Case File 2017.06.29
THE WINNEBAGO
The drive from Vegas to Tijuana had been long...and the unexpected pit-stop due to amateur dentistry had cost them valuable time before nightfall. The border crossing itself might have proven to hinder them more, but with a change in drivers from Liam to Rhea...with Delilah occupying the passenger seat beside her and removing his presence from clear view-- Delilah was able to talk their way through to continue this little 'TJ Vacation' trip. Once through the border check into the city, Liam began to lay out the plan. Alex had remained mostly quiet since the prior incident which had him unknowingly attack Delilah and leaving him blind, courtesy of Mab, but as they settled the vehicle to a stop...he also turned to listen in with Rhea and the others the details for this plan.
The plan was basic. Wanderland's Lost would be hunting once the sun goes down and there wasn't a lot of daylight left. Liam would work to track down Gwen while Rhea would look for shelter with a strong threshold. It was the best bet to hold off the spirits once night did fall, a church might be the best choice. While they were out in the city, Alex and Delilah would remain behind with the RV until Rhea came to get them safely to shelter. Alex nodded, knowing right now he wouldn't be able to do much to help blind as he was currently, but felt sorry for Delilah at having to be stuck in the same vehicle alone with the one that'd previously ripped a tooth straight out of her mouth. His words for concern for Rhea held more weight than those for Liam, but they didn't have the same bite as before back in Vegas. It was only moments after the talk that Liam and Rhea gathered what they needed to set out on their own separate tasks...their individual missions.
ALEX DEWITT & DELILAH TURNER
After a moment when Alex was certain that both Liam and Rhea had departed, he turned to apologize to Delilah for what happened. Regretting at not taking Liam's advice in the first place, which had landed him being blind and hurting Delilah due to pissing off Mab. Delilah remained silent for a moment before responding to his words. She understood that if Alex had really known that mouthing off to Mab would have resulted in the situation that had occurred on the RV previously,he wouldn't have done it...she knew he wouldn't have wanted to see her get hurt. Mab had made an example by showing the consequences in a way that hit Alex hard. She notes that he was just as much in a cage as she was prior, and that complication had caused her to hurt him in the past as well. They agreed that each was sorry about hurting the other and to move forward.
Perhaps there was slight advantage to Alex's current blindness. He could focus and listen better when Delilah spoke, probably better because he couldn't be distracted by what he sees. Her comforting touch sent a pleasant chill up his spine, an echo of something remembered from that night he almost died. It was a complicated situation all the way around, even ignoring the White Court aspect of Delilah...he'd developed feeling for her, he was protective of her. It was very different from anything he could state he'd ever felt before-- in a spur of the moment idea, he'd invited her to play a game of 'I Spy' with him. The odd request caused a brief bit of pain from the smile that formed. She told him to go first after a moment, perhaps Alex wouldn't be able to see the smile or blush, but he could probably feel the warmth in her voice. So he did. He spied something gorgeous, focusing his eyes on her even if he couldn't see, but that didn't stop his emotions from showing through.
There was a long pause before she responded, stating it must be food of some kind-- a deflection and guess to the game. Of the mix of scents within Tijuana, that could be a toss up...and at the same time within the RV itself...there wasn't much in the way outside of quick travel food. Alex laughs, noting the deflection dropping his gaze down towards her hand that was still resting on his. Logically he knew that he should be asking her to remove that hand, knowing what such contact could do...and having such an intense experience that first time... Delilah laughed quietly, and even while she knew she should stop touching him, she didn’t want to either. The small miracle that had woke the demon within hadn’t turned her due to a technicality: Alex was still alive. However…it’d had a taste of his life-force and it was stronger now, it had its hooks in Alex but it also wanted them in her as well, to have more control. She knew how dangerous it was…but with him being blind— the sense of touch was comfort to Alex. It’s what he needed right now and she couldn’t take that from him…or was that the demon within telling little harmless seeming lies just to stay close.
The sound of her voice dismissed any thoughts of losing contact with Delilah, in fact…it drew him to lean in close and kiss her. What would have been a brief kiss in most cases only ended up in kiss after kiss as he traced along her neck to search for her lips. Drawn in more by that energy that wasn’t solely from her other aspect, but it wasn’t helping the situation either…it was feeding it… Knowing they should stop and then doing so were two different things. That demon within her knew what Alex tasted like, and it wanted more. Delilah didn’t stop him, in fact she started leaning into him and continuing what he was starting. Her eyes were starting to take on pale shades as she worked to unclothe Alex in that moment…and just as suddenly as that lust and passion had started to overwhelm her thoughts— fear replaced it… Peering through the slits of the blinds was something else that had tossed a bucket of ice water on the succubus that was only moments prior seeking to feed on its prey.
