Chronicles of The Omniverse Archived Lutetia City: The Den

as written by Tiko

"I don't care how old you fucking are," Jacques growled. "When you're told to stay off the streets, you stay off the fucking streets. Same as anyone else in the pack. You're not a child anymore. Act like it before you get someone killed."
 
as written by Knosis

Chloe had found her way to the edge and started trying to climb back down the pipes. Going down was so much harder than going up. Mid way down, her grip slipped and she landed flat on her back. She hissed as the wind was knocked out of her and she curled up into a ball for a moment.
 
as written by Faithy

“For your fucking information, father, I distracted one of them from going back to where Chloe, Desmond and Brendan was at, though granted, wasn’t aware they were there at the moment, but still. I was holding my own and had everything under control! I had planned on holing it up like I was told, but was out of booze and wanted more.” Aimee spat more blood out of her mouth and snarled, moving away from her father, though it was becoming more apparent at least to her, that she was in terrible shape.

Part of her, the part that was still that hot-headed teenager despite almost being twenty wanted to walk away from the pack and move back to her apartment even though it was still dangerous, though she knew she would never reach her place in the shape she was in. The other part was worn down from the verbal lashing she was getting from her dad. She deserved it of course, but that didn’t stop her dual emotions from rampaging throughout her body. She also knew how stupid she had been for disobeying her leader’s orders and that more lashings were probably still to come. She very easily could have gotten not just herself killed, but her father and the others as well, but deep down she knew that they would have been attacked regardless of her appearance. It wasn’t like she called out to them or anything to alert the Scions to their presence.

“They would have attacked the others regardless so stop acting like this shit is all my fault. Damn it.” She called back over her shoulder before moving a few paces further away from him, her good hand forming a fist. She really needed to stop talking before she did permanent damage to her face. Not only that, the ground was beginning to move and the spots in front of her eyes was a good indicator that she was going to pass out.
 
as written by LuLu6214

Eliza got to the van, opening the door she was deep in thought she stood there for a moment, she could hear the commotion, part of her wanted to run "Dammit to hell...they aren't even your pack...*Growl* Too late...I'm in too deep." she blurted out as she tossed the rifle in the car and slammed the door. Turning on her heel she headed back over to Bastien and leaned against the wall silently, waiting to see if there was anything they needed her to do.
 
as written by Lialore

Brendan nodded gravely. He wasn’t sure if he could handle more bad news just right now; they needed to move, they needed to think.


He returned to the others out back quickly.

“It’s just Bastien. Change of plan. Everyone in the van out front…” he trailed off as he took in the other’s positions with confusion. From Chloe on the floor to the obvious tension between Aimee and Jacques.

“Uh… we good?”

He snagged his keys, rather slowly, eyeing the others with furrowed brows. Now really wasn't the time for more things to go wrong.
 
as written by Tiko

Chloe's moment of recovery would be disturbed by a wet nose being shoved into her side as Desmond prodded her. It was time to go. The prod turned to a shove and a low growf before he lifted his head up to get a look around.

There was no further sign of trouble, and with the arrival of Bastien it seemed things were winding down. It likely wasn't wise to linger long though.

Meanwhile, Jacques had many more words for Aimee, but they could wait. He settled for a simple biting remark. "Go get in the van."

As Bastien arrived behind Brendan, he took in the scene grimly. Both Bastien and Brendan's cars were riddled with bullet holes and there was a dead body lying on the ground.

"Eliza and I'll stay to clean this up," Bastien said. "You get the rest of them back to Reinhard's. And leave me your keys, I'll move the cars. Also park the van out of sight when you get there. It's stolen."
 
as written by Knosis

Chloe groaned and slowly rolled over to her hands and knees. "I know.. I know.." She breathed, the light in her eyes fading away like a fish retreating from the surface. She placed a hand on Desmond's back and used him to help get up, pulling her shirt up to reveal where the holster and her gun were hidden in the small of her back. "That's no fun to land on.." She explained.

