Down the Rabbit Hole (Kitty and Takai)

How long had it been since the last time he'd had something to eat? 9 Days ago? Well, no, that was true. He'd eaten but he was getting tired of eating dried out meat from the animals he caught. A real meal, that's not too much to ask for is it? After all it didn't mean he needed to stay in Rose Garden, he'd be there just long enough to liberate some supplies and maybe stay a night or too so he can have a fresh warm meal. Short white haired waved back and forth as a cool wind flowed past his body. Takai tilted his head back and closed his eyes, feeling the cooling affect of the wind. The breeze was not strong, but it moved his clothing as if to pull him gently towards the Northeast, towards Rose Garden.

Opening his eyes, Takai looked in the direction the wind blew and smiled. It would be nice to be around some people even if it is only for a couple of days. "It's been over two years....," he muttered to himself, staring towards the skyline of the city, "I think it will be safe to stay one night." He let a smile spread itself against his face, not a full smile, but the barest hint of a smile. Who knows maybe he might even find someone that he can share a few laughs with. A second breeze pushed at the Wizards back, urging him onward.



There had always been rumors about Rose Garden floating around in the world. Rumors that Takai of course heard, but like most rumors, he put little stock in what was said. For once it seems the rumors had been correct. This place was teeming with magic. Everything was magic. The street lights were magic. Water fountains sprouted sprays of mist through the use of magic. Takai was amazed, he'd never seen magic used in such frivolous ways let alone the magic used so abundantly. Questions began to fill his mind, all of them relating to the city and its use of magic.

A rumble bellowed from his stomach, loud enough that a few people nearby could hear it. "Questions for another time, lets get some food now." He was muttering to himself, placing a hand on his stomach. It was really beginning to ache. When was the last time he ate? This morning? No it was last night..... no it was the night before. Smiling, Takai shook his head at his own stupidity. How could he forget to eat? He still had some meat left over from the boar he had killed last week. If he didn't watch it, he might pass out the next time he forgot to eat.

"Excuse me!"

The voice came from somewhere behind Takai, a small feminine voice. He looked over his shoulder to see a small girl looking up at him. "Excuse me," she said again, "can I get past you?" It was then that Takai realized he had stopped in his tracks, thinking about his belly. "Sorry, little miss," he said smiling, stepping to one side of the path, "didn't mean to keep you." "It's alright, you seemed really deep in thought, I didn't want to bother you," she said smiling back, "but then you just stood there for a long time and I didn't want to push past you." "It's alright, sometimes I get lost in thought like that, I need a good shove to get bumped back out of it." Takai's voice was jovial, a hint of a laugh in his tone. "What were you thinking deep thoughts about?"

Takai smiled at the innocence and curiosity of the young girl. "Well you might not believe but I was thinking about what to eat." The girl giggled, her hands coming up to cover her mouth, "that's a really silly think to think so much about." "Yeah I suppose it is." "Marie, hurry up we have to get to Grandma's before Dinner gets cold." "Yes Mama," the girl called back, then turning to wave at Takai, "bye mister." "Wait before you go, do you know of a inn that sells good food around here?" The girl stop mid skip and looked at him, her eyes showing the thought she was putting into her answer. "There is an inn two blocks that way," she pointed to the right, "I've heard it's really good food." "MARIA!!!" The girl flinched and called back, "Coming! Bye mister." The wizard let his red eyes follow the girl till she caught up with her mother. He had forgotten how it felt to be around good humans, and that little girl definitely had a good soul.

Another gurgling in his stomach and Takai got himself moving again. Hopefully this in wasn't one of those that asked for a prepayment or deposit, being someone that mainly stays within the wooded areas, he rarely had money. "If anything, nothing to do but to check it out and see if it does or not." Rejoining the flow of humans, the Wizard made his way to the in, hoping to find a nice bed and a warm meal.

