low light, it could be considered very romantic atmosphere. With a bar to the right for dispensing drinks and a stage in front it was a very convenient layout. Tables were scattered about evenly in the room allowing everyone who sat at them to get a good view of the stage and who was performing there. Currently there was no one in the club except Lastic and Kit who were busy setting up a Yuletide tree on the stage. Decorated with lights, baubles and trinkets it was quite an impressive sight. Nina and Ryu came in through the club's front door, Nina helping Ryu with some of the larger, more awkward gifts.
"Isn't it kind of late to be trimming the tree?" Nina asked from across the room.
Putting the finishing touches on the tree, Lastic plugged it in while Kit stepped back. The tree lit up, shining brightly and beautifully. Lastic and Kit then turned to greet Nina and Ryu.
"Of course it isn't. We have a party to get ready for tonight. Gotta make the place look festive." Lastic said.
"We figure lots of people are going to be hiding in there homes when the end of the world comes next week on New Year, so we'll have a bash tonight as well as on New Years." Kit said joking a bit.
"So who's this? You haven't dumped Joshua have you?" Lastic said nodding towards Ryu.
"What? No, no, no. Do you mind if I wait 'till Rick is up before I explain this?" Nina asked.
"Well in that case may as well wait for Rin and Lenn too."
"They're coming too? You convinced Rin to leave her apartment?"
"Well it wasn't easy, but we do need her tech expertise tonight."
At about that time Rick stumbled into the club, sipping from his coffee mug. He never got much sleep and even with coffee he was a zombie in the mornings.
"He's alive! He's ALIVE!" Lastic cackled like some sort of mad scientist as he quoted from an old movie.
Nina, Kit and Rick looked at him with sort of questioning expressions.
"I've always wanted to say that." He smirked.
Rick responded by giving Lastic a one-fingered salute. Fortunately, being good friends this was all good-natured insults and jokes between them, so Rick's rude gesture wasn't taken seriously. After that it wasn't long before Rin and Lenn showed up. During previous years they had gone from here to Rin and Lenn's place so Nina already had their gifts with her. As Rin set up her equipment for the music that would be played at the party others exchanged gifts and Nina explained Ryu's presence. However, she left out the part about nearly being raped, calling it a mugging instead. She saw no reason to worry them over what might have happened.
-SOL Nina-
Gift giving among friends is always a nice thing, unlike when I used to go to my parents place way back when. My friends don't judge me or try to tell me how to live my life and they actually like the stuff I get them. Of course anything I got Kit was overshadowed by Lastic's gift for her: it was a Beretta 96 Elite pistol, very expensive. Since Kit is a gun fanatic she really liked it and smothered him in kisses for it. It really made me miss Joshua being there, I really wish I could have talked to him.
-End SOL-
After all the other gifts were given, opened and the givers had been thanked, Nina walked over to Ryu, a present for him behind her back. He was sitting in a chair by a table, not very far from the group but definitely removed from it.
"Ryu, I have something for you." Nina said, almost shyly as she gave the present to Ryu.
Ryu accepted it without saying anything. He unwrapped it and removed the gift within the box. It was the Dragon's Tear that Nina had seen in Deis' shop. For some reason, Nina felt that she should get it for Ryu.
"Thank you." He said tonelessly, placing it about his neck. "But I do not have anything to give to you."
"Hey, you saved my life. I'm supposed to pay you back, not the other way around." Nina smiled.
Later that evening the party was in full swing. A great many couples and singles had arrived for the party at he club. Kit and Lastic had sent some fliers around alerting as many people as possible to the party and a rather large crowd had come. Rick was behind the bar selling drinks, wearing a black tie and vest, looking far more debonair than usual. Kit was up on stage, in a ravishing red dress, playing on the saxophone. Rin was next to the bar controlling the music that played along with Kit, she was making sure everything was timed well and things didn't mess up and it wasn't an easy job because of her revealing dress, there were quite a few guys hitting on her. Lenn was sitting at the bar enjoying a drink and Lastic was greeting and socializing with long-time patrons. Nina came up to the bar smiling sweetly at Rick.