Still she slowly made her way to the van and climbed into the back. The scent of coppery blood was strong, and she saw the crimson stains on the floor of the van. This night had not been easy for anyone, and she had known it wouldn't. "I'm sorry.." She muttered quietly, although to no one particular. It just felt the right thing to say.
 
as written by Faithy

It would be foolish to continue to argue and the thought of taking another step sent a wave of nausea through Aimee’s body. Tensing up a little at Jacques command, she started to say something, but just brought her hand up to her face and hissed. She really didn’t want to see just how badly Sasha had mangled her face. Slowly moving to the van, the teen had to pause every once in a while, her vision swimming. By the time she climbed inside and found a spot where she’d hopefully be left alone, she was feeling heavy. Leaning her head back, she grimaced and just passed out, blood continuing to flow from the gashes on her face.
 
as written by Lialore

“Alright” he said, glad that someone had a plan. He tossed his keys to Bastien. “Call if you need any help.”


As the others began climbing into the van, he hauled himself into the driver’s seat and examined the exposed wires. He started to fiddle with his tongue between his teeth, he was rewarded with some dull lights on the dashboard as he connected the power wires with little trouble. The starter wire, however, gave him a bit of a shock. He cursed and jumped at the spark, but soon got himself together to the sound of the idling van.

Brendan let out a long breath, then twisted to make sure he had everyone.
 
as written by Tiko

Desmond was quick to join Chloe in the back of the van, which was far roomier than Brendan's car would have been as far as accommodating his rather large bulk. He sniffed at the blood, but the van smelled so thick of the pack that he couldn't be certain whose blood was whose. One thing he could be sure of, there were a lot of injured people back here.

He lay down to avoid getting thrown down during the ride and rested his head on his paws. They wouldn't know how bad it was until they got wherever they were going.

Jacques was the last to enter the van, sliding into the passenger seat where he sat in silence. There was a grim mood about him as they pulled out.
 
as written by LuLu6214

She nodded to Bastiens plans of delegation as she leaned against the nearest wall. "My rifle is in the van, take care of her won't you...I'll need her back." She called to the group that was getting into the van then she turned to Bastien, the local area looked, more or less, like a war zone. What had she gotten herself into, she silently mouthed to herself...What do we need to do and how much time before the authorities show up? I am assuming they heard the commotion...or at least someone did and reported it." She stood there relaxed and unemotional, occasionally scrunching up her nose in annoyance from the smoke. "It's a shame they targeted this place...(voice trailing off almost inaudible)Whoever they are..."
 
as written by Tiko

"Come on, we need to clean this place up," Bastien told Eliza. "We have a few hours yet before the police will likely show."

Such was the nature of the more violent areas of the city, that even the police wouldn't answer calls during the night.

"We'll take the body outside the city and burn it," he added as he knelt down to start putting empty shell casings into the pockets of his jacket for now. "Can't do anything about the fire, but we don't want this place looking like a murder scene. We're going to have enough heat from the police come morning as it is. Why don't you go take care of the front."
 
as written by LuLu6214

With that Eliza turned on her heel and headed toward the front of the Den, she began picking up empty shell casings and any deformed slugs she came across, it was a nightmare of menial tasks.

"Why did I stick around..." she whispered to herself, looking around to see if anyone was there. She dumped the casings and slugs into her pocket and cleared any debris from the area. She found a spicket and bucket on the side of a neighboring building which she filled and began pouring over the area, if she could at least dilute any blood or DNA in the area it would be harder for the authorities to trace. She turned on the spicket and allowed it to run, taking all the remnants with it down the street before picking up a knife that was sitting out front.
 
as written by Script

Meanwhile, as the van pulled away, a sleek shape dropped from the roof of a nearby building onto a storage rack atop it. Seri landed with nary a sound, crouching low and taking hold of the rack.

He didn't know where they were going, but he'd swiftly come to the conclusion that he didn't want to be out in the streets on his own while all this was going on. He was sure his new companions wouldn't mind him hitching a ride.
 
as written by Sokka, Sentry and Rōnin

Jeanne's heart was heavy upon laying her eyes on the scene. The Den had never been home, but it had been an escape. Not a place of friends, but a place where she wouldn't have to spend her nights alone. Like that, it was gone.

Approaching the blackened ruin, the detective wound her way through firemen, busy with searching through the wreck. She tilted her hat forward and let the shade cast over her eyes, which were down at the ground, scanning.

"Shit," she hissed under her breath, lids pulling back in surprise. She knew it was going to be bad, but... what exactly went on here?