The first hints of upcoming dusk had started to appear, enveloping the city of Rose in a pale pinkish hue. The warm, soft breeze had continued to flutter by carrying with it the sweet smell of the late pastries, mixing in with the caressing winds. Unsurprisingly, the night owls had already begun to wake and those awake, many returned to slumber. It was in this manner that almost made the place surreal, perhaps giving upon it the illusion as if the city itself did not sleep. But, rather, took a pause and regained its motion after a mere seconds of repose.

Among the multitudes was none other than Kitty herself. The young vampiress had settled upon the idea of obtaining a bit more information for her next ruse -the cruel landlord of the Crimson Haven estate. Word had come to her, in part of an underground client, that the man worked under the General Zaroff and held valuable information on the General's safe house. Although such a job was suicide, Kitty had been open to the possibility of at least obtaining a way to get rid of her predator, once and for all.

As the thoughts rapidly began to cloud her weary mind, a sensation of someone watching her sent a tingle of unwanted shivers down her spine. She hated it -always put on guard every time there was so much of a glance her way. For one to fall so low and without means of escape, this would have never been a possibility for herself until now. Her torment had finally arrived, succumbing the young woman to what she considered uselessness and ineffectiveness. She wanted to rid herself of such situation, but how?


The first cracks of the approaching dawn were beginning to make its appearance while the once warm winds had begun to morph into a frosty breeze as the Hunters began to make their way back to the stirring encampment. The soft murmurs of the women heard only moments prior to the sunrise were now turned to that of chatter within seconds of the approaching sound of footsteps on part of the men. Once the men were within earshot of the camp, a deafening roaring of triumph in part of the men were heard throughout the surroundings of the clan. A roar so loud that only one thing could be meant -the assurance of victory.

The cheers of celebration brought about the immense wave of content and approval throughout the camp for the hunt had proven victorious. The men had gone off to Hunt down a pair of Rogues and arrived in one piece which led way to a festival in their honor -as were the rituals and festivities of the great d'Pryde clan. Yet, none held more admiration and swell of pride than did the young Elizabeth, future Head of the clan. Her golden eyes sparkled under the first rays of sunshine as the star-shaped mark upon her right eye glowed in happiness. One day, she vowed, she would accompany the men on the Hunt. And, for her, the day was fast approaching.  



Elizabeth bit her lip, obviously frustrated. For starters and unarguably, she would need an ally and a steady, fresh blood supply. Yet, the question was, who to trust? The General owned the world now. Therefore, it was only logical to think that there was bound to be a bounty upon her head. All the more reason to be on the run. The vampiress then let out a tired sigh escape her lips as her mind returned towards the road ahead. Where would life lead her now? Through worlds she had gone without much trouble yet, now, the odds had turned entirely against her.

The red haired woman couldn’t help but wonder, had the Fates suddenly decided that they had had enough of her? That it was time for her to fall despite the work she had done to earn their favor? Had her life meant nothing to them? To be used and be cast away like it had been done centuries ago? Elizabeth clenched her fists in fury as she unintentionally let out a frustrated growl. Luckily for her, her vampiric fangs did not show although burning waves of fury was evident in her eyes. She would show them. She would show them all that she was one not to be messed with.

Subconsciously, the vampiress touched her neck. It was where her most precious item, Revelation, was housed. Yet, as her hands tried to grab hold of it, there was nothing there. Immediately, Natalia whipped her head around as she desperately tried to clutch the empty place where the necklace should have been -almost as if it were magically reappear upon the safety of her neck. Sudden movement caught her eyes, meters away from her. The huntress soon began to follow suit. Truthfully, she had no idea if person held her treasure, but she would soon find out when she caught up to him. After all, she would take no risks if her necklace truly had been stolen for it meant far more to her than her life itself.

