| Logs |
2006-10-29
| Dreams |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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Healed with a kiss
Jason feels both dazed and amazingly, pleasantly tingly when he finally pulls his thoughts together. Diana's contentedly dozed off again, her long tongue still curled, curiously possessively, about his left nipple, and her dark lashes resting on her smooth, soft reddish cheek.
As much as part of him wants to hold on to the sheer bliss of the moment, Jason's thoughts suddenly turn to worry. While it's not like they haven't gone on like this for extended periods of time, eventually it did end. While neither he nor Mike have actually been able to deny Diana when she wanted them, she would eventually realize that enough was enough. But given how she's been reacting to Vegas, he has to wonder... is she enough in her right mind to be able to stop? "Uh... Mike?" he calls out.
Mike is apparently seated right next to Jason, with Jason's head pillowed on his lap. He smiles, leaning over enough that Jason can see Mike upside-down above him, and gently brushes Jason's hair out of his face, "Hey, there. Don't worry, I caught the soup bowl."
Jason blinks and wonders for a moment how Mike got where he is... and then as memories come back to him, he realizes that Mike was trying to make him comfortable as Diana was doing... whatever it was she did. He starts to open his mouth, to express his immediate concern... and then he stops. Something is different. For one thing... he's not exhausted and starving like he was earlier. He feels energized, like he could walk ten miles or more without stopping. "Whoa," he murmurs. "What... was that?"
Jason stares at Diana in astonishment, wondering for a moment if she was 'feeding' him like she was able to feed Phil, and Beatrice fed Croaker. But no, this is different from his experience in Phil's cabin. Then, it had felt weird and out of sync... as if she was attempting to fuel him with energy that he couldn't actually process. This experience was nothing like that... whatever she did, whatever she gave him, his body took to it like a fish to water... and for a moment he ponders if this is what she feels like when she uses the essence of a lover to recharge herself. "Mike... what did she do to me? Did you See it?"
Mike murmurs serenely, "Mmhmm... was kinda pretty. She was really, really bright after eating you up so forcefully, and I was a little worried for how dim you were, which was why I made soup. But then she fastened herself to your front, like she still is, and your eyes rolled back in your head and you passed out with a look on your face like you'd just had yet another orgasm, and I was getting really worried, and considering trying to pull her off you... and that's when I realized you were actually brightening!" He strokes Jason's hair in a slow, gentle rhythm as he adds, "Don't know how she does it, but she can apparently feed it back to you. I'm guessing you're not starving any more either?"
Jason smiles a little shyly. "No... which is a shame, seeing as you went to all the trouble," he murmurs kittenishly, reaching up to stroke Mike's hand. "It's very odd. The last time she tried that it didn't really... 'fit'. You know? But I guess... she's figured out how to do it, either deliberately or instinctively."
Mike nods, musing, "Maybe she needed to learn how to do it first? Or needed a certain amount of energy herself to make it work?" He sounds very quietly happy as he adds, "I'm kinda looking forward to experiencing it myself..."
Jason giggles! "Mmm-hmm! Share and share alike..." he murmurs, turning his head to kiss Mike's palm... and then bite at it in a playfully erotic fashion. As Jason shifts slightly to lift his arm, Diana growls softly in her sleep, her teeth closing firmly on Jason again -- just enough to encourage him not to move -- except for a moment Jason is almost overwhelmed with another pure, physical surge of sheer erotic arousal.
Jason's eyes widen then, as he is overcome with this newest experience, enough to make him shiver and his toes to curl, "...mighod," he whispers seconds later, trying to get his eyes to refocus. He blinks... the bite was clearly the source of that rush of pleasure. He tries to lift his head, to see more clearly where Di is biting him...
What he sees is initially very confusing. The first time he awoke, though he never took a close look at himself, he not only felt exhausted, but also quite sore... not a bad sore, but the satisfying kind of soreness that accompanies a fierce lovemaking... and Di was fierce. Not that he minded, not at all, but he knew that he'd likely be bearing the marks of her joyful lust all over his body; marks he'd almost be proud to wear. But something has changed. While the bruises from her biting and the scratch marks from her nails are still present, it is as if they are already several days old. Many bruises are barely visible, and the deeper gouges from her nails are marked with new pink skin and a few scabs.
Seeing this, it takes Jason about half a second to understand the implication. "It's more than feeling energized. The energy she gave me... she healed me with it," he murmurs. "I mean, it's not as if I was badly injured, but... I was bruised and bleeding, and now I'm not." He impulsively looks at his left arm, craning his head to look without disturbing Di... and what he sees only confirms his assertion. Years ago, during his time as a Boy Scout, an accident with his knife left a wicked scar over his forearm... but even that is now gone. "Holy fuck," he mutters.
Diana grumbles slightly in her sleep again, tightening her arms and legs about Jason where they're tangled intimately together. Mike mms? in quiet curiosity, taking a moment to gently stroke Diana's hair too... which causes her to sigh softly and relax a bit again.
Jason chuckles ruefully. "No, no, Di, don't worry... I'm not going anywhere," he whispers reassuringly. He looks up then, at Mike. "I think we're going to want you to try this out sometime soon, Mike. The energy she fed me healed a scar I've been carrying around for a decade. I bet she can fix this too," Jason informs him seriously, taking gentle hold of Mike's right hand, which is still covered with the fine white lines that are the proof of the supernatural thing that attacked him all those years ago.
Mike says with soft incredulity, "Healed... an old scar?! She healed you?" He's silent a moment, then wonders slowly, "If she heals... does she... I mean, age... could -- can that even be healed?"
Jason's brow knits. "I honestly don't know, Mike... but then again, if what we suspect about Beatrice's first husband is true -- that feeding on him too much over the course of an extended period led to premature aging -- then the opposite should be possible too... right?"
