homeless_pard | Ghosts of the Past

Entry tags:

jason au,
starter

Ghosts of the Past

Who: Beryl, Nat, a reporter?
When: Once she's back on the low level MMA circuit, before the looking at buying a place.
What: Being...traced?

She adjusted the tape along her hands and smiled loosening up a touch in her corner. It was good to be back honestly, she'd taken four out of five matches so far and things were doing okay. She was getting her rhythm back, and she could see Nat sitting in the stands, that delicate mix of apprehensive and delighted to watch her. She could get the mixed feelings honestly, they made sense...

...but she was belatedly glad her boy was tall yes. Else she couldn't have picked him out so easily with many of the 'fans' choosing to fill the bleachers near him. She blew him a cheerful kiss before sliding her bite guard back in and ignored the honest to gods flashes going off as she turned her back to eye her opponent. A lot of sports enthusiasts and writers actually went with real cameras instead of cellphones so it could get a little bulb happy out there.

Given where the majority of the crowd was, well, the photography had to be getting great shots of her opponent's form...and her ass. Great, Nat was going to scrapbook the shit out of any magazines she ended up in and it would be nicknamed the 'hot in spandex' book or something by Eric and Lani. It made her snort a laugh, which pissed off her opponent, making him swing just a touch wide so she could bend and lash her heel into his hip, then her knee to his chin ad he buckled. TKO.

She grinned, adrenaline singing through her as she turned to beam at Nat, and caught another faceful of flashbulbs. Bah. "Excuse me, Beryl? Are you Ms. Beryl?"

"Hey, yeah, but I'm busy," she snorted ducking under the ropes to go to Nat for a kiss before hitting the showers! She barely registered the unassuming man muttering an apology and just flashing a few more pics before she was happily padding to the showers. Charles was going to demand she try that move on him again in a few days as they practiced so she didn't bother trying to poke him now. Let him go home and grump about getting old to his teens, who'd reassure him and make him a protein shake before he got a beer. He was a good guy, just competitive as shit.

After Beryl was safely away the man wove carefully through the crowd to smile hesitantly at Nathaniel, "hey, can you spell her name for me? I want to be sure to get things right but she...I guess she doesn't do ringside interviews huh?"

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Asher raised his hand in a gesture as if to say, 'see, you know'. "Thirty-two hours is enough time for us. I do not suppose you had a specified location of her family for delivery?" It was clear he doubted that, but he had to ask. Anyone going to this much trouble would be wise enough to avoid meeting in person.

"You spoke of a leash: tell me more about them."

* * *

Nathaniel quietly processed that for a moment. "She's been drugged but I think that's her only real bad injury. I just want to get her home where it's safe."

Hell, the state she was in if he brought her to the hospital they might think he'd done it. And a background check into him would only confirm their suspicions.

The cabbie seemed...legit at least. He couldn't help but be wary, though. "How did you know who to call?"

Indeed, psychological shortcuts were every humanoid predator's friend! "Hand off to a shipping company to a drop point," he sighed. "Rare a mission like this leads to a direct handoff unless it's truly for something good." Bringing kidnapped toddlers home for example, those were public! Just rare people on the good side of things had the money for it.

"My 'employer'," he noted sourly, "has my child. Tortured my wife to death on my last mission out, took my child, I get outdated pictures and updates on her when I complete missions."

* * *

"Fucking cowards," he swore, "drugs are never, ever a good sign. They deserved everything they got." Obviously. Jackasses.

"A company called you a ride kid, I just asked dispatch for the number that called for you, assumed you might have people who could help there. I'd have done the same if your coworkers called you a cab because you worked a double shift at a gas station."

Asher nodded, blowing out another stream of smoke. "Sensible. I had hoped to avoid questioning Beryl about the whereabouts of her family, but we will not need your aid to find them."

"As for your employer...well, my condolences. I know their type well." He appeared to be considering something and asked, "And what information do you have about your employer? I seriously doubt you are their only asset."

* * *

"Oh." Well that made sense, anyway. And if the cabbie called the Circus even with a basic description of him, they'd know it was him in a second and tell Asher. And Asher had come...