Oh the smells of the sweet cooking, food prepared in an actual kitchen. Mouth watering, Takai could think of little else than having a well made meal sitting in front of him. "I would like a table for one and a room for the night." The man standing behind the counter took a long look at the wizard standing before him and sneered. "How will the Gentlemen be paying this evening?" It was too much to hope that Takai could have gotten away with having his meal and room first then just ditching in the morning. His bedraggled appearance might have given away that intention. After all he didn't to appear as if he had a cent in the world, which of course he didn't. "Well I was hoping I could pay through chores or any kind of service I can do?" Scoffing, the man looked at him, contempt in his eyes and voice, "do we seem like the kind of establishment that would allow filth such as yourself to do any kind of work here? No, you can pay or you can leave. Now off with you."

Several shades of anger passed through the blood red eyes of the wizard, his mind reeling with all the ways that he could make this puny man suffer. 'No,' Takai thought to himself, 'now is not the time to lose your temper. Just leave and come back once you have something to pay with.' The rising heat of his anger, dimmed swiftly and a hard smile spread across his lips, "I'll be glad to return once I have payment." "We wont hold our breathe, sir." The look and tone of voice the man used him nearly had Takai reaching for his magic to lash out and wipe away all of that man's smugness. Eyes glowing slightly, Takai took a deep breath and just nodded his head.

Fury rolled off Takai in waves, his anger barely contained with in himself. How he wished that he could make that man pay for being so rude. First though he would need money, then he could have his revenge and make that man's night a living terror. Takai wasn't ever really mean or cruel, well normally that is, so he probably wouldn't do anything, but it was fun to think about. The long days on the road seem to wear on him more that evening than it normally had in the past. The changing hues of the darkening sky seemed to be a good representation of his waning strength as it drained the light. His fury wasn't helping in that regard either.

'Ok Takai, just cool down and think,' he thought to himself, taking a deep breath, 'you need money, so that means you need to steal. But the day is running out so you need to act quickly, that means the bigger the score the better.' Takai's red iris did a quick scan of the evening crowd. There was no small amount of gold or jewelry among the rich tourists of the city, but which one would get him the highest price. It was then out of the corner of his eye he spotted her. His first look was because of her beauty, the second look was because of what she wore around her neck. Takai didn't know exactly why he was drawn to that object above all the rest, it wasn't the most flashy piece of jewelry, or one that looked the most valuable. There was something there though, maybe a hint of a deep powerful magic. That, to the right buyers, would bring a hefty sum let alone the cost of the jewels and gold.

The gleam of the jewel resting atop her breasts called to him, not a magical call but a call of greed. Though he stole, Takai was never one that stole from those that would be broken because of his theft. He would normally watch them for a while to make sure that they were indeed wealthy. Tonight was not one of the nights he had the luxury, he didn't have the time nor the strength. From the glances he got of her between the throngs of moving people, she appeared to be well off, or at least she walked like someone that believed they were entitled. That would have to be good enough for him tonight. His mind flooded with options and choices on how he would proceed. She most likely hadn't seen him. The looks he had sent her way had been both brief and he was only absently keeping his eyes on the general direction, no staring. So if he was lucky that meant he could use the crowd to get the necklace and be gone before she knew what happened.

The purple hue of the sky colored the streets as the magical lamps slowly flickered into life, the darkening light giving birth to the deeds only done in the shadows. It was an ideal situation for a thief. Joining the woman's flow of moving people, Takai locked his eyes on the back of the woman. The flow was not a steady stream of bodies, there were always though that moved quicker than others and those that moved slower. Jumping in line with one of the groups moving faster than others, Takai quickly caught up with the woman though stopping several feet back so not to let her know of his presence. The next few moments were crucial. He needed to get close enough to steal her necklace without letting her notice he was there. As well, he had to keep others from realizing what he was doing. Pickpocketing and other such thefts were difficult enough, but to steal a woman's necklace without anyone knowing, that was far more difficult.