Mike draws in his breath slowly, considering... then murmurs, "If... if we're right about this, if Diana can do this... maybe we should be very careful about how we tell Beatrice about it, Jase. Just think how you'd feel if you'd killed someone you loved... and found out years later you could have easily healed that person too!"
Jason grimaces. "Mike... Bea has been around a long while. I'd be very surprised if she doesn't already know this. Still... you're right. It would be cruel to add to the pain she surely already feels."
Mike murmurs softly, "If she already knows... why didn't she teach Diana?"
Jason hrms. "This... is a good point. She'd apparently never tried feeding a human before that day at Phil's," he sighs. "Should we say anything?"
Mike considers for a long moment, continuing to gently stroke Jason's and Diana's hair... then sighs and shakes his head, "Jase, I don't think I could lie to Diana even if I wanted to, if she asked me point blank... and she knows her mother better than either of us. I... well, what do you think?"
"I hadn't even though about trying to hide it from Diana, Mike... but if she knows, she's going to want to tell her mother," Jason muses. "I suppose the best thing to do would be to present both the information and the concerns in one big basket, and see what she thinks. She does, as you say, know her mother best."
Mike nods, "Yup... think I agree." There's a soft breath of a sigh from Diana, and she stretches, straightening her limbs again in the stretch just like a big cat, her nails dragging slowly and shockingly pleasantly across Jason's exposed skin.
Jason makes a small yelp, which devolves into a giggle. "You'd think I'd be more concerned about the fact that I'm at Di's mercy," he murmurs demurely. "Are we at least, er... ensconced in an out-of-the-way place? The Airstream, I mean."
Mike chuckles quietly, and Diana grins as she rubs herself with lazy pleasure against Jason, her tongue flickering across his chest again like a delicious touch of erotic electricity. Mike's voice sounds for a second like it's coming from far away, as Diana contentedly messes with Jason's concentration, "Oh, yes. We're parked legally and where we won't be bothered."
Jason lets out a long sigh. "Oh-oh-help... I'm being nibbled by a lustful she-beast. Whatever-shall-I-do," and his free arm -- the one not being possessively gripped by Diana -- snakes up to paw at Mike's shirt, "'nuff talk. Get your ass down here and help me keep Di happy," he growls even as he tingles with fresh pleasure. "We're probably not going to get anything useful done for a while..."
Diana chuckles quietly deep in her throat, and Jason can 'feel' her half-softly affectionate, half-fiercely protective thought, Mine... my pets, all mine...! A moment later Jason can feel the sensual imperative from Diana, reflected from Mike's mind, as she repeats Jason's earlier demand. It's not just a command -- it's an erotic shock as well, and Jason can feel his own automatic physical response. Mike coughs and shudders at the same time, then chuckles, "Yes'm!" as he hastily shucks off his clothing. Diana rises up over Jason, her eyes glowing bright scarlet again as she stares down at him, her lips curved up in a small smile, and purrs fiercely, "Feed me!"
The next few hours are not unlike what it must feel like to be a ship at sea during a raging storm... only instead of bitter cold, there is burgeoning heat. Biting daggers of sea spray are replaced with the far more enjoyable biting of Diana's canines as she happily, greedily, takes possession of her two most willing pets. Instead of surging waves, there are surging bodies, and surging energy as it flows from them into her... and later, from her into Mike. In the twilight of their tempestuous pleasure, after Jason has once more woken from bliss, he finds indeed that Diana's gift has healed Mike's scars as well... at least, his physical ones. Diana's now curled around him, giving Jason a chance to escape... though not before he kisses the foreheads of both of his lovers.
Mike groans softly, but that's about it from him. Diana's long lashes lift almost reluctantly, and for a moment she studies Jason through slitted golden eyes, as if debating pulling him down and ravaging him again... then she smiles, her face lighting up with sleepy happiness as she relaxes across Mike. The last thing Jason hears before she falls asleep again is her soft purr as her eyes slowly drift closed again.
Jason seems to be of two minds as he gets that look from Diana... fortunately, his conscience reminds him that they came here for a reason, and that reason was not to be ravished eternally by Diana. Never mind that perpetual pleasure might surely erode the mind eventually... and there is more to life than that.
There's a moment of disorientation when he realizes that they've been so busy lovemaking and sleeping, and lovemaking some more, that it's actually noon of the following day. "Right, let's get out of bed and actually get some work done..." he mutters as he showers and dresses, trying to make himself look more presentable. Moments later he feels much fresher, and departs the Airstream. There is a brief pause where he worries about leaving Mike alone, unfed... and then reminds himself that being a recent recipient of Diana's feeding, he's not likely going to be hungry when he awakes. Feeling better, Jason sets out from their home, curious to see what Vegas is all about... and what secrets it might hold.
The Strip is like an aged playboy in the harsh light of day, its flash and charm revealed as garish patchwork and faux finery. Even the most elegant casinos and hotels aren't quite so glamorous or perfect without twilight's gentle fog over the sun's pitiless stare. During the day Jason sees people of all types wandering about, tourists dressed for the heat as well as unsmiling natives heading to or from work.
As he walks, Jason tries to recall what he'd read on the way here about the different places of note in Vegas. He'd been specifically researching the city, not in search of the best entertainment, but rather the places where Diana's kin might be found. At the top of that list was the MGM Grand, because of two things it housed: the Lion Habitat and the Cirque du Soleil. The first might be a place where something more animal-looking than human-looking might find refuge... and the mysticism inherent in the storytelling of the latter was certainly suggestive. It was something, at least, so he gets on board one of the free shuttles, a destination set firmly in mind.
