Vitam et Mortem IC - Vitam et Mortem

BrookeDi

BrookeDi

Well-Known Member
Benefactor
At exactly 11:59 Halloween night, the doors to the normally locked doors to the West Wing basement would open up. As each invitee entered into basement's depths, they would be handed a goblet by a hooded student; the cup itself was heavy and ornately decorated. Inside there was enough for two sips of wine. The only instruction given was to not drink it, yet and it was given by the deep voice of a male.

As the students filed in (hopefully on time), they would entire a wide and mostly unlit room empty save for the ten empty chairs lined up in a row, a tag with each person's name written on it (Anna, Heinrich, Max, Charlie, Klaus, Gregori, Nito, Eva, Natalia, and Jake). As the first student walked in, another two hooded figures wandered in. It was hard to tell the sex when both were wearing hooded cloaks that were baggy and went all the way to the ground.

Natalia was the first through the door. The redhead took her cup, eagerly, and sit in the seat with her name. The only slight to her excitement was seeing that witch had been invited as well, not to mention she'd be seated next to Natalia. The Russian wasn't worried, though. She was confident that the meek 11th grader would be no competition to her entrance into the Society.
 
Last edited:
Anna turned up a little early. The way the letter had been worded, it felt like there would be some sort of punishment for being late. As she didn't go to any parties after the dance, she had time to get dressed into something more sensible than the little blue dress and massive stilettos that she'd been wearing. Now in a black tracksuit, and with all her makeup rubbed off, she turned up to the West Wing basement.

She had to use her hand to guide herself down the steps, feeling her way down the dark steps. She almost screamed as a figure appeared from the corner of her eye, holding out a goblet. She clamped her jaw tightly shut, and nodded tinily in thanks as she took the cup. The weight was unexpected, and for a second she thought she was going to drop it, but she recovered. She prayed that no one noticed her near mess-up.

She walked into the wide room, and squinted to see in the poor light. She quietly took the seat with her name on it once she could make it out. She gave a friendly smile to the red-haired girl sitting quite a few chairs down if she happened to look her way. She was the year under her, she was pretty sure, but she didn't know the girls name. Maybe she'd find it out now.

She turned her head when she heard footsteps. She shrunk away from the cloaked figures as they walked in, eyeing them carefully. She kept a tight hold on her goblet, afraid of spilling it and making herself look like an idiot. She still had very little clue about what was going on.
 
Last edited:
Jake had snuck out of the party with just enough time to make it several minutes early. It wouldn't do to be late to something like this...whatever this was. Sauntering into the room in tight black jeans with a Grim Reaper hoodie, the hood pulled up to show just his face and a swath of those golden blonde curls, Jake took the goblet from the guy holding it, and then glanced to the arranged chairs. Gregori's name was there, but not his bff, Andalyn. Shame. He would have really liked to share this experience with her. The fact that both he and Gregori would be here meant Andy would find herself alone at the party which he did not like.

Chewing a bit on his cheek, Jake walked to his chair and slouched into it, long legs stretched out, one arm crossed over his middle, the other hand holding the wine goblet. Glancing at the others in the room, he offered a casual three fingered salute before facing forward once more. Too cool for school.
 
Natalia

The redhead would smile back at the small girl, completely friendly, warm, welcoming. This girl would either become competition or family. It benefitted the Russian to be friendly, regardless of what she ended up being

Eva

Next down through the hallway came Eva, Nito close by her side. She was no longer wearing the silve dress from the dance having changed into a pair of jeans and a v-neck t-shirt covered by a warm hoodie. Her cloak, too, was absent from her wardrobe.

Her hand held Nito's hand and she gave it a tight squeeze when they were greeted by a hooded figure. Had she been alone she likely would have jumped and tripped down the stairs. Saying nothing, she took her goblet and when they'd moved past the hooded figure she sniffed it's contents. Most definitely it was more than wine.

There was a potion in the cup, though she could only discern some of the ingredients. Still, the idea made her frown, the frown only deepening when she saw the back of Anna's head. If this was everything Nito had alluded it to be, she wanted to protect Anna from it as much as she wanted to protect Nito from it all. When they made it around to the front of the chairs, though, she gave Anna a quick smile and wave before taking her seat. Her eyes scanned the other two who had already arrived. Jake, Andalyn's friend, and... Natalia.