Alex had continued following her guidance with enthusiasm until she’d suddenly stopped, his name said in a distinctly different tone and waking the protective side in him at his concern for her safety. He did his best to be alert and not give sign of weakness due to his lack of sight. He was ready to draw power and cast a spell if need be…he wasn’t going to give up without a fight, especially with someone to protect.
RHEA WALSH & ALVARO RAMIREZ
Collecting herself and heading out into the city, she focused on narrowing her search to finding an older church. It would be their best bet as protection against the eternally damned when Wanderland's Lost caught up to them in the evening, hopefully she could find one strong enough or old enough to have a chance. It could be a hit-or-miss in a tourist type area, and it would be no act for her to play the curious vacationer card. She'd rarely explored areas outside of the cities she'd called home and never expected to travel like this in the first place...perhaps it was her mixed luck, but after a time she'd been able to gather info about a fairly popular church that had gotten good trip reviews or something of the sorts that was recommended to visit. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tijuana. It was worth checking it out, regardless of any past upbringing or personal exposures to religious structures-- the feel and power behind a strong threshold would be one she'd be able to place. Hopefully this place wasn't one of those quick to toss up churches in business or shopping district...that wouldn't have the strength to withstand The Lost.
She wasn't certain how much time had passed before she'd found a strong lead and directions to the church in question which might soon be the site of a Last Stand given the situation requiring the use of such a structure. The church itself was nothing majestic as what she might have expected for a place that was over a hundred years old, but the weight that came with building of faith was present. The outside could be considered more flashy than the inside, which was pretty simplistic but functional. The structure was located in the middle of the city, but in a place not as desirable to linger around after the daylight fades, but there seemed to be a reasonable police presence. Hopefully some of these factors would deter other people from being in the area...the less innocents caught in the crossfire of these spirits, the better.
As she'd stepped towards the church an unexpected tan skinned individual emerged from the shadows. His hair betrayed a bit of his age, but body language still possessed a youthful vitality. He greets Rhea as "Warden Walsh" with a Spanish accent to his words. He makes to reveal the flash of his grey cloak, the one bestowed to Wardens. She'd also caught a flash of an old sword in its scabbard, barely any trace of the silver blade showing in the quick movement. His questioning statement revealing that he was not expecting her to come to such a dangerous area as Tijuana. This was followed up with his introduction as Alvaro Ramierez...and the question as to what in the hell she was doing here.
Perhaps Rhea should have known better, but it's not like there was a lot of time once things spiraled out of control back in Vegas. She curses silently at herself for having even the flickering thought at any part of this situation going smoothly. She didn't trust the sudden appearance, but she wasn't about to start lying right now either. She'd stated that unexpected circumstance brought her here, which didn't allow for time to give notice. The situation being of the sort that if you don't act now good people would get hurt variety. She wasn't certain the explanation would fly, but she really didn't want to get into details and she also didn't have a lot of time.
She wasn't certain what to expect other than everything...and after a moment he gave her a smirk and flirted with her. Stating that if she were not one of the prettiest co-workers he'd seen in half a century he'd need more than the explanation offered-- then promptly inquired on how he could help. Sly charm with a mix of mutual respect, a curious combination. Rhea half wanted to roll her eyes at the remark from Ramirez, but at the same time didn't want to be rude or dismissive to the man. Not when she could use the extra help right now in this chaotic mess. She politely states that she'd like to secure the church as shelter for the night without having too many people close by instead. Daylight was burning and the 'fun-dead' would be out to play once night fell over the city. Ramirez confirmed that the church was strong, seeing as its threshold was good enough to keep the Red's out from its walls.
He stated that they should go get her people to bring them there. As he'd said before, it wasn't a safe place. However…he’d also mentioned “her people” and she’d never brought up the fact that she was with others in the brief exchanged they shared so far. Perhaps it was a good logical guess that she wasn’t alone in this city, but right now she didn’t have time to play the ‘lying game’ or call Ramirez out on the carpet for what he’d said. Instead she just made a comment regarding his comment about the church’s threshold and nodded to head away from there, back to Alex and Delilah. Though keeping Ramirez in front of her, if he knew about her and that she wasn’t alone, there’s no telling how much he already knew and just hadn’t stated. Though to be fair she hadn’t asked point blank yet. It didn’t take him long to clue in as to why she let him take the lead in the first place. While they made their way back to the RV he commented that he had a pretty decent network, and while they might not always be the most savory of people, you work with the resources available. True, she probably didn’t have a proper idea as to the differences between Mexico and the States in regards to resources or support, but at the same time she hadn’t gone out of her way to cultivate more than she needed.