When magic is involved though, even difficult things become much easier. Magic especially like that which Takai possessed. For some reason, Takai has the ability to change parts of his body into a non-physical state and even cast that ability upon other objects, such as a necklace. Why exactly he is capable of doing that he isn't sure but he does know that it is very useful when attempting to steal. Now all that mattered would be the snatching away the necklace without letting anyone realize what he'd done. The bump and snatch might work but Takai always found that to be less elegant than he preferred, it also made the victim aware of your presence. With his power though a stumble might work without touching her. But that too would bring attention to him by everyone else and if just one person noticed the glittering jewel, the game might be up. In the end there was no good way of getting the necklace but to just go ahead and grab it.

Pushing through the crowd, Takai closed the distance between himself and his target, his hand flowing from the physical to the ethereal state. This wouldn't be the most stealthy grab he'd ever made but he tried to seem casual as he reached up acting as if he was going to tap the woman on the shoulder. At the last moment he swiped his hand through her neck and let it drop to his side. His fingers hooked and coiled the chain around themselves, hiding as much of the necklace from view as he slid it into one pocket. His grab had been a success. There was no call of alarm from his target or any of the surrounding city patrons. No one startled by seeing a valuable piece of jewelry just disappearing from around a woman's neck. All that he needed to do now was get away clean and he'd have the money he needed for the hotel.

Stopping in his tracks, the white haired wizard looked around, feigning to be lost, before he turned and joined a group of tourists heading the opposite direction. With stolen goods in his pocket, Takai was trying to look as natural as he could, but a part of him wanted to badly look at this prize. To get a better look, to inspect it. That wasn't possible as long as he was on the street. So Takai stayed with the group for a few hundred meters more before breaking away and heading down a dark alley way. It may be a little cliche to hide in a dark alley and look at something that was just stolen, but he really wanted to get a better look at the necklace. The gem seemed to glitter in the dark, the gold chain gleaming ever so lightly. There was definitely magic to the item but it seemed to be dormant, a power that Takai couldn't seem to figure out. At the same time though, the jewel almost seemed like it was familiar.

Takai held it up higher, staring into the jewel. The slight shine in the stone slowly seemed to grow as he held it up. At first Takai thought it was just because he had raised it higher so it was catching more light. As the light grew in the gem, he realized that it was indeed glowing, not only that but it seemed to be taking a part of Takai's own magical energy. A spark of power shocked Takai's hand. In surprise, he dropped the necklace, taking a few steps back as it clattered against the ground. The necklace did not stay there though. Magic shot forth from it i a storm of lightning, striking the stone walls without so much as damaging it. The lightning arched out again, striking Takai this time forcing him to one knee in pain. The necklace continued to rise though, behind it what looked to be a gateway opening. At first the gateway just seemed to be an open passage but Takai could feel it pulling at him.

The pull of the gate wasn't so strong that Takai couldn't resist it. The wizard rose once again to his feet and braced himself against the pull, placing a foot forward and leaning away. Magic from the necklace struck at him again, then again. The pain of the hits forced Takai once more to collapse down, removing his brace against the pull. The gate pulled and this time it was much stronger than before. Clothes whipping around him, Takai was pulled through the air into the gateway to some unknown land. "What the hell is going on," he shouted but his voice didn't seem to go anywhere, he wasn't even sure if he heard it. The magic necklace continued to spin in the air, arching power as he flew past. It was the necklace, Takai was sure, that caused this and if he was sent to some other world, he was sure that the necklace would be his way back.

The long digits of his hand stretched out, closing around the gleaming jewel. Power struck the palm of his hand, forcing his body to immediately retract missing his chance to grab the necklace. The gate pulled Takai into it's maw and the world began to swirl around his eyes. A dizzying vortex of colors and stars flew around the wizards head as he fell and fell and fell into another world. Ground struck hard against his back and the swirling suddenly stopped, causing even more dizziness than the swirling had done. Every part of his body seemed to hurt, mostly his head, as he tried to gain focus on the landscape around him. Everywhere their seemed to mushrooms of enormous size and strange shape. It was place he'd never seen before, a feeling in the air that he was unfamiliar with. "Where am I?"