Of course.

If Natalia's smile to Anna had been warm and inviting, the look she shot toward Eva was fiery and threatening. Like a switch, though, it changed to a friendly expression by the time Nito would see her. She'd even offer the cyromancer (the cute one, not that witch) a little wave.
 
The returned smile from the redhead made Anna relax, at least a little. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Oh, who was she kidding! She was in a dark basement, with a load of cloaked strangers, holding a glass of wine, of all things. Heinrich wasn't even around, and he'd said he would come. She crossed her legs and hunched her shoulders - kinda acting like a scared turtle - as she heard more steps coming from behind her. The figure that strode into view wasn't what she expected, though.

She sat up bolt-right at Eva's dark-haired self, smiling. "Hi!" She whispered, the happiness clear in just the one word. She didn't dare say any more. The feel of the room was way too heavy. She leant back in the chair. As she did, the wine in the goblet splashed around a little. She held the glass tighter. What would happen if she spilt it? Would she get kicked out? Killed? She held the glass a little tighter and glanced over at Eva for the reassurance of a familiar and friendly face. At least she wasn't alone. God, if only Heinrich would show up.
 
Not knowing what or who he'd find at that time in the basement, Klaus arrived after the first few people. Almost late. He'd made up an excuse for Joanna and rushed back to his dorm to change into more casual, if discrete, clothes.

He was glad to see familiar faces, Nito and Eva. Nito wad his suitemate after all, and Eva he knew before that day but she and Nito were now together. Good to see her without Anthony although the guy had kind of disappeared a while ago.

There was a redhead he didn't recognise, and another girl. He'd sit down on the chair with his name on it after a polite hi to the others. He was uncharacteristically nervous, and he sniffed the wine to do something. He didn't really know what else to doo...
 
Max & Charlie
When the duo shuffled into the dark room, Max directly in front of Charlie, they were both stuck with the same (slightly drunk in Max’s case) thought: ‘Wooooaaahhh... creepy. These guys are way into their theme.’

It took Max one look at the cup passed to him and the seat with his name on it for him to have second thoughts. What sort of cult was he accidentally registering with? With a nervous look towards Nito and Eva (really the only people he was close to in the room), he slowly makes his way towards his seat, kicking it a little bit.

Charlie had to restrain herself hen she was given the cup, both from hitting the random person out of nowhere and from just leaving. The big blond dude seemed to have the same thoughts, and he nudged his chair a little before sitting down with hesitation.

Skipping over, Charlie sits in her chair with only the slightly morbid thought that they look like electric chairs. Max offered the young redhead a smile, offering a fist bump. “Charlie, right? Blake’s friend? You must be pretty impressive to get in here so young!” He laughs, trademark grin on his face.

Charlie habitually returned the fist bump, grinning widely at the large guy. “Thanks! Guess we’re gonna be,” She coughs, before her voice takes on a mock spooky tone. “SpoOoky club meEmbeRs.” She holds the tone for a second, looking Max in the eyes, before the two break down in slight chuckles.

Letting out a noise if amusement, Max leans towards Charlie. “That’s Natalia,” He sends a grin towards Natalia. “Over there are Nito and Eva. Nito’s Kinda scary, but as long as his girl Eva’s nearby he’s generally a good guy.” He s new a wave towards the duo. “Over there’s Klaus. Don’t know much about him, kinda weird in my opinion but he also seems like a pretty good guy.” He continues, with another wave towards the guy. “Don’t know the rest.”

As Max quietly, and without a prior request, tells Charlie the names of the people the girl found herself paying an almost unnatural amount of attention to the older boy. There seemed to just be something... engaging in his voice. Now that she thought about it, she had seen him somewhere. Maybe Kenlei knew? And how did he know her name and Blake’s? Kinda creepy, in a nice sort of way.
 
Jake

Jake watched carefully as person after person entered the room. They all had the same expression upon arriving: wariness, startled as the cup was thrust at them, and then a sheepish look of slight embarrassment or weirdedoutness as they took their seats. Being a man among the people (meaning he knew almost everyone even if they didn't exactly know him), he nodded to Eva and Nito, Max, Charlie, his lip curled a bit at Klauss who had ruined his fun weeks ago. He fought not to check an imaginary watch and generally make an ass out of himself by asking when this shindig was going to start.
 
