Can't You Help Me As I'm Starting to Burn?

[vanessa]

Nancy's wasn't the most desirable place to grab a social drink, but then again, if you were here, then you weren't really looking for social interaction.....well.....the kind which involved talking anyway. Most of the vagabonds which hung out here was street trash and other filth looking for a good cheap time or just cheap booze to wash their problems away with.....at least for a little while anyway. Vanessa Madison, a regular here, was here for a little of both, but more than likely only the latter would occur this evening.

Situated at the end of the bar, leaning forward, her elbows resting on the dirty counter top, Vanessa stared ahead at the four or five empty shot glasses she had so constructively made into a pyramid. She wore a pair of faded blue jeans with a hole in the left knee and a blue cotton tee shirt with a pair of faded gray wings so ingeniously printed on the back. Her long black hair hung about her shoulders and face as usual and her make-up was a bit dark, black all around her eyes and her fingernails painted black.

Why?.....That voice echoed over and over in her head, along with the never ending pain and throbbing. "Shut up Abigael....," she muttered as she downed another shot glass full of some dark liquor, turning it upside down and adding it to the pyramid in front of her. Snapping her fingers and then pointing to the empty space between her and the shot glass pyramid, Vanessa ordered another.

[Rand O'Neill]

Rand O'Neill sat in the back of the bar, a poorly lighted spot that suited him just fine. His handsome face was concealed by a wide brimmed hat seen from a few centuries ago. In fact, his whole wardrobe could have been seen a few centuries ago. A dark blue coat, worn by European nobles in the eighteenth century, silver ravens running along the sleeves and chest. Silver coated buttons running the length of the coat, which reached down near his knees, were unbuttoned halfway down. White satin pants with black, high topped boots, a golden ring with sapphire gem, and a dark scarf, wrapped around his kneck, completed the outfit.

A mug of beer sat on the table, half empty, untouched for the past few minutes. It had been a rather normal night, and tomorrow was poker night. He'd have to be sure to drop by and win himself a few bucks. Taking one last swig of his beer, he gathered up his noble's long, black cane, which was basically as long as a walking stick, and covered with inscriptions of all sorts, and left the darkness of his small booth in the back, leaving a few bucks for the waitress.

He began to walk towards the front of the bar, toward the exit, when a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Shut up Abigal....,"

Turning, he immediately recognized the woman sitting at the edge of the actual bar as Vanessa. A pyramid of glasses lined the space in front of the woman, indicating that she had indulged herself for quite a few drinks. Ignoring the snickers behind his back, the regulars often got a kick out of his dress style, he approached her. Taking a seat beside her, he propped his cane against the bar.

"Hello, Vanessa. What brings you here tonight?"

[vanessa]

As Rand spoke, Vanessa gave a short laugh, running her hand over her eyes. Granted she was more or less property of the Hellfire Club, didn't mean she enjoyed their company.....well....maybe except for Sebastian....then again, on second thought, she despised him as well. Manipulating fuckers.....every single one of them.....not a one fit for living, but hey, they paid her bills and so, she let them live.

The barkeep sat Vanessa's drink down and gave Rand a curious look, giving a chuckle at the way he dressed and Vanessa herself had to admit, the way the inner circle chose to dress was a bit odd....to say the least. "Abigael's insistent bitching," she replied to his question just before downing her drink and slamming her shot glass down on the bar, pushing it next to the pyramid she had been making. Of course, Vanessa didn't expect Rand to know anything about her dilemma but then again, she wouldn't have been surprised if he did, after all, the inner circle did have a way of knowing things....especially that ice queen Emma Frost.

Turning her head, Vanessa looked at Rand with heavy and itching eyes, the look on her face clearly showing the effects of the one too many shots she had had. "Do any of you assholes ever dress 'normal', you know, maybe something from this century?," she asked, her speech a bit slow and labored, her breathing heavy, sort of like when one gets when on the verge of passing out, of course Vanessa was far from being drunk, but no need for Rand to know that....Right?

[Rand O'Neill]

"Abigael's insistent bitching"

A blunt answer from a hard woman. Rand didn't have a clue who this Abigail person was...come to think of it, he really didn't even know the woman sitting next to him. Rand was silent as she downed another shot, a new addition to the already large pyramid.

"Do any of you assholes ever dress 'normal', you know, maybe something from this century?,"

A smile played on his lips at her question, a mischievious, almost dark smile. People asked him this all the time, though they hadn't a clue why he did dress the way he did. The Inner Circle actually rarely wore anything of this century. Why? He didn't know, perhaps to honor the founding of the infamous Club. Unfortunately, he had no insight on this.

Sighing, he answered:

"What exactly is normal, Vanessa? We both know what it is like 'not' to be normal. And, no, we don't usually wear anything of this century. We prefer to stand out"

With a small chuckle he ordered another set of drinks, one for he and Vanessa each. Rand detected something was amiss with her, but decided it was her business. Better to let her work her problems out, and if drinking helped, it helped.