Even as he boards the shuttle, however, he remains alert. His guess is only a guess, and proper observation of the people and surroundings might glean something more solid than that. Let's not forget... I'm also walking around with a large invisible sign around my neck that says 'Good Eats Here' for any supernatural. If I'm being stalked, I don't want to have my head up my ass and not notice, he thinks to himself.
The trip over is smooth enough, and upon entering the gigantic hotel/casino, it appears to be everything it should be: large, glitzy, and busy. Everything seems normal: no one is wearing an obvious 'mark' like the one on his neck, and no one is staring at him like he's a well-cooked side of beef. There are a lot of men and women in dark suits watching everyone, but that would seem to be par for the course... a place like the MGM would have huge amounts of security, after all.
As Jason explores what the MGM has to offer, however, he starts to get a feeling that something is off. When the hairs stand up on the back of his neck after going in to view the Lion Habitat, that feeling kicks into overdrive. His instincts tell him he's being watched, but he can't seem to catch anyone doing it. And as he tries to play it cool, inside he's starting to wonder... are these people really hotel security? The way they stand, the way they dress, they feel more like the stereotypical Men In Black... agents working for some agency more diabolical than a simple casino. He finds himself leaving the habitat sooner than intended, but the feeling of being monitored does not subside. It's starting to make Jason more than a little tense.
Jason finally stops in his tracks in the middle of one of the casino areas, and starts trying to surreptitiously look for security cameras. The lions and tigers in the habitat seemed no more agitated than usual, but their yellow-eyed stares remind Jason oddly of Diana... sort of. It's... odd. And the quietly menacing women who are security guards as well -- that's the first time he's seen that. Usually it's all men. It's as he's looking around that one of them appears next to him and murmurs quietly, "Are you in need of assistance, sir?"
Jason flinches back from the guard as she takes him by surprise -- he belatedly realizes she is one of the Women in Black. He is suddenly very glad he left his gun in the Airstream: he knew enough that carrying a firearm, license or no license, into a casino or other venue in Vegas was Bad News. But that decision is reaffirmed at the moment... he doesn't want to give these people any reason to drag him off. Suddenly he doesn't feel safe. "No... no, thank you. I'm just... looking for a friend," he replies curtly, fighting an impulse to flee.
She's silent for a moment, then murmurs, "Of course, sir." She steps back, nodding politely to him.
Jason isn't sure that he trusts her calmness... but she's not detaining him, and that's a step in the right direction. He slowly makes his way to one of the bars, still fighting an urge to leave and come back with reinforcements: he might be able to get some useful information with a little polite socializing. Sitting at one of the stools, he orders a Zima. When the bartender brings it to him, and he opens his wallet to pay, he casually inquires. "Hey... what's with all the suits? Is there like a CIA convention taking place here today?" he queries, smiling in such a way to encourage a 'you-can-talk-to-me' attitude.
The bartender is a slender man with dark-rimmed glasses, and he sets the drink down in front of Jason with a small, polite smile. At the question he looks a bit perplexed, "What? No, just the usual folks that work here, far as I know." He picks up a glass and starts polishing it, since Jason's currently the only customer. "Why?"
Jason huhs, taking a swig from the bottle. "So, all of those guys n' gals wearing enough black to make a Goth green with envy... they work for the Grand?" he encourages.
The slender man smiles and nods, "Sure, they're all security. You wouldn't know it now, of course, but at night this is a real happenin' place." The phone rings, and the man sets down the glass and moves off to answer it. In the mirror over the bar Jason can see a dark-suited man glance in the door, then walk on.
Jason chews on that bit of information. So they are hotel security... which means that whoever's in charge of them might have some reason to be interested in him. Or he's just directing his paranoia in the wrong direction, and there's someone else watching him that he can't detect. He looks around for signs telling him that he can't take his drink out of the bar: if he can get away with it, he's not leaving anything with his fingerprints on it behind. He doesn't see any signs, but as he's looking around the bartender hangs up the phone, walks back over and says cheerfully, "So, your first time in Vegas?"
Jason smiles back, trying to keep up the pretense of being 'just folks,' and wondering who it was on the phone. "Pretty much... came here to see the big cats. Also keeping out of the heat."
The bartender lights up, and Jason soon learns the young man got a job here specifically so he could work near the Lion Habitat. It's also clear the bar during the day is a bit boring for the bartender, as he cheerfully tells Jason about all the big cats -- he knows them all individually by name -- and fills Jason's glass while chatting.
Jason lets the bartender talk even as his eyes flick around, trying to see if there's any other ways out of the bar besides the door behind him. He feigns drinking more that he actually does, wanting to keep his wits about him. After a couple minutes of letting the fellow chatter away, he retakes control of the conversation. "Was looking this place up on websites before coming here... supposedly this place has been lauded as the best place to work on the Strip. You think so? I mean... besides the cats... they treat you good here?"
The bartender nods, smiling, "Oh, yeah. They take good care of you here. It's like you're part of one big, happy family, you know?" He glances to the side of Jason and grins a little shyly, "Hi, Ms. Kira. Here he is, all safe and sound, like you asked for." Stepping to stand beside Jason is the dark-suited, sharp-looking woman from before. She nods once to the young bartender, murmuring, "Thank you, Aaron; well done." To Jason she says, "I think it's time to go, sir. You don't want to drink too much before you meet the Lady."
It isn't paranoia if they are out to get you. Jason had suspected he was being stalled, and his suspicions were confirmed. He weighs possible reactions in his mind: if he tried to fight or flee the security would have perfect grounds to take him wherever they wanted. So: brazen it out. Be politely uncooperative. He puts down his glass and smiles thinly at the woman. "Sorry, but I actually have to get going... prior engagement, you understand," he says in clipped tones as he moves around the woman... and wondering, with each step he takes, if he unfortunately did not drink little enough... his vision seems to be a little blurry...