Natalia

The redhead would watch each person, appraising them carefully. Which would become competition? Which would become friends? She offered a bit of a smile for Max, the boy who had offered to dance with her, twice.

Anna, Eva, and Klaus she did not anticipate to last long, but they might surprise her.

There was the sound of someone clearing their throat and from in front of the seated group, a line of 6 stood before them, seeming to come from nowhere. They each wore a hood like the person who had given out the wine, but as they moved into the light they'd remove their hoods so that their faces could be seen. From right to left Kimberly Garcia (grade 12), a short but very energetic earth student. Herman Alvarez (grade 11), about average height and average weight, not very well known outside of his small group of friends. Raymond Parker (grade 11), taller than average and tends to hang out with the popular crowd, Max's group of friends. Victor Pike (grade 12), a seemingly lazy and carefree individual, to those that know him. Victoria Anderson, a quiet back-of-the-room kind of gal in class. Last is Delphine Ellis (grade 11), known for experimenting with potions and being a little eccentric. As they stepped into the light the figure from the stairs joined the line next to Delphine, dropping his hood: Kevin James (grade 10), a nerdy looking guy with a pair of square spectacles sliding down his nose. He'll adjust them and peer at the gathered potential initiates.

In the middle, Victor would speak while the rest spread out and found somewhere along the wall to lean. He'd give the gathered group a cheery grin and a wave. "We've gathered you here today, to take part in a time honored tradition of Altsoba. Since the beginning of the year, perhaps even years previous, members of our group have... noticed each of you for one reason or another. Those observations have led us to believe that you would be good for Vitam et Mortem, a secret society that was started here at Altsoba and has since grown all over the world. Now, when I first sat where you are," he'd pause to make eye contact with each of them, Eva shifting nervously under the gaze. "I was skeptical, at best. But VeM is an organization that can help determine the course of your future. Should you choose to remain, you'll find that there are VeM members in places you'd never suspect. CEOs, in the White House, in Congress. Just by being a member, you've cemented a measure of certainty that you will be taken care of in the future. Trouble getting into college? You can get a call from an influential VeM member and voíla, you're in. Being in Vitam et Mortem guarantees you friends and connections for life."

He'd pause to let that sink in before continuing, "Now, if this is not something you're interested in. You're free to leave now, though your memory of being here and all that I have said will be removed by our Vice President, Victoria." He'd indicate the girl who had been standing beside him, now standing near the exit, wand at the ready. "No harm, no foul." He'd encourage, "but if you'd like to learn more, if you like power and knowledge and if you are willing to prove yourself, remain seated."
 
Jake

Stretching out his long legs, the golden-haired twelfth year tilted his head back and looked boredly up at the ceiling. When was this shindig going to start because there were things he needed and wanted to do, namely throw water balloons at girls in their fancy dresses as they exited the dance or milled about on their way back to the dorms. Just the thought of the irate shrieks made him smile. There were a few girls he'd never play his pranks on, though, and oddly enough, none of them were in here. The thought rankled. Where was Andy? Why wasn't she invited to this little gathering? This was something he would have wanted to share with his best friend and co-conspirator.

The sound of a cleared throat caught his attention, and he lowered his head and sat up straighter in his seat, arms crossing as he viewed the figures in front of him. He watched, cheek twitching, as each of the six pushed the hood back from their faces. He knew several of them, mostly those in his own year: Kimberly and Victor, specifically, as they were in a couple of his classes, and he eyed them curiously before tracking his eyes to the one taking 'center stage'.

Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees (really, the boy couldn't sit still for long), Jake listened. The angelic youth watched with his baby blues, lips pursed as the conditions were set forth. Inwardly, he wondered if he had been mistakenly invited. Sure, he was clever, witty, but he was pretty sure he'd be finding himself on the streets selling Mary Jane and Molly instead of going to college when he got out of here, but maybe...no, he wouldn't let the thought stick. His brother had already decided his path for him the moment he'd begun sending pot to Jake to sell for him. Jake was good at it, slick as a used car salesman, and there's no way his brother would let his best dealer off the hook.

Despite the negative thoughts swirling through his mind, he'd decide to stay in the group, at least for curiosity's sake...and also to save face. It wouldn't do to let them know they'd made a mistake by inviting him and then have his memory wiped only to have the rest of the people in the group laugh behind his back.
 