[vanessa]

Rand had a point with his question about 'normal' and given the recent influx in the mutant population, 'normal' wasn't really a word which fit the surroundings anymore. In a world where people had wings, laser eyes, super strength, and the ability to conjure up chicken soft tacos and what not, 'normal' everyday people were the odd ones. Some even speculated in a few decades that everyone would be a mutant.....whether they liked it or not......oh well.

Taking up the drink Rand ordered for her, Vanessa held it between her thumb and forefinger, the smooth glass resting against her palm, pointing at him somewhat, "Good point," she said squinting one eye and giving a crooked smile just before downing the drink and letting the empty glass fall to the counter top, meriting a look from the barkeep. Vanessa laughed a bit, letting her head fall back and then her body along with it, falling up against the wall. She shut her eyes and then licked her lips, making sure to savor any residual liquor. "Just what are you doing here Rand? Come to give me another assignment from dear Sebastian?," she asked as she opened her eyes just barely, peering at Rand with a tired and heavy gaze, the throbbing in her brain subsiding just slightly.

[Rand O'Neill]

"Good point,"

He nodded his head at her agreement and downed his shot, feeling the warming effects of the liquor on his throat. Sliding the glass away from him, he signaled to the barkeep for another round for he and Vanessa. Smiling, the balding man prepared their drinks.

Vanessa, who was well on her way to a headache in the morning, seemed to be content in her semi-drunken state. He watched her lick her lips, as if trying to get every last drop of alcohol she could possible get.

"Just what are you doing here Rand? Come to give me another assignment from dear Sebastian?,"

Actually, he didn't really have a reason to be there. He just wanted to get out of his quarters at the HFC Manor where he resided. It was a nice place, but sometimes he just had to get out for a while.

"No, not exactly. I just felt like getting out tonight."

It could get awfully lonely in the manor, and cold. Especially with the Ice Queen living under the same roof. The bartender brought them their drinks and returned to washing out his various glasses. Taking his, he waited for her to follow suit.

[vanessa]

Vanessa noticed how quickly Rand ordered another round for both he and her.....a thoughtful attempt.....pathetic, but thoughtful. Rand wasn't exactly the type to stir Vanessa in some ways, he was too proper and not really.....'rough' enough to suit her tastes, but then again, he was very manipulative so maybe he was just trying to make sure she was open enough to his suggestions. One didn't make it to the inner circle of the Hellfire Club with just money alone and as close as Rand stood toward Sebastian, he was dangerous enough in his own right.

"And just what does this 'outing' consist of Rand?," she asked as she leaned forward some now, letting her hand lazily and clumsily find the drink that the barkeep sat down in front of her, along with Rand's. She winced slightly as Abigael's voice shrieked across her mind and the pain flared up fully again, but that was pushed aside, albeit only slightly, as she quickly downed her drink and dropped the glass to the bar, letting it roll about a bit. Vanessa kept her eyes shut and hoped the pain would subside or that she would just pass out....one or the other, it didn't matter to her.

Vanessa forced a smile and tilted her head forward, raising her hand and running her fingers through her hair, revealing a glimpse of the scar which ran across her hair line and stopped at her eyebrow, another memento from Abigael. "Bit of a headache," she said as she raised her head and dropped her hand to her lap, her dark hair falling back to its normal place.

[Rand O'Neill]

"And just what does this 'outing' consist of Rand?,"

Rand had stopped by the bar sometime around seven forty five or eight o'clock, the regulars had been in their usual spots. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, he had quietly taken a seat in a booth in the far back of the bar. The kind waitress had taken his order(s) and he had remained seated, thinking, watching everyone in the bar. Soon, he had become a bit bored, so he had pulled out some documents that he had been meaning to go over, but really never had gotten to them. The documents mainly consisted of newspaper articles from about seventy years prior, and a few court documents. He had recently had some memories surface from back then.

He replied, "Nothing really, just looking over a few things..."

Rand wore a concerned look on his face as Vanessa winced slightly. She downed her drink with ease, and he offered his own to her. He really didn't need anymore alcohol tonight, who knew what would come out of his mouth if he became too intoxicated. Rand smiled inwardly at the thought, remembering an incident that had happened a while back when he had started speaking a dead language without even realizing it. If he could see the sapiens' faces again. He could laugh about it now, but when it happened, it hadn't been too funny at the time.

The worst mistake is making the same one twice....

Her words shook him out of his reverie.

"Bit of a headache,"

He nodded in understanding and caught a glimpse of the scar she bore.