"That is correct, sir." The woman paces along calmly next to him, murmuring into some sort of... thing she's wearing... black curly cord and a bud in her ear... Huh, just like the shows about, um... security... MIBs... yeah... As Jason collapses, the woman catches him smoothly, and rolls him off her arm into the arms of a black-suited man suddenly on Jason's other side... and that's all Jason knows for a while.
Jason wakes up slowly. It's oddly pleasant, although it takes him a while to register. Eventually sensations sort out, and he realizes he's lying on his front on something firm, but with some yield to it... and someone's expertly massaging his back. The light is dim and easy on the eyes, although he does have a bit of a bad taste in his mouth... was he drugged? A young man with blonde hair and wearing what looks like a short white skirt is pouring a drink within Jason's eyesight, and Jason is suddenly terribly thirsty. There's a light scent of sandalwood and roses, and the sounds he's hearing are the tinkle of water, and someone half-humming, half-singing softly as they massage him,
You come out at night
That's when the energy comes
And the dark side's light
And the vampires roam...
'Cause you're working
Building a mystery
Holding on and holding it in...
And choosing so carefully...
Jason blinks dully, the groan escaping his mouth before he can stifle it. Great. Now they know I'm awake, is his first thought, before he registers that... he's getting a massage. A massage. You know, that doesn't happen often in the movies... you don't get kidnapped, and then wake up to a massage. Still, all that means is that the cage is gilded a little... it's still a cage. "Where am I," he queries, his tone thick as he tries to get the taste out of his mouth.
The singing stops, and there's a small chuckle behind Jason, although the massage doesn't stop. The blonde looks over curiously, "Is he awake? Did you understand that?" The voice behind Jason replies, "Yeah, I think he is. Wanna let the Lady know?" The blonde nods, setting down the pitcher, and walks out.
Jason is starting to get a familiar feeling about all this. "Okay, time out... you might be trying to make me comfortable, but it's not really working. So would you mind awfully if I sat up instead?"
There's another chuckle, and the hands working Jason's back stop at the same time the voice says relaxedly, "Sure!" Walking around Jason is a dark-skinned young man with long, shining black hair. He pours another drink for himself, then turns to face Jason. Jason sits up then, and looks fixedly at the young man... if anyone would have a mark, the odds would be good that he'd have one.
He does, although it takes Jason a bit to see it. The less groggy Jason gets, the clearer his vision is... and there it is, glittering like a small, bright jewel just below the young man's left jaw line. The man takes a drink, then smiles at Jason, "Bet you're thirsty. Want some? This stuff's just clean water." The room is artfully lit and surprisingly pleasant, like an elegant spa. The humidity in the air would indicate there's a pool or other water source nearby, and the temperature is pleasant to bare skin... which, Jason realizes, is all he's wearing.
Jason sighs, looking away to the floor. "Yeah, sure, why not," he mumbles. He is thirsty, and being hostile gets him nothing... particularly since he's not exactly in any position to just run, given his unclad state. In his mind, though, he tries reaching out to Diana... he's not convinced he's in no danger, particularly considering that no matter of the fact that he wears Di's mark, he's still a Succulent; still a target.
The young blonde man walks back into the room, "I let her secretary know, Rafa- oh! He's up!" He wanders around to study Jason from the front, then frowns thoughtfully, "Huh. I don't get it... why did she pick him? He's not a prettyboi like the rest of us, and I don't think he's a tough either." The dark-skinned man says reprovingly, "Gabriel, don't be a jerk!" He hands a glass of water to Jason, adding soothingly, "Gabriel's new here, and still insecure. Don't listen to him." The young blonde bristles angrily at the other, snapping, "Oh, you're one to talk, Rafael! You're so old she- she..." He suddenly falls silent, whirling away with his arms folded, his short mane of blonde hair flaring out behind him.
As Jason reaches for Diana he can feel... something, he's not sure what. It's like a baffle, or a labyrinth -- it's like he can't seem to reach or weave through it to contact Diana -- and as it happens, he gets that unpleasant itching feeling between his shoulder blades again, as if... someone were watching him. Jason tries to hold back the fear... he's very alone here. And he didn't even bother to leave a note telling where he was going. "Look... I'm not trying to get in anyone's way here. Matter of fact, if you just give me my clothes and show me the door, you won't have to worry about me at all. How about that?" he suggests, forcing a smile to his lips.
There's a disdainful snort from Gabriel, who stalks from the room. Rafael grins in quiet sympathy at Jason and shrugs slightly, "I'm going to guess you already know that won't work. For starters, you were delivered to us without your clothes anyways." He considers, then adds, "But... maybe we could find you something to wear. Would one of these work for you?" He lightly flicks his fingers against the short, sort of Greek-looking skirt-thing he's wearing.
Jason folds his arms across his chest, trying to retain his dignity even though he's bare as the day he was born. "Well, as long as we're being so honest with each other, then you must be aware that I'm not alone. Someone will come looking for me, and they will not be happy with you or your Lady for kidnapping me," he says brazenly.
Rafael smiles a little sadly at Jason, but doesn't say anything. He just has another sip of his water, then sets the glass aside. "Okay. It's been my experience you'll want to do some exploring to see if you can get out now." He waves an arm, "Have fun," then paces silently around the massage table Jason's leaning against and starts tidying up the towels, bottles, and oils he'd been using. He picks it all up, then tosses a towel to Jason, "Here, so you can wipe off. Feel free to use the pool too if you wish. When you want clothing, just call out -- someone will hear you." With that, he heads for the archway that leads out of this room.