Last edited:
Anna

Before the possible results of her messing up grew in her head into an unmanageable beast, there was a clear cough, in front and to the right of her. She snapped her head up - a tiny hope in her mind that it was Heinrich - but shrunk back in her seat at the six cloaked figures. Was she deaf, or had they just teleported in? She couldn't help but notice that the seat beside her was still empty. The letter had said to not be late...

She watched as the imposing figures pulled their hoods down. Anna held her breath, expecting monsters, or something out of a horror book. But it was just people. She knew at least half of them as well; people from her year that she'd actually spoken with a couple times, and one or two that she knew just by their first names. None of them she knew well enough to say 'they're definitely not a psychopath'.

She did her best to listen to the twelfth grader standing in front of them, but the way that there was a member on all sides of the room, with their wands definitely on them, was making it a bit difficult to think over the anxiety.

At the end of it all, Anna could tell that this was more than she had been expecting. People in (what she thought was) a tiny little school club ended up in the government? And in big, big companies? Like, regularly? Looking around, it didn't seem like there was anyone that was crazy smart or crazy noticeable. Except for Delphine, but she was just crazy.

'Trouble getting into college' stuck in her head. She thought of the failed tests, big 'F's and 'D's standing out on the page in red ink. The only thing she'd ever gotten an A in was her Dance elective (and to be fair to herself, those she did get pretty regularly). What college would really take someone like that, without some sort of outside convincing?

Her hands balled up in her lap. The thought grew in her head. She...needed this, didn't she? To get anywhere. She lifted her eyes and focused them on Victor, even if he wasn't looking back at her. She was staying.
 
Victoria

She watched as their gathered group exchanged looks, for the most part looking unsure and confused. There were a couple who did not hesitate and acted as if they certainly belonged there. Freddy had been right, there group of initiates this year were not the most promising, but they were the best they had. Her gaze on all of them was intense as she internally assessed their obvious strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps it wouldn't be a total waste.

"Seeing as no one has moved, yet." She stepped in. "I'm going to assume all of you are willing to stay on. For those who have not made it, the invitation has been rescinded." She tapped her wand on her thigh, idly as if without realizing. Victoria never did or said anything by accident, though. "The initiation process, which you will learn about soon, is not an easy one. There are moments where all of you will think it best to quit. You are more than free to do so, but you will forget all that you have seen and learned regarding our organization." the wand continued to tap. "This is your one reminder that just being an initiate does not guarantee you a spot. Being blood tied to the organization does not guarantee your spot. It must be earned. You have earned your way to that seat, but you must earn it the rest of the way."

"As for further details of your initiation," she indicated to Raymond and Herman, stepping out of the way. "These two are in charge of your initiation."

"Right," Piped up Raymond. "First thing you need to know? Your initiation begins now. Second thing you need to know, is there can be a lot of punishment in the initiation processes."

"But," Herman chimed in, sounding much friendlier. "There can be a lot of reward, too. For instance, there's a lot of competition involved. The winner, or in some cases winners, might get a pass on a particular ritual, which really doesn't seem like much but once we get started and you hear some of the things you'll be asked to do, you're gonna want that free pass."

"Your performance in initiation determines whether or not you make it into Vitam et Mortem." Raymond took over again. "Perform poorly and you're out."

Once again, Herman jumped in with the positive. "However, perform well and you can have all that Victor promised you and so much more."

"So!" Victor took back the reins, grinning at them broadly. He produced a goblet from... well, it was really hard to tell where, but suddenly all the VeM officers were holding goblets in the air. "A toast to Vitam et Mortem, and to our brand new initiates!" There was a resounding cheer from the officers and they raised their glasses to drink, waiting until the rest of the others did so as well.

Natalia did not hesitate. This was her destiny and she wasn't going to be seen cowing. She raised the glass to her lips and tipped back the wine in a large gulp.

Eva was more hesitant. She held the goblet delicately and looked to Nito and to Anna. She knew there was a potion in there, but what it did...? She sighed, closed her eyes and cheered with the rest, taking a long sip of the liquid. "Great!" Victoria announced when they had all drank. "Included in your ritual wine is a binding potion. It will keep you from talking, writing, or communicating about what was seen and heard here tonight with anyone who was not also present."

"And now..." Raymond smiled, wickedly. "Initiation begins."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top