He pressed his lips to Beryl's temple, grateful that she was safe.
That she had encouraged him when it was offered to him to become Asher's pomme. Her breathing was strong and steady despite the drugs in her system, just like her. He found himself briefly hypnotized by it, his own breathing falling into rhythm with hers.

"Honestly if I wasn't able to locate her I would have traced her cousin to ask," he admitted. "The clients prefer to think that boy is dead so he's not at risk if you give him a call." So Beryl didn't have to answer hmmm? And he assumed, given how close to the two were, there was some means of contacting him!

"I have files the FBI desperately want," he noted blandly. "Unfortunately he's smart. Smarter than me and manages to move my girl just ahead of me."

* * *

he knew the sound of someone needing quiet for a bit so he drove them, easy and safe, through the dark city. He hated to interrupt the kid honestly, but well, "we're here. Need a hand getting doors or anything?"

Asher...knew she had a cousin she was still close to, but other than that he didn't know much about him. But surely Nathaniel would, and even if he didn't, this was worth informing Beryl of when she had recovered.

"Hmm. I assume these files would do us little good in locating him? How do clients find him for jobs?" Not that he was offering the guy help, but he would prefer to have that loose end tied up one way or another if he might present a risk in the future.

* * *

Nathaniel blinked and looked up when the cabbie announced their arrival. "The car door?" he asked quietly. He was sure they'd be a sight if anyone happened to be watching, but even after the cabbie's kindness towards them he was hesitant to let him inside, even if to help.

He'd done his research on the girl, sadly time frame hadn't allowed as thorough a look at the boyfriend. Lesson learned there really!

"I have no idea your connections and abilities," he admitted easily. "You can have the file. Any misfortune on his part might make him slip up enough I can find my kid." Simple as that.

* * *

"On it," he agreed easily, stepping out and around to get the door without delay. "Take that drink with you at least I know kids can shaky after fights like that."

"That would be a gratifying outcome," Asher nodded. A distant sound caught his attention. "My people are arriving. They will bring you back with them for questioning, and if you are as cooperative with them as you have been with me it should not be terribly unpleasant. For the sake of your unfortunate daughter, I would be fairly disappointed if we had to kill you." He tossed the spent cigarette down with little thought, but as there was plenty of blood on the ground there was little to be concerned about.

* * *

Nathaniel carefully tucked the bottle into Beryl's lap and climbed effortlessly out of the car with her cradled in his arms. "Thanks..." he said awkwardly. "Do you want your blanket back?"

"I appreciate people who can work well without undue violence," he admitted simply. "Therefore I will continue to be myself with your compatriots." And hey, there were worse ways to spend a Thursday night really.

* * *

"Keep it kid, I just snag news ones from Goodwill when needed, wouldn't the first wearing one out." Just saying. Safe places got some messed up and hurting sorts more often than not. "You go out again tonight call dispatch and ask for Bo okay?"

Asher gave him a brief bow as several cars pulled up and large, clearly ex-military men began to pour out. "Then I leave you in their capable hands, at least until I have come to a decision about you."

He nodded a subtle greeting to the rats as he turned, even pausing to chuckle to himself when one of them pulled up with a tow truck. He would have to send his complements to Rafael. He wouldn't leave until he was certain there was no sign of what occurred there that night, of course. He found a comfortable spot out of the way where he could quietly observe and pulled out his phone.

Jason sounded awake, but barely. "Asher?"

"Jason," he responded bluntly, "there was an abduction attempt tonight on Beryl. I would like you to drive Khemrys over to her apartment and make certain that she and Nathaniel are well."

"Oh shit...we're on our way."

The line disconnected quickly and Asher regarded his phone with approval: as irritating as Jason could be, at least he was learning to act quickly and without argument when needed.

* * *

"Bo," Nathaniel repeated. "I'll try to remember. Thanks. I...thanks." He glanced back over his shoulder before going inside their building; he wasn't really worried about the cabbie, but...he couldn't help the urge to check his back. He hurried inside and up to their apartment, having little trouble supporting her with one hand to...shit, his stuff...he must have dropped it when he shifted. He paled, but that couldn't be helped right now. He turned his shoulder into the door and gave a hard slam. The frame gave with a sharp crack and he hurried inside. Beryl could help him figure all of this out later when she was ok, but until then he was going to hold her close in the safe darkness of their room.