Jason feels his hopes sink. Not only was Rafael not impressed... it's as if he's heard it all before. Jason's fists clench. I will get out of here. I will! I am not this Lady's property! he thinks internally. He takes the towel then, and does indeed wipe himself down as he starts studying the room. Not for a way out: he guesses from the way the other man talks that it would be fruitless and disheartening. Rather, he tries to figure out exactly where he is. After a moment of study it's easy to figure out where he is -- at the top of the hotel/casino. There are maybe two more floors visible through the domed, tinted sunroom, but he's almost as high as one can go.
In the process of studying his surroundings, Jason begins to feel that watched feeling again... of all things, coming from above. The ceiling is tinted, however, which would seem to make any visual inspection of him with one's eyes problematic...but Jason suspects that his unseen watcher, the one who has been keeping tabs on him all this time, is seeing him some other way than through normal vision. He glares at the ceiling, though, pushing down his fear and mustering up all the anger he can. "You'll have to break me!" he yells at the dome. "That's the only way you'll get what you want from me!" He wonders absently if his concentrated negativity will affect his captor in the same way Diana was affected... or if she would laugh it off as being no more than a mosquito bite.
Like an unexpectedly raspy tongue licking him unwontedly, the purring laugh comes, Silly boy, why would I break someone else's toys?
Jason nods to himself... it would seem that his outburst garnered a response at least. "I guess it depends on whether or not you respect the mark, doesn't it?" he queries more calmly. "I'm not reassured that you do, so far."
More quiet laughter, with that same unpleasantly abrasive feel -- so unlike Diana's or Mike's welcome emotional touch -- followed by a slightly smug, Smart boy. Want to play?
Jason snorts. "Play what? A game based on your rules? I don't think so. Especially not if you're going to continue looking down on me from your pedestal," he scorns.
There's a giggle. Oh, you'll play... eventually. Your new playmate is waiting for you... through the archway and to the right. With that, the curiously raspy feeling is simply gone.
Jason feels befouled by the mental touch of the so-called 'Lady'... wondering if she's another succubus... or something else. Grandmother, please... help me to be strong. Help me to win my freedom, as you won yours, he finds himself thinking, wondering if She can actually hear him, or if her existence was only a dream. Wrapping the towel around his waist then, he defiantly moves towards the archway to see what awaits him...
As he steps through, he sees there's another smaller archway on the right, with a thick curtain hanging in it. It would appear the room beyond is either completely unlit, or lit more dimly than this new room... which appears to be a large exercise room, complete with mats on the floor. There's a matching archway on Jason's immediate left, and at the far end of the exercise room there's a huge double door. Everything looks clean, neat, and of excellent quality. Jason looks around as he turns to enter the exercise room. "Ollie ollie oxen free..." he calls into the dim light.
Silence.
Jason snorts. "Okaaaaayyyy...." he mutters, striding into the exercise room and looking around for anything that might serve as a weapon, just in case. There are several Nautilus style weight machines, but the weights are all securely fastened to the machines. There appears to be some gymnastics equipment as well -- a padded horse, one of the stacking pyramids, similar large objects -- but nothing small enough to make a weapon. Jason shakes his head. "Where's a miniature night stick when you need one..." he mutters, moving around the Nautilus equipment towards the curtain beyond. He walks up to the curtains and takes hold. "Ready or not, here I come," he says aloud, and pushes the curtains aside with a slightly dramatic air. Or at least trying for one.
The curtain is of a heavy velvety cloth, and appears to be fastened at the top of the archway, so it does not slide. However, Jason does draw it back enough to catch a glimpse of what lies beyond -- a small room with what looks like... a bed along each wall? There's someone lying on one of the beds, too. Jason growls as the curtain does not support his attempt at drama... so he just steps around it and moves towards the bed, curious to see just who this mysterious 'playmate' is. It takes his eyes a moment to adjust... and then he realizes there's a dim light of some sort on the little table at the head of each bed.
And lying on one of the beds... is Mike.
Jason feels his heart sink. And then he feels his anger burn once more, hotter. He tries not to react outwardly... but if this being that has taken him prisoner can speak to him telepathically, then it's a safe bet that it's a useless effort. But he does it nonetheless. Crossing to Mike's side, he tries to gently shake Mike awake.
Mike sighs softly, a faint smile curling up the edges of his lips... then his eyes flutter open. The smile becomes more genuine as he registers Jason leaning over him, and he mumbles softly, "Mmm... hella way to wake up..."
Jason shakes his head. "Mike... this isn't our home. We've been taken prisoner," he says quietly but urgently. "What's the last thing you remember?"
Mike blinks, sitting up, "Uhm... last thing? The security folks said they had you upstairs, and escorted me here. I sat down and... guess I drifted off to sleep." He looks down, then grins, "A-huh. Okay, I definitely don't remember taking my clothes off..."
Jason's eyes narrow. "Security folk? What do you mean?" He waves his hands. "Start at the beginning. What happened after you woke up? Matter of fact, when did you wake up? I have no idea how long it's even been." He is trying to keep his tone calm, and wondering if Mike is still drugged from the way he's smiling.
Mike looks curiously at Jason, "Are you all right, guy? You seem... a little agitated." He considers a moment, shifting to put his feet on the ground, and adds, "I just woke up now... what do you mean? And is there anything to drink around here? I'm kinda thirsty... where are we, anyway?"
Jason doesn't get why Mike is so calm. "We have been taken against our will, Mike, by a woman of dubious intentions. A woman who would seem to have, at the very least, the entire staff of the MGM Grand under her thumb. We have no clothes, we have no weapons, and pretty much no freedom," he explains with exaggerated smoothness. "Now, would you please explain how you met some security people and what they said about me?"
Mike grins at Jason, "Y'know, Jase... strictly speaking, we were kind of 'taken' by Diana too. But we didn't panic, she was polite, and things turned out okay." He rises, stretching his arms over his head, then pausing to look in wonder at his newly unscarred hand, "Okay, hell... they've turned out amazing..."