[vanessa]

Vanessa smiled, well smirked really, at the way Rand slid his drink toward her, making a 'kind' gesture of sorts. Vanessa had played these little games before and as usually, she would disappoint another would be predator. Her tolerance for alcohol was very high, even if she appeared to be drunk, Vanessa was still far from being out of control, lucky for Rand really though. Vanessa wasn't one who liked to play nicely by any means in anything she did and this included her more private and 'intimate' life, a life one such as Rand would never see. He wasn't her type by any means and no amount of alcohol would change her outlook on that.

"If your trying to get me wasted Rand....," she said stopping about midway through her sentence to push his drink back to him, spilling some of it in the process, "then you'll find it'll take more than this and more than anyone like 'you' could offer someone like me," she finally finished with a laugh. Vanessa didn't really care if she hurt Rand's feelings or not, heck he might not have been making any sort of advancements on her, maybe it was just her imagination, but who really cares?

[Rand O'Neill]

Vanessa smiled as Rand offered his drink to her. Then she spoke:

"If your trying to get me wasted Rand....,then you'll find it'll take more than this and more than anyone like 'you' could offer someone like me,"

The drink sloshed around, spilling some of its contents on the 'clean' bar in front of them. He was confused, and his facial expression showed it. She had obviously taken his generosity the wrong way.

He had to laugh, a playful, booming laugh. Smiling, he replied.

"No, no, no, Vanessa. You my friend have gotten the wrong impression. I had no intentions of "getting you wasted", rather, I was feeling gracious tonight, you being a casual acquaintance and all. Though, I am rather hurt about your obviously low opinion of me."

Once he had finished his statement, he realized that he didn't even sound like himself. Luckily he had stopped drinking when he did. Shaking his head, he pulled out an old fashioned watch, the circular kind with a chain attached. Rand glanced at the time: 11:15.

Looking behind him, he noticed that the bar was growing increasingly empty.

[vanessa]

Rand was charming, no doubt there, but Vanessa didn't fall for charming and to be honest, sympathy and remorse were two things she wasn't blessed with....or maybe it was just all those years being 'groomed' by Emma that took those things from her. Vanessa's view of those around her and the world she lived in was perhaps a bit twisted at best and the feelings she held for anything were few and far between. Vanessa didn't give a damn for anyone or anything save herself and most of the time that selfish drive could even be questioned. Vanessa faced and dealt in death everyday, but even she still feared that figure and no matter how much she suffered, she still clung to life, waiting for that one perfect creature to end her. Vanessa was a strange bird, never understood and never seeking understanding, she just wanted what she wanted and then even in a just and certain way.

"Awe, poor Rand," she said with a tone of mock pity in her voice and on her face as she reached out and ran a finger down his cheek, "Have I hurt your precious little feelings?," she asked him as a sick smile crept across her face and as her hand fell to her knee. Vanessa wasn't stupid, a bit unrefined maybe, but not stupid. Feelings weren't something any member of the Hellfire Club was known for, things like feelings just weren't good for business. "Your their Black Rook Rand, you don't have time for feelings....remember," she asked him sitting back in her chair once again, letting her eyes follow to where Rand looked around. The bar was letting out quickly....and quite early....odd. Vanessa had a sharp eye, even when drinking like she was and this just wasn't right, heck even Rand seem to take notice. "Expecting something Rand?," she asked as she instinctively reached to her back pocket where she kept a small knife tucked away......the habits of an assassin and killer.

[Rand O'Neill]

"Awe, poor Rand"

He gave one small chuckle at her mock pity. Her finger was warm against his cool skin. Had she picked up on his own sarcasm? No way to know just yet.

"Have I hurt your precious little feelings?"

He smiled, actually, he had been smiling the whole time, it was a trademark. A smile of mischief and playfulness. She hadn't hurt his feelings, he couldn't have cared less what she thought of him. She was a mere acquaintance, a fellow employee to the Hellfire Club, that's all she would ever be. Distant.

He almost started to reply when she continued, stopping him in mid-thought.

"Your their Black Rook Rand, you don't have time for feelings....remember?"

She spoke the truth, he knew it as well. The HFC Inner Circle were a band of emotionless, arrogant, mutants. He hoped she didn't see him that way, for he was different. As for having time for feelings...he did have feelings, no matter far back he shoved them. Vanessa followed his gaze around the bar, she was a very observant woman. She had to be in her line of work he supposed.

"Expecting something Rand?"

He looked at her, noticed as her hand reached back...almost....naturally. Brows furrowing, he replied.

"No, Vanessa. It's just an ordinary night in an unextraordinary bar. What could possibly be going on?"

Little did he know what he said would seem funny to him just a while later....

[vanessa]

Vanessa didn't share Rand's optimism on this one....something wasn't right and perhaps if it had not been for that damned 'good luck' of Rand's, then Vanessa might not have paid any attention what so ever. It seemed Rand had a knack for avoiding trouble and danger, something akin to his mutant ability she had overheard Sebastian say once, something she just really couldn't recall now. The liquor in her belly and the effects it was beginning to take on her really didn't leave her in top form, but that was alright Vanessa was still the best....drunk or not and that was what separated her from the little boys.