"Pleasure meeting you," he nodded gently, still not moving. Someone would give him instructions on where to go when the time came (or they'd just tow him in the van but hey). Never hurt to be polite to people in these situations.

Oh ex-military types. That was actually comforting and had Dan relaxing a touch, he knew military! And it wasn't long before he was rather professionally ziptied and sat in the back of one of the vehicles as people focused on other things. Like washing runways and getting bodies zipped up and bagged up to toss back in the trashed van. A good crew, and he felt these were, could likely dispose of them all together in one go without question instead of needing to send bits in different directions.

* * *

Khemrys was running through the door within twenty minutes of being called? Healer's bag on her shoulder, slippers on her feet. "Nathaniel? Nathaniel where are you?" IT WAS DARK AND THE DOOR WAS BUSTED SHE HAD TO ASK!

Looney was positioned in the shadows just outside Nat and Beryl's bedroom. He was barely visible but for the shine of murderous intent in his eyes, but even if you missed that you couldn't miss the growling.

Jason had come up behind Khemrys and nearly jumped out of his skin at that. He glared at Looney in exasperation. "Fucking cat, scared the shit out of me." He nodded towards the bedroom as he started down the hall, "Probably in there...Cat, you come at me I will eat you."

A deep hiss came from the dark room and Jason froze with surprise. Looney returned the hiss towards the room and grumbled again.

"Nat?"

The response was a deep rumbling growl.

Khemrys didn't even pause once Jason pointed, she just brushed past Looney, offering a hiss of her own, and stepped into the dark room, pendant blazing into golden, honey rich glow, "Nathaniel I must see her if you wish her well," she noted, firm in her element.

Looney was getting way to many pissy people in his personal space so he took a swipe at Khem's skirt as she brushed past then hopped up to the kitchen counter to return to growling. COME AT HIM.

Jason shot the cat a glare for daring to swipe at his wife. Then he fell in behind Khemrys, being extremely on guard: his wife was pregnant and while he wasn't going to pull her away from healing someone (as if he even could), he wasn't going to let someone hurt her. Not even Nat.

He felt along the wall for a light switch. "Nat, light coming on," he warned, then flipped the light on.

Nathaniel was crouched low in a corner beside the bed with Beryl cradled in his arms. She looked fairly cozy the way he had her tucked up with a blanket around her, but he...he was naked and covered in blood. He hissed again, but there was uncertainty there when the light from Khemrys's pendant found him. He licked his lips, his eyes darting from Jason to Khemrys.

"Jesus," Jason murmured when he saw him. "Nat. Let Khem help. Please."

Nathaniel's eyes locked on Khemrys, his resolve wavering.

Khemrys crouched gently within arm reach of Nat and Beryl, looking at his eyes soberly, "Young lord Nathaniel I come to do Gunnora's work." And that was a calling not even keyed up shifters would keep her from for long honestly. "I see she sleeps, and she shouldst not with how you feel and so we must see her to waking yes?" At the least.

At the very least.

"Do tell us what occurred, it will aid much in her treatment."

LOONEY DIDN'T CARE ABOUT YOUR GLARE JASON! AT ALL! As the sounds of fruit falling out of the bowl on the counter could attest.

Nathaniel tightened his grip on Beryl, pulling her closer against him. "They tried to take her away," he rasped.

"Who tried?" Jason asked.

Another growl crawled from Nathaniel's throat. "The reporter. And the men. Her family sent them." Desperation flashed in his eyes. "They'll send more."

"She is not going anywhere," Khemrys soothed, reaching out to gently touch his fingers on Beryl's blanket. "She'd not care for such, and none wouldst allow her taken by force." Now or later, none of it would happen.

"It seems...she was drugged mayhap?" To still be so deeply asleep? And you saved her?"

"A shifter dose!" he spat out wildly. "A fucking shifter dose!"

She drew in a surprised breath, nodding, "then please Nathaniel, allow me? She is stronger than a human, but it cannot be good for her." At all. "They must have truly feared her."

Nathaniel hesitated, eyes darting around again. Jason was hoping it wasn't to try to bolt with her.

"Nat," he tried in a comforting voice, "You got her away safe and we're not going to let anything happen. Why don't you tuck her into the bed so she's comfortable when she wakes up, ok?"