Jason stares at Mike as if he's gone insane. "What are you talking about? Mike, in the first place, we could have left Diana at any time. You know and I know she would never have kept us against our will. Secondly... she didn't drug us! My God, Mike. If there was ever a time I wished you were more like you used to be..."
Mike looks up at Jason, his eyes alight with a quiet happiness that's not fading even in the face of adversity, "Jase, I don't know who you're talking about, and I wasn't drugged. Further, we're together now and we'll find Diana again. So, let's see..." He considers, then nods once, "You'd been gone for a while, and Diana was still very sleepy, and I felt wonderful... so I thought I'd go for a walk too -- see if I could find you. I thought I saw you in the MGM, so I wandered in and searched around for a bit -- the Lion Habitat is really nice! Got a funny feeling I was being watched, and as I was looking around a very polite security guard walked up and asked if I was searching for someone named Jason Burke. When I said yes, she said you were fine and upstairs, and if I wished I could go join you. I said maybe in a bit because I was a bit leery, and she just nodded and said I could ask for her whenever I wanted... so after a while I did, and she took me upstairs to this room, and asked me to wait a bit. Eventually I fell asleep... and you just woke me up." He pauses again, then adds, "Dunno why I fell asleep, though."
Jason sighs. "You fell asleep, Mike, because she put something into your drink. The same thing happened to me. And Diana finding us is going to be a little difficult. The Lady -- the woman on the top floor -- is able to block our link," he groans. Maybe he is being a little agitated, but... doesn't he have reason? He puts his hands on his hips. "I'll find a way to get us out of this, Mike, I promise," he says quietly, before moving from his side to stare at the ceiling. "Fine. You've got us both," he says acidly. "What now? You want us to do jumping jacks for your amusement?"
Mike gives Jason a puzzled look, "Um... Jason, I haven't had any drinks. Who is this woman you hate so much?" He heads for the curtain, adding, "Wouldn't mind a drink, though... and some clothes."
Jason doesn't answer Mike... what answer could he give? He's acting like they're in a spa. He clearly must not be in his right mind.
Mike steps out, the curtain swinging shut behind him. A moment later his voice comes through the curtain, "Ah! Perfect. Jason, you want a drink of water too?"
"Had one," he replies shortly. But, waiting, it seems clear the Lady doesn't deign to answer. So he sighs and comes through the curtain, figuring at least to keep searching the rest of the area.
Mike is thirstily drinking down some water. He puts down the empty glass with a contented sigh, then smiles at Jason, "All right, give. Who's this woman you're so pissed at, who apparently has our clothes, and that you say has kidnapped us?"
Jason rolls his eyes. "I don't know. She's deciding to quietly gloat at the moment. The only thing I know for certain is that she's a supernatural of some kind, and she controls the MGM Grand. Or, well, at least the security and some of the staff," he says curtly, striding towards the other end of the nautilus room towards the other curtain, which he pulls back.
Mike nods thoughtfully, watching Jason. Past the heavy curtain Jason sees a nice tiled bathroom. "Why do you say she's gloating, Jason?"
"I don't know that for certain, Mike. But she's successfully stolen the pets of another supernatural, and when she contacted me telepathically her overall aura was insufferably smug," Jason growls, glaring at the double doors. He scratches his chin and ponders looking around for air ducts... and then discards that idea. The man who was here earlier... he assumed 'he'd want to search for a way out.' So it's probably safe to guess there is none, and it would just be disheartening.
Mike settles cross-legged on the massage couch, watching and waiting silently for Jason to finish his angry search. Jason tries to think... and as he's thinking, he realizes that the Lady isn't keeping tabs on him any more. This gives him an idea. Sitting on the mat, he also goes cross-legged. If she's not paying attention, maybe her shield is weaker and I could contact Diana. Or maybe I could somehow go astral, like I did in Tahoe. Maybe. He shuts his eyes and tries to meditate... to purge himself of his tension and anger. Not an easy concept, but worth it if he can sneak past the Lady's defenses...
Jason breathes slow and even, listening to his rapid heartbeat slow and become more even. He finally reaches that inner calm, and then takes gentle hold of his link to Diana. Love, please hear me. We are trapped. Diana, feel my mind. Hear my thought. His thoughts spiral slowly outwards, calming... and eventually he 'feels' them gathered gently in, examined thoughtfully... then silence.
A few moments later one of the big double doors opens, and two people enter: Rafael and Kira. Rafael is smiling as he follows the dark-suited, unsmiling security guard, white cloth in his arms. She stops a short distance away from Jason and Mike, and Rafael steps past her to lay the clothing next to Mike on the massage table. "Hi... my name's Rafael."
Mike grins, shaking hands with Rafael, "Nice to meet you, Rafael. My name's Mike, and that's Jason. Any idea why we're here?"
Jason tries not to feel his frustration. Either the Lady stopped his attempt to contact... or for some reason the Lady has Diana also under her thrall. At their words he opens his eyes, eyeballing them all. Clearly the Lady has hedged her bets. It's very likely that he wouldn't stand up at all against the guards, no matter how much more fit he's recently become. He says nothing, though, letting Mike be the friendly one, since he seems to want to be.
Rafael's smile gets shy, and he shakes his head once, then moves to get the tray with the pitcher of water on it. A moment later he's headed back out the big door. Kira watches the two men silently. Mike looks faintly puzzled... then shrugs and examines the clothing. A moment later he's in a soft terrycloth robe. Jason breathes deep, trying to remain calm. If he can remain calm at least, it might put the other folk at ease. The Lady might be able to read minds, but it's a sure bet the humans can't. He stands and looks to see if they brought two such robes.
Mike silently holds out the other robe to Jason, and as he does so the security guard says politely, "If you have any questions, perhaps I can answer some of them for you."