Further making it into The Den, she gazed at the entrance to the cellar. but there wasn't any easy picking through there. She cantered to the back and kept searching, almost frantically, for something she dearly hoped wasn't there.

An unmarked black car pulled up to the crime scene, the driver swiftly rounding the front and opening the back door. Archard Pierpont stepped out into the parking lot of the Den, pulling the edges of his coat tightly over his torso.

Any officers that would seek to prevent him entering the scene would be given all necessary credentials. He looked boredly over the near-vacant crime scene before making his way through the charred entrance of the Den.

"Inspector Bonheur," he greeted her in his usual cold monotone, "a pleasure, as always." He took a few steps inside, glancing around the destroyed room.

Myles was crouched behind a large charred wooden beam that had crashed down from the ceiling. He moved behind the bar looking around. behind what remained of the counter top. Something caught his eye, a bit of glass sticking out between the wood.

He was about to pull what was likely a bottle of alcohol out when Archard's greeting grabbed his attention.

Myles rose from behind the counter and gave a nod to Archard.
 
as written by Sokka, Sentry and Rōnin

The Bloodhound spun around to face the pale-faced man, her coat sweeping the ashes on the floor. She froze, staring him straight in the face. Straightening, the detective regained her composure, closing her jacket.

"Ah," she said. "Inquisitor. Likewise." She gestured to Archard and looked to Myles. "Want to watch out for this one. Don't get too close. He likes to bite."

Archard's attention flitted to Myles as he rose, offering the officer a nod. "Good day."

Myles nodded, "You as well Inquisitor." He responded. He heard Jeanne however he decided not to respond to her comment.

Archard turned back to Jeanne. "I understand that this is just one of the arsons you've investigated this morning. It seems last night was eventful." He walked in a slow arc around the room, pale eyes scanning over tables and counters. "Not a single call to the authorities, though. A shame that Lupaix is ruled by fear of the wolf rather than respect for the law." He ran a gloved finger along a blistered wall, rubbing the black charcoal between thumb and index.

"Are there any bodies?"

"It's a damn shame." Myles said shaking his head, however he chose not to answer the question regarding the bodies, he would let Jeanne decide which information was going to be disclosed.

"None," she responded curtly. "Except for the... ash and soot, this place is clean. It would seem that this was, perhaps, a hate crime. Or maybe someone forgot to put out their cigarette. Otherwise, I expect everyone got out safely. I'm sure that's good news for everyone. Wouldn't you agree, Archard?"

Bonheur turned around, eyeing Myles. "The less casualties of our beloved citizens of Lutetia, the better, yes?"

"Absolutely" Myles responded.

"Clean indeed, inside and out," Archard continued, moving over to the booths - leather and cloth withered from the flames.

He looked back at Jeanne. "Have you heard anything of the recent investigation at the 'Rolling Bones Casino', inspector?"

"I've heard the reports on the radio," Jeanne said, fingers twining behind her back. "You suspect a run-in between the two packs?"

"I do," Archard replied, "given what I've seen there, I'm disinclined to believe this is a random hate crime. I believe the Scions and the Bloodstones are once again involved in a full-scale gang war." He gestured to the charred interior of the bar. "One point Scions." He walked around the edge of the counter. "It's a bit odd, though. The casino had mountains of evidence suggesting a skirmish. I'd be curious to know if either of you have found a single bullet casing." He looked up at them. "Or am I wrong?"

"I'm not a part of that investigation though there is no doubt this is a pack war." Myles said.

Jeanne nodded. It was obvious to them all. No one here was stupid enough to think otherwise. "Was there any surprise?" she asked Archard. "Take a look at where we are."

"It's precisely where we are that's so unnerving, inspector," Archard continued, "the violence between these two gangs has only recently exploded into street warfare, and yet we stand not in the charred bones of some outskirt warehouse, but in the Den. The Den. Arguably the base of operations for the Bloodstones." He stepped over the remains of a fire extinguisher. He weighed it in his hands. "What advantage allowed the Scions to penetrate into the heart of Bloodstone territory and destroy many of its key infrastructures ... unopposed?"

"The element of surprise...., No, not just surprise, something drew them out, away from the Den. They responded to the skirmishes then when they were gone, the Scions struck here." Myles said.