At least he fessed up to the fact that he already knew where the RV was without her getting into a long drawn out conversation over the details. …and again he flirted with her— perhaps the first time she’d been heard sexy or Warden in the same sentence. Perhaps it was his way to let her off at not trusting him, and to show something of his true colors…this was basically the Red Court’s backyard and there were few allies or resources here. A disadvantage to be sure…and definitely not good to note as the two of them round the corner to find the street the RV had been parked along surrounded by Red’s in various states of transformation. It appeared to be a dozen of them, out in the open with no fear of God or man in this place. The mild amusement at the flirting died quickly as they rounded that corner to see the RV…surrounded by Reds. Tijuana’s welcoming committee had come to greet the new arrivals. If Alex and Delilah were dead or otherwise, the vehicle wouldn’t still be surrounded— they’d arrived just in time for the show, and so far hadn’t been noticed yet. Ramirez slips back around the corner to avoid discovery as one of the Reds, a woman nude save for the large necklace of gold blocks with Aztec runes etched within them. She taunts those in the RV before throwing a wave of fire at the vehicle.
LIAM WINCHESTER & GWEN TELLER
Liam, once upon a time, had been a detective in Chicago...a private investigator. It'd been some time since he'd utilized those skills, so rusty or not, they were the best tools at his disposal until he got his power returned to him. He'd have to depend on Rhea to secure a form of shelter in the meantime, perhaps it sounded less important than the task for him currently, but there was no telling how quickly his power would come back to him once he did find Gwen. Even if those powers did get restored quickly, it might not be immediate and Liam was already physically beat up from the events in Vegas-- that left him at a disadvantage for the moment.
Liam had made his way around until finding El Baco Noir. After a drink with the dark-skinned man at the door, he was allowed inside the bar. He'd move towards the area above, his perception of the floor becoming a bit more cloudy beneath his feet as he emerges into the area above...the sun falling below in that picturesque skyline. Movement was awkward as he drew his mother's sword...and the world seemed to spin, a weight falling off his shoulders as he approached Gwen. He'd stated that they had unfinished business, though with each step that haze making him forget about the sun...why he was there...and why he'd drawn his blade in the first place.
At some point Dianya had left Gwen to the peace of that room. She couldn't help being drawn into that stunning view of the city below...all the vibrancy and beauty. A lazy turn at the sound of another entering the room, watching Liam approach her as one shoulder rests against the post of the bed within the room. An easy smile slowly touching her lips as she focuses on him and agreeing they did have unfinished business-- taking a step closer and curling fingertips around his head and into his hair before her lips collide with his. Liam moved towards her...so many thoughts racing through his mind. The lines he'd crossed and the choices he'd made. He could kill Gwen and take his power back...she'd played him back in Vegas in the Colosseum and even at Kismet's Table... It was a swirl of thoughts as their lips met. He didn't notice the gentle thrum in the air as the sun set, nor the distant howling tidal rush of The Lost coming to claim him.
GWEN TELLER & DIANYA BASSARIDI
In the meantime, in another part of Tijuana, Gwen had managed to find her way to the El Baco Noir bar that was a little ways off the beaten path for most. It wasn't a place that tourists came to...this wasn't the type of place one found on accident. Inside the current patrons of this establishment appeared to be enjoying the intimacy of the place, relaxed with their drinks while music filled the room in the background. She was there to meet with someone, Dianya...who was perhaps more an acquaintance for the moment. She was greeted by dark skinned man of medium build at the door, offering a drink as she stepped into the bar. It didn't take long for Dianya Bassaridi to spot Gwen and greet her guest.
Dianya greets Gwen warmly as the bar's doorman seems to lose focus as he steps aside so that she could pass and head towards the stairway above the lower bar floor. Gwen smiles and greets Dianya politely as she joins her, following her upstairs. Upstairs the room above opens to a light, warm tropical breeze...a luxurious bedroom with a balcony looking over the sun stained city. Alone in this space, Dianya turns to her guest. Dreamily addressing the reason for Gwen's visit, payment...power for knowledge. Taking note that she carries so much...and for working so hard, she must be tired and should rest as her guest. Gwen's original focus and resolve grew hazy as she was getting lost in those words, in this dream like place-- taking a moment to rest sounded like a really good idea.
