5

[goodnightjulia]

...I was just followed from the door of my building to the door of my apartment.

By some white... creatures with tentacles.

One of them tried to bite me.

They're better target practice than the range, but I've used half my extra ammo already.

Comments

[mother_rem]

It looks like it's a small invasion. I'd suggest keeping anything you don't want destroyed put behind closed doors.

[goodnightjulia]

...I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed that it's not just this building.

Is this what people mean when they talk about curses?

[mother_rem]

I'd be relieved that they aren't singling you out.

...I'm not sure if this is a curse or not. But, yes, it's something like this.

[goodnightjulia]

There is that.

If they ever get smart enough to stand on top of each other and open doors, then I'll consider it more than a nuisance.

[jetscape]

Tentacles?

Nothing good ever comes with tentacles.

[goodnightjulia]

I'm afraid so.

Do you... have experience with these things?

[jetscape]

No, but I say shoot 'em.

[goodnightjulia]

Spike knows how to pick a partner.

That's been my solution so far.

That and blocking my drains. They may be coming up through the plumbing.

[glock30]

Welcome the City.

[goodnightjulia]

This isn't my idea of a good welcoming party.

[glock30]

It's not exactly normal.

[goodnightjulia]

I hope that's an understatement.

[offthepigs]

I didn't grab as much ammo on my way out of the apartment as I should have, but fuck were they everywhere.

See if you can get your hands on a machete. I'll bet it'll do better damage.

[goodnightjulia]

...I was thinking along the lines of a flame-thrower myself.

[offthepigs]

Oh fuck...

Well that would certainly work.

[goodnightjulia]

Unfortunately, I don't have one on me.

Still, it's a nice idea.

//an entirely dignified reunion//

[becomedemons]

Vicious had been walking about the City, as was usual - just 'scouting', familiarizing himself with everything, observing people. He'd taken an alley in between buildings, finding the dark almost comforting.

... Until something near the drainage grate reached out and grabbed his ankle.

And thank whatever gods he believed in no one was there to see his reaction.

Ten minutes and a far too large number of tiny wiggling baby nightmares now in sliced and hacked pieces later, he was inside building 10, lobby door firmly shut, looking out at the remains of shining animals as they darted about near the sewer openings.

Re: //an entirely dignified reunion//

[goodnightjulia]

It's an uncomfortable feeling to have used up half her extra ammo already, and Julia had decided it'd be for the best if she ran out to replenish her supply.

Tentacled creatures are expected along the way. What's not is the man standing in front of her once she reaches the lobby.

One of the aggressive white ones darts out of the next hallway over, heading for Vicious.

She shoots it instinctively, but her gun doesn't lower. Instead, she just keeps it pointed at him.

Re: //an entirely dignified reunion//

[becomedemons]

He hears someone coming behind him, and doesn't turn. He has tabs on Spike, and even Faye, whom he knows the man stays with sometimes - the shot isn't surprising. But the silence after is.

Vicious half-turns, katana in hand, but not offensive. Relaxed, almost.

... He'd stopped monitoring Julia when he realized Spike was not with her. Though he'd known all along it would never be the way they had dreamed.

Perhaps that was a mistake.

He meets her eyes for the first time in years. Cold.

Re: //an entirely dignified reunion//

[goodnightjulia]

There's no reason seeing him should hurt.

(There's every reason seeing him should hurt.)

She remembers meeting him for the first time and loving him and falling asleep beside him and... drifting away from him.

Having a gun held to her head. Being told she would kill Spike for him.

Somewhere nearby, she can hear more creatures, but her gun doesn't move in the slightest. "It's been a long time, Vicious."

Dimly, she feels surprised he hasn't lashed out with his katana.