Nathaniel licked his lips nervously but slowly eased forward to his knees, still clutching Beryl tight against him. "She hasn't woken up yet," he whimpered.

She slid her hand from Nat's hand to Beryl's shoulder when he shifted, nodding gently, "I know Nathaniel, but you'll need to be calmer when she wakes else she'll take up her weapons and go hunt..." she was proactive about those who frightened her love!

That said her eyes slid to golden as she felt through Beryl's system slowly. Heavy dose indeed. "My Jason we'll need hot water, stripping the drug from her will burn fluids and salts..." she had teas to help.

Jason nodded. "I'll get some started; 'll use a pot if they don't have a kettle." Not that he'd judge: the only person he'd ever seen own a kettle before had been Richard.

Nathaniel was trying to settle Beryl into the bed, but he was still having a hard time letting her go. By the time Jason was back, Nathaniel still hadn't moved away from her.

"Nat?" Jason called gently, "Why don't you come with me and get some of that blood off you so you don't get it all over the bed."

Nathaniel frowned and it was clear he wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea.

"Come on. I'll help and it'll be quick and you can be right back in here with her." He held a hand out to Nat, who still hesitated but gave a questioning look to Khemrys.

Khem was sitting on the bed by Beryl when Jason returned? But she smiled at him, then Nat, "blood holds power, Nathaniel. Trace Gunnora's sign above the door and none who intend harm can enter the bedroom in your absence." Especially since he had slain others in protection, the blood needs not be wasted.

"And when you are clean the third bag with the red knotting, to steep. You know how to do so," she assured softly. "My lord Jason is learning but you are kinder with your teas and tisanes," she chuckled softly.

Edited 2024-04-27 04:39 (UTC)

Nathaniel looked visibly distressed as he tried to move away from the bed. He could feel in his bones the truth to Khem's words, so the moment he was out of arm's reach of Beryl he hurried over to begin scraping blood off of his body and drawing Gunnora's symbol. Thankfully the apartment didn't have high ceilings so he didn't need to get a chair...

Jason stood waiting beside him, turning his attention away only once to send Khemrys a proud, loving glance. Nathaniel finished and began to turn back towards the bed, but Jason caught him and gently guided him back to the door. "I know, Nat. Trust me, I know. Let's do this quick and we'll get you back in with her."

"That is well and well done Nathaniel," she smiled when she glanced back at the door frame. As proof an amber light glowed softly, reassuring against a dark night of the mind or soul, when he completed the last stroke. When it went live though there was an annoyed sounded chirrup from the kitchen counter and then a spate of rapid fire sneezing over STRANGE NEW SMELLS.

That was not her concern though, she turned back to Beryl, tracing fingers over skin to find the injection point. Easiest to draw the poison back out from there.

Jason smirked at Looney's reaction, muttering to himself. "Keep your evil ass out, too, fuzzball."

He turned the shower as hot as he could get it and ushered Nathaniel under the spray. Nathaniel crouched down to the floor, hugging his knees to his chest as Jason began carefully washing the blood off him.

Which revealed some of his own injuries. "Motherfucker," Jason said in disgust as he looked at the angry red laceration around Nat's throat. "They brought silver?"

Nathaniel growled quietly. "Yeah."

And several other irritated cuts across his neck and shoulder. They must have whipped the thing at him before getting it around Nat's neck. And then his side....Jason tenderly cleaned the area. "You shouldn't need stitches but it doesn't look like it feels good."

Nathaniel offered a silent shrug.

"You see them again and we'll beat the shit out of them." Jason offered.

"They're dead." Nathaniel was staring off, his chin resting on his knees. He seemed to be struggling to say something, then at last choked out. "I might be in trouble, Jay..."

"No." Jason said firmly, though his eyes widened at Nathaniel's admission that they were dead. "Look, Asher called me and I know he's not gonna let anything like that happen. I mean, he's got centuries of practice hiding shit like this from humans, so don't worry about that."

Nathaniel didn't answer, but Jason wasn't going to push him: if he had been the one to kill those guys, this was huge for him. He finished cleaning Nat up and helped him to his feet, wrapping a towel around him. "We'll get your hair braided and out of the way after you get back to her, ok?"

Nathaniel gave a slight nod. "Thanks, Jay," he murmured.

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