Jason takes the robe and then drops the towel from around his waist as he changes into it. "Sure. When can we leave?"
The security guard is silent a moment, then replies with unflinching courtesy, "I'm afraid I cannot answer that one for you, sir, as it depends on you and your... owner..." There is the faintest hint of a query at the end of her statement, as if she's not sure what the correct phrase would be.
Jason doesn't decide to help her. "I see." He looks back at Mike. "Tell me... you are aware that you are committing a crime here, yes?" he says, still calmly.
Mike sighs quietly at Jason, but doesn't say anything. The woman replies just as calmly, "Actually I am not, sir."
Jason arches a brow. "Really? Let's see. You are the security guard at this... facility. Since coming into your establishment, I have, to whit: browsed around and drank a Zima, which I have paid for. I have also been drugged, have had my personal possessions taken, and am being kept here against my will. Tell me, does the state of Nevada have different laws from the rest of the United States?"
The woman smiles slowly, her canines showing, "No, sir, they are not different in Nevada. But they do not apply to non-humans."
Jason tries to control his reaction, and smiles back flatly. "Humans do have laws that apply to non-humans, miss. They're just not federal. Not being a human, you would very likely also not be considered a person, with no rights or privileges. As I recall, they tend to burn non-persons at the stake."
The security guard gives Jason an amused look, then shrugs. Indifferently she says, "When you're able to talk rationally and politely instead of making empty attempts at threats, I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have." She looks at Mike, "Do you have any questions, sir, before I go?"
There's a long silence, and then Mike says quietly, "My companion is not a bad person; he's just upset. Are you the Lady?"
The security guard has stopped smiling, and her teeth no longer show. It's actually not clear that really was a smile, in fact... but she shakes her head once, "No, I am not. However, we have a common purpose, and so we work well together."
Jason closes his eyes and groans internally, trying to clamp down on his anger. He knew it was the wrong thing to say when he said it. But he spoke out of anger, realizing now that their hope of rescue by Diana or Beatrice or anyone might now be futile. If what she says is true then it's entirely possible that the Lady's entire security force is, indeed, non-human.
Mike has fallen silent, watching Jason with a hint of concern on his face. Jason opens his eyes again, swallowing his pride. "Is Diana here?" he asks, trying to at least feign politeness.
The woman's flat gaze turns to Jason, and she replies politely, "Is that your owner? If so, to my knowledge she is not yet present."
Jason purses his lips. "Is that why we are here? To encourage her to meet with your... Lady?" He internally refuses to refer to Diana as his 'owner.' It's degrading and wholly inaccurate anyway.
"That is part of the Lady's desires, yes. We do not know how long it will take, however, for your owner to arrive. In the interim you are welcome to either remain here, or to game with the Lady."
Jason stifles a snort and looks back at Mike. "Given a choice, I suppose we'll deign to meet with your mistress," he replies urbanely.
Mike sighs softly again, looking away, and the woman replies calmly, "I would strongly suggest you not meet with her until you've learned to control your emotions a bit more. She is... fickle when peeved. It is part of her nature."
Jason folds his arms over his chest. "What are you suggesting she might do?
The woman looks back at Mike, ignoring Jason for the moment, "You, however, I suspect would do fine. Would you like to game with the Lady?"
Mike is silent for a moment, glancing at Jason... then shakes his head, "No, I'll wait, please. I should stay with Jason; he needs me more right now."
The woman nods once, then turns her gaze back to Jason, "I suggest nothing. I will state quite clearly, however, that if you try threatening her, she will gladly change the game to a terminal one. It is only through long argument that we've convinced her such games are no longer appropriate with courteous humans."
Jason tries to ignore the grip of fear in his chest. Though he had pondered certain violent tactics in response to capture, it seems clear now that the situation is not what it seemed to be. They were not captured because of any intrinsic worth of their own. They were captured only to get Diana's attention. They would seem to be as cattle. He turns around wordlessly and retreats to the bedroom, trying to quell the despair clutching at his heart.
Mike's voice calls quietly, "Jason?"
There's a moment of silence, then the woman's voice murmurs something. Mike replies, and the quiet click of the woman's retreating steps follows. There's a loud click from the heavy door... then the curtain pulls aside enough to allow Mike to enter. Again he says softly, "Jason? Are you all right?"
Jason does not reply. He knows that if he spoke he would start to cry, and he could not bear that right now. Perhaps it is foolish pride, but he would not give the Lady or any of her allies that satisfaction. He just sits on a bed, hunched over. Mike sighs, then sits next to Jason and puts his arms around Jason's shoulders. Quietly he rests his cheek against Jason's head, whispering, "What's wrong, love? You're acting so strangely. What is it?"
Jason does not reply for several moments. "Mike... maybe you haven't come to grips with the situation. We're ants to these people," he says in a choked voice. "We have absolutely no power here... they could squish us like that. And even though we'd be missed... if the Lady truly has amassed a horde of other supernaturals to work with and help her, there's no way that Diana and Beatrice and Croaker could free us by force of arms. The only chance we have is if Diana can somehow talk us out of this... and I'm not laying any bets on that," he whispers, tears welling to his eyes.
Mike smiles a bit sadly, his reply slow, "Jason... I came to grips with insignificance over 30 years ago, when I nearly got eaten by something I foolishly tried to make friends with." He hugs Jason tightly, then continues, "I learned something important the day I faced my fears and didn't flee from Diana... I learned as long as I can draw breath, as long as I can think and speak, then there's still hope. Hope to live well and richly, hope to befriend what I thought was my enemy, hope to love those who love me. Given that we're both here and healthy, that Diana's well and still out there and will be searching for us... that the supernaturals here have been at the very least polite, and that we've only really seen one... why are you so quick to despair? Do you want to fight things so badly? I hadn't thought that was your preferred means of communication, actually." He grins quietly, adding, "Isn't thinking your way out of a puzzle more enjoyable than just beating it with a stick until it breaks?"