A flash of car lights erupted through the dirty window of the bar, flooding the room with nothing but bright light. "Oh fuck," Vanessa muttered as she instantly threw her hands out to her side, surrounding herself and Rand with a psionic barrier, moments just before a hail of gunfire tore through the bar, hitting anyone and anything in the way. The barkeep had already hit the floor and what few schmucks were left were either hit or dove to the floor as well. The bullets which made their way to Rand and Vanessa harmlessly bounced off Vanessa's barrier, ricocheting off here and there. Screeching tires were heard next as the car outside slid to a halt, along with the gunfire.

Vanessa let her hands fall to her side, dropping her barrier as she slid from her seat and stumbled sideways a bit and with what appeared to be a smile on her face. She laughed somewhat and ran her right hand up over her face and pushed her hair back, glancing to Rand, "Be right back love...momma's gotta go have a talk with those kids down the street," she said as she giggled and staggered toward the door of the bar.

(I left it open for ya Rand...have some fun, I'm heading no where in particular with this little would be ambush, just some fun that's all.)

[Rand O'Neill]

So it began. Rand could sense that things were about to take a turn for the worst, an innate ability that was extremely handy these days. Luckily for him, he was...well lucky. As the lights illuminated the dimly lit bar through dirty glass windows, Rand caught Vanessa's expletive just before he was surrounded by her psionic barrier. Gunfire roared through the glass, tearing through furniture and the likes. In spite of himself, he instinctively flinched as bullets richocheted off of Vanessa's barrier. Ears ringing, he was dimly aware of tires screeching to a halt just outside.

She had saved his life. Well, obviously she didn't hate him too bad, right? Women...so confusing. Even so, he was still grateful for his life. He watched in a bit of a shocked haze as Vanessa got up from her seat, stumbling a bit as she made her way towards the battered door.

"Be right back love...momma's gotta go have a talk with those kids down the street,"

That didn't sound good. A half-drunken Vanessa versus a gang of who knows. It wasn't even a fair fight, and he didn't mean for Vanessa. With an exasperated look on his face, he got up and followed her, stepping over bullet ridden debris. Glancing back, he saw the barkeep standing up gingerly. He didn't seem to be hurt. Rand reached for the coins in his pocket, and feeling for the largest, he flicked it behind is back. The coin flipped through the air, landing neatly with a "chink" into the tip jar, which was shattered halfway down.

As he stepped through the door, the rain greeted him. He hadn't noticed it when he was in the bar, but it was steadily coming down. He didn't see Vanessa anywhere...

"Vanessa?" he called.

It's time to roll the dice

[vanessa]

The scene outside wasn't much different from the one inside, darkness and filth intermingled in the fresh rain which had began to fall, washing away the day's dirt and grim, the earth trying to rid itself of unwanted vermin and parasites. Glass was scattered about from the shattered bar window and the neon sign outside was shattered, the soft red glow now extinguished, allowing the darkness to have free reign this night. Anyone who might have been around to witness such an act of violence, was clearly gone now, all run away to hide in trash cans or back into their small one room cramped little hovels, pulling the curtains tight and burying their head underneath a pillow in some vain and foolish attempt to drown out the comings and goings of the real world around them. There would be no witnesses tonight.....none to see the wonderful and terrible things that Vanessa would do.....well....maybe just one.

Rand would find a blue Lincoln low rider out front, the doors still swung open wide and a body slumped over one right off the bat. The young man's head would be turned in a rather unnatural direction, his eyes still wide and staring at Rand, a .45 Magnum laying on the ground just out of reach of his lifeless hands. On the other side of the car, spread out across the ground with his bloody hands wrapped around a small throwing knife protruding from his neck was another would be thug, his eyes as wide and lifeless as his partner, fresh blood still trickling from the corners of his mouth.

From the alleyway beside the bar, a gurgled cry could be heard and then shuffling of feet as a young man, holding what appeared to be a sub-machine gun stumbled backward, pointing the weapon back down the alleyway. "S-s-s-stay away!," he stuttered and cried, pulling the trigger, emptying the clip completely. Bullets could be heard bouncing and flying off of something, and then perhaps the most unnerving sound that the night could offer was heard....the sound of Vanessa laughing. Her soft laughter wasn't right, it had too much...'evil' to it, as if she was really enjoying this unnecessary death about her.

Rand's voice startled the young man, who spun around, wide eyed and pointing the gun in his direction, his finger still on the trigger, but the only thing emerging from the barrel was an audible 'click-click' of an empty clip. The young man whimpered and still stumbled backward as he locked his eyes on Rand, the soft steps of Vanessa echoing down the alleyway.