"My question is, with the Den gone where did the Bloodstones go." Myles said, as he slowly walked slowly through the charred ruins of the Den.

Jeanne raised her cap momentarily to ran her fingers through her hair. She looked out onto the burning wreckage, unsure of what to say, or whether or not she wanted to keep talking.

Making her mind up, Jeanne began to walk away as far back into the building as she was allowed to explore. She didn't wait for Archard to keep speaking. She just signaled for Myles to follow.

When Jeanne didn't offer a verbal response to Archard's question, the inquisitor followed her - trailing quietly behind Myles.
 
as written by Sokka, Sentry and Rōnin

Myles followed Jeanne quietly, "So Inquisitor, what is your assessment off the situation?" Myles prodded as they walked deeper into the wreckage.

"Well it looks like the Scions burned down this bar," Archard replied, "I have other theories, but I'd like to know more about the crime scene before I elaborate." He glanced around the room they'd just entered. "Officer Dupond, was it? I heard your name on the dispatch. Have you found any evidence in this bar suggestion an altercation between the Scions and the Bloodstones?"

"Just a small altercation at a gunshop. Nothing's conclusive yet, could just be a robbery unrelated or that fed off of the violence. We won't know if blood found at the scene is werewolf until we get lab results back." Myles said plainly.

As they spoke, Jeanne knelt down and swept her fingers through the thick layer of ash upon the ground. For a moment, her eyes narrowed. She dug deeper and retreated two fingers into her sleeve before standing up.

"I'm not sure there's much more to see here," she told Archard and Myles. "I might just take my leave."

Archard was expressionless. "Really, inspector? No clues to be found?"

Jeanne wrung her mouth to the side. "Nothing on the surface. We'll see what our men can find as the wreckage is cleared. Myles? You're coming with me."

Myles nodded to Jeanne, "It has been a pleasure Inquisitor. " He said .

For a moment, Archard looked as if he would say something. His brows knit, his mouth creasing at the corners. The beginning of a frown manifested itself on his jaw. It lasted only a moment before he regained his usual composure. "Very well, inspector. I look forward to reading your report and the analysis of the forensic technicians." He touched his finger to his lip. "Good day, to both of you fine officers." He would watch them leave, planning to stick around on the crime scene for a bit longer.

The Bloodhound smiled tightly and tipped her hat as they left, Myles in tow. Her coat swept up ash in her path.
 
Draaven realized something wasn't right long before they reached the burnt out wreckage of the Den. He picked up the smell of the burnt building nearly a block away, as did he notice the completely lack of pack presence in the area. Something wasn't right. As they neared their destination the extent of the fire became apparant. The Den was nothing more than a burnt out husk, and the fire had taken out several of the nearby buildings before being subdued. It had been recent he noted as he pulled up alongside the curb and turned the engine to his bike off.

"This isn't good..." he murmured.

The entire area was cordoned off in yellow police tape, but he paid it no mind as he dismounted the bike and ducked under the tape to get a closer look at the wreckage. He picked his way across the burnt our rubble carefully before pausing to kneel down and pick up the remnants of a broken bottle that was all but obscured beneath a fallen support beam. It had a rag shoved into the broken neck of the bottle that was nearly burnt away entirely.

He dropped the bottle and stood back upm surverying the situation before looking back to Luka.

"It looks like we've returned to a war zone..." he noted.
 
Luka stared at the wreckage with a mixture of awe and shock.
"Gosh, is every street in this town fire and destruction?" he whispered as he stepped carefully towards his father. Threatening pieces of jagged stones and broken glass stuck out of the ground like violent flowers, waiting for some absentminded soul to stumble upon them.
"You said that the pack...the whatstone or whatever...they met here?" he asked his father. He had no clue who the aforementioned pack were nor how his father affiliated with them. From the sounds of it, they were a relatively close group. He began to wonder how this destruction would affect the pack as he gazed at his father.
 
"Yeah. I've been gone a long time though... things change," he answered. "I know one more place they might have gone to ground, with this kind of heat going on," he said. "It's a safe-house of sorts. We'll head there next, come on. When we get there, keep your head down and your witts about you. Understand? I don't know how they're going to take my return. Don't leave my side."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top