Jason ducks his head, letting out a shuddering breath. "I don't want to fight, Mike. But it's hard not to want to when you feel... trapped. And up till now I hadn't felt like that. I felt like I still had power. Even moments ago I had hope, because I thought that they would rather have us alive than dead, because we had some value in and of ourselves. But it seems clear now that the only reason we were taken was to bring Diana to them. We are alive at their whim. They could kill us right now and it wouldn't matter because Diana would still be searching for us, completely unaware because of whatever magic they are using to prevent us from contacting her."
Mike chuckles quietly, "Jason... you are silly sometimes. Did you think they were going to go to the effort of luring us here, giving you a massage, making sure we're comfortable, taking our clothes... because we're valueless?!" He gently ruffles Jason's hair, his tone affectionate, "You're so on or off, guy. Why don't you try relaxing a bit, and we'll think together and try to find a middle ground?"
Jason blinks and considers. "Perhaps that is overstating the case... but it would seem that our comfort is only important in regards to how it might affect Diana. If they treat us well, it influences Di. But by the same token... we cause a problem, they'll kill us without a second thought. And then go get a massage," he mumbles. Mike snorts amusedly, continuing to gently stroke Jason's hair back from his face.
Jason sighs, and lets Mike fuss over him. "She's unstable, Mike. The guard said so herself. We don't behave like good little doobies, the Lady might decide to play tiddlywinks with our inner organs. How can we possible negotiate with someone like that, considering we're already mere humans?"
Mike murmurs gently, "Is that a reason to instantly give up, dear? And since when has being courteous equated to weakness to you?"
Jason shakes his head. "It's foolish to believe it stops at courtesy, Mike. We're pets. To Diana that means something, but to her? We're property. You really think she's going to not decide to want to find out why Diana would pick us? Make us do things we don't want to?" he queries softly.
Mike is silent for a moment... then he gravely says, "You're right; it's hopeless. We're useless and helpless. Let's kill ourselves now and get it over with."
Jason groans and ducks his head. "That's putting me in my place," he mumbles, flushing with embarrassment. Mike grins, continuing to hug Jason as he gently kisses his temple. Jason leans into the embrace, hugging Mike's arm. "I'm scared, Mike. More than I've ever been. More than I was the first time I met Di... more than when I first saw Croaker. More than when we faced off against the night hound," he whispers.
Mike nods, being warm and solid to lean against. Quietly he says, "Why?"
"Because I'm completely out of my depth. Because I feel trapped and like I have no control. Because I don't know that I can protect you or Diana," Jason murmurs. "And that's just for starters."
Mike smiles, "Well then... isn't that the best time to either faint... or dance?"
Jason lifts his head and looks utterly confused. "Dance?"
Mike grins, "Figure of speech, dear. Means you might as well enjoy yourself."
Jason sighs. "I don't know that I could. It would feel like a betrayal... of Diana and of the greater principle."
Mike chuckles, shaking his head, "How would not panicking and trying to enjoy yourself betray Di, sweetheart?"
Jason looks at Mike solemnly. "Because it might imply that we wouldn't care that we've been stolen from her. That all we care for is our own gratification, and it doesn't matter where that comes from. It might imply we don't love her."
Mike snorts amusedly again, "Jason, you are one of the lights of my life... but you're still silly! How on earth do you expect to hide from Diana whether or not you love her?! Frankly, trying to be amused and amusing with what's been described to us as a 'fickle' entity just sounds like good common sense to me!"
Jason shakes his head. "That's not what I mean. I don't want our happiness to be used as a tool against Di. If she sees that we're happy, that might make her think that we don't want to be rescued. Or that we don't care that we've been robbed of our freedom, and our captors aren't such bad people after all. You remember how important our happiness is to her? It's her food and drink. If we're happy, it will influence her more than anything else could."
Mike laughs! "Okay, you've completely lost me here, Jason. Has she told you things about how she works that she's not told me? I don't know where you're getting this stuff about if we're happy she won't want to rescue us, and I can't imagine she'd be so shallow as to leave us here just because on the surface we appeared happy." Puzzledly he adds, "Surely you have more faith in her than that?"
Jason is quiet, then nods slowly, Mike's words making sense. "I'm sorry. I guess... it's still the fear talking."
Mike nods, gently rubbing Jason's shoulders, "It's okay, guy. Everyone's afraid sometimes -- only an idiot would be fearless. Just don't let it rule you, y'know?"
Jason smiles grimly. "I'm trying. Maybe it's just that this whole thing is finally sinking in, in ways it hadn't before. Humans and supernaturals... the whole nine." He sighs. "You kept telling me you didn't understand how I could be so calm."
Mike grins and shrugs a little ruefully, "Well, now I can accept it's real, I guess." He's silent a moment, then smiles, his voice quietly happy, "I guess that's what a real relationship is. When you need to lean, the other person is there for you... and you're there for them when they need to lean, too."
Jason sighs and squeezes Mike's hand. "I don't know what I'd do without you right now, hon," he whispers.
Mike quietly hugs Jason warmly back. "S'okay, Jase. We're in this together... we'll get out of it together too, right?"
"Yeah... yeah, we'll get out of it," Jason murmurs, as much to himself as anyone.
Mike smiles, hugging Jason again, and firmly adds, "And until then... we'll keep gathering all the information we can, and we'll work to stay healthy and strong until we can either escape, contact Diana, or are released. Promise you'll do that with me, Jason?"
Jason nods slowly. "Yes," he murmurs. He's not able to muster much enthusiasm, but he did say it.
Mike smiles, kissing Jason on the temple before he murmurs, "Good; that's a start."