"Rick, my usual if you please." She asked, putting money on the counter.
Rick looked at the money and back at Nina.
"You know it's going to cost more than that." He said.
"Awww come on, it's Yuletide."
"Not my fault you like the expensive stuff and I'm not going to lower the price for you. We go through this argument and I win every time, just save yourself the trouble and cough up the cash Nina." Rick said, laughing.
Nina sighed and smiled, Rick was a good guy, not so great with money but you could count on him most of the time. Nina put the money on the bar and Rick handed her a bottle of sparkling alcohol called Schmirnoff, a rather rich, in more ways than one, vodka mix.
Among the din of the party nobody heard new guests enter the club. One in particular, a seemingly dashing and suave gentleman who slipped up behind Nina and put his arms around her.
"Nina, it's been so long. Did you miss me?" He whispered in her ear.
Nina gave him a swift elbow to the gut and he backed away doubling over.
"David, I told you to back off. What is it about the phrase 'I don't want to see you anymore' that you don't understand." She growled at him.
She looked positively angry; neither did anyone around her and the source of their ire was this newcomer, David.
-SOL Nina-
David was my ex-boyfriend; he wasn't really interested in the relationship. He was more or less out to score. The relationship ended badly and I told him simply that I never wanted to see him again. He still comes around to the club every so often looking for me. I really wish I had a restraining order against this guy.
-End SOL-
David stood up, regaining his composure, adopting an arrogant smile as he advanced on Nina once more.
"Aww you don't mean that, babe. I mean you ditched that poser, LaCroix after all." David said.
"He's out of town."
"Sure he is." David smirked.
Ryu was sitting in a corner, observing the festivities, not even enjoying a drink, when suddenly he began to sniff the air as though some odour which had caught his attention. Lastic noticed him and went over to his table.
"Something wrong?" Lastic asked, semi-concerned.
"Yes, there is a demon present." Ryu answered getting up from the table.
At that moment there was a loud slap heard and the entire club went quiet and all present turned to look. Nina had slapped David hard in the face for having been about to make a move on her.
"Hey, maybe you should leave. Or, if you want to put up a fight I can throw you out." Rick said.
"H-hey. She's the one who slapped me." David protested.
"I don't care, you're a trouble maker, David, now get the hell out of my club." Kit said from the stage.
David looked around him and, seeing that everyone was fixing him with malevolent stares he grinned in defeat.
"Guess I ain't welcome here... When you realize your mistake, Nina babe, you know where to find me." He said, blowing her a kiss before leaving.
On his way out he bumped into Ryu; the look that David gave Ryu was one mixed with contempt, hatred and fear. Ryu remained ever expressionless, but seemed more focused on David, as though there were something about the lech.
"Hey, Nina... You okay?" Rick asked as the music started playing and everybody returned their attention to their own business.
"Sure, I'm fine. This has just really got me down, think I'll head home." She replied. "Ryu, you coming?"
"I have things I must do. I'll join you later." Ryu said, heading for the door.
Nina went home on her own, traffic was quite heavy so it took her a while to get back. When she did arrive at her apartment she saw that her door was open. Most people would rush in and most likely get robbed if the thieves were still there. Nina carefully and quietly put down the gifts she had received that day and walked towards the door. She slowly and cautiously walked in, turning on the lights. Someone jumped at her from the left and grabbed her. Reacting quickly, she threw the person off her; employing a martial arts technique that Lastic had taught her. Then she got a good look at her attacker: he was as pale as death, gangly and he had eyes like that of a doll's, glassy and blank. She recognized these traits, she sometimes dreamed of them, remembering her first encounter with the undead creature that Ryu called 'Nikanoru'. Nina was shocked by this realization and did not see a second Nikanoru coming for her. It acted fast, smashing her into the wall, knocking her unconscious. Another walked into the room and seeing Nina at his feet he smiled.
"Always knew you'd fall for me Nina." David smiled.
"They are the eyes of the Baron and they know your fears." Ishan's Shade (Sengir Bats, Magic: The gathering)
Music: 'Warlock Battle' (Brink of Time CD, Chrono Trigger)