Tulani takes a slight detour on the way to Paradise, leading the cloaked cheetah down a side alley until they reach the edge of a recently renovated causeway. It arches over to another ancient tower that is showing signs of reconstruction.
"That's where the dolls are being made," the Sphynx explains. "They're still renovating most of the place, but it'll probably house a hundred people, plus have work areas. That's not the most interesting thing though.."
"I'm surprised there is enough demand for dolls that they would need a hundred people. That is crazy," Pierce has to sign. "What could be more interesting than a demand for ugly dolls?"
"Demand for weapons," Tulani says. "And while the dolls and other normal products have workers recruited from around the Temple of Gorphat, I've heard of agents in the undercity looking specifically for people with grudges against Abbas and some of the other 'old Babel holdout' families. Not hard, considering almost all of them hunted undercity folk for sport."
Pierce raises a finger, pausing to think about that. "I don't particularly like the idea of people making a bunch of weapons. It sounds like civil war is brewing," he signs, then shrugs a bit. "But I suppose that is also to be expected."
"Less civil war than.. cleaning things up," Tulani suggests. "The new merchant class sees the Abbas and families like them as blocking progress.. and reminders to the rest of the world of Babel's ugly past. But since they're noble families they have seats on the Coalition Council. I've been digging.. the people funding this seem to largely be the 'orphaned' nobles. After the boomer fell, the surviving members of the families that opposed the High Princess went into hiding - and the best place to hide is the undercity."
"My concern is that they will become as bad as those they replace. If this becomes about revenge, then nothing changes," Pierce signs. "And revenge is a common motivator these days. But I am also pessimistic. Perhaps I will be surprised. Which noble families in specific are in the undercity now?"
"That I don't know," Tulani says. "After the fall of the Princess, the orphans came back into the light. One of them is the Captain of the Yodhrephath battleship. You've probably met a few in Paradise.. and a lot of them are in Rephidim and Abu Dhabi and the Empire, trying to drum up investors. But they know what the undercity is like, probably had friends there.. plenty of reasons for them to want to bring them all up here. And equally have plenty of reasons to hate the clans that used the place as their own bloodsport playground."
"All up here? That could be dangerous for them, then. If this place is uncovered by the Abbas family, it gives them a place to strike," Pierce points out as he eyes the tower under construction. "Still, as you say, it is interesting news."
"I know it sounds like revenge, but they seem to call it justice, since those nobles are otherwise untouchable," Tulani says. "There are soldiers in that tower. Either to protect it or to train the recruits. I think it may be partially our fault: a lot of people took the miraculous destruction of the Velkarno family as a sign. And they weren't even the worst of the lot. And since some of them must still be aligned with the General, I don't feel too bad about having them out of the way before the big fight."
"I just want to be realistic about what is and isn't happening. I don't like covering up truth in prettifying phrases. That is what makes atrocities easier," Pierce signs and shrugs a bit. "And the reality is you are right, they are otherwise untouchable. It may not be ideal, but it is necessary. I can live with it as long as the innocent aren't going to get hurt in the process. I am tired of the young and innocent always being those to bear the worst of any fight."
"Maybe you could ask the Yodhsunala to help them out?" Tulani suggests with only a slight grin. "These guys to be a distraction, while the assassins go in and do the deed, then everyone retreats."
"You do realize there are people in the assassin wing of the Yodhsunala that wish me dead, yes?" Pierce signs and arches his brow.
"So? This could be their chance to get back on your good side.
"So? This could be their chance to get back on your good side," the feline suggests. "They probably haven't killed anyone in awhile. Could do it for the novelty! And because Sunala probably hates depraved torturers.."
"Fair enough. It is an option to pursue at least," Pierce relents. "As long as they don't try and kill me while I am asking."
"They'd have to want you dead more than they want to live," Tulani notes, and checks the path back to the main part of Graytown. "After all if they want you dead, they probably want your mom's avatar dead as well."
"Some do," Pierce notes in sign a bit grimly. "Nothing is ever simple."
"Well, you owe it to them to make them feel like fools when you save the city," Tulani claims, and gestures that it's safe to head back without being seen.
"Fine fine, I'll listen to you, catbutt," Pierce signs over Tulani's shoulder. This also puts him in range of grabbing her butt, so does!
There's a cross between a yowl and a squawk from Sphynx, and Pierce gets tail-batted in retaliation. But before long they're at their destination..
The place is crowded as usual, but there seems to be a bit less general debauchery going on and a lot more huddled conversation. There's a bit more class mingling than usual as well, as the well-dressed folks normally up on the VIP tower are spread out amongst groups of middle-class and lower.
Tulani seems to be leading Pierce back towards the employee lounge. "Looks like a slow night for the staff," she tells the cheetah.
"Oh! So I won't be needed here. That is a first," Pierce signs, ears wiggling. "I assume you're going to spy on the chatter?"
"Of course," Tulani says. "And I thought you were invited over to.. do your little trick on the female staff. They may need it with this crowd." There are also more women than usual tonight, also involved in the hushed conversations. Could they actually be wives?
"Which trick? I have many it seems," Pierce signs curiously, pausing at the staff door.
"The milk one," Tulani whispers and winks. "It's a good thing you don't need your mouth to talk, because you'll probably have a sore jaw."
Pierce rolls his eyes at that one. "You are all crazy. Every one of you. Whereas I am a bastion of normalcy," the feline signs.
"Yes, you are the normal one," Tulani says, and pinches Pierce's cheek, before patting him on the butt and saying, "Now go make me proud. I still haven't figured out who here is a spy for Thath."
"But I haven't gotten you all leaky yet," Pierce signs and smirks. "Shall I start with you?"
"Maybe later," Tulani says and winks. "I shouldn't be too distracting, you know."
"You always have an excuse," Pierce signs, swats her on the butt, then darts into the emplyee area before retaliation.
The lounge is a bit crowded, since it must be a between-performances break. Most of the crowd is the Gigi Dance Troupe, wearing flower necklaces and grass skirts. Melony the Rhian takes up a bit of space as well, but is leaning against the wall and talking to a very colorful Vartan woman who is actually fully dressed - and one Pierce recognizes from his recent stay (in disguise) at the Coalition Tower: Myrtle Bluetit, his party-girl 'guide'. There's no sign of Sam the tiger or Melony's twin brother Bud, but Rolf the Jupani and Honey and Fluffer are there. The Kavi seem to all be out working (except for Granny, who is in her curtained off area snoring).
One of the Gigi girls (Mula or Mila.. the five of them look fairly identical, save for human sixth member) is the first to notice Pierce, and waves to him.
"Slow night? I haven't seen you all together like this before," the cheetah signs as he goes about his own preparation for the day. Namely removing all clothing; the staff goes naked after all.
It isn't long before the cheetah is tackled by the much shorter Lapi doe. "Pierce! They didn't believe me about that technique of yours," she complains.
Pierce chirps! "They don't?" he signs, "Well, maybe you dreamed it?" His ears wiggle; the feline is of course teasing.
"No, I didn't!" Honey insists. "You have to prove it to them so they'll stop making fun of me, and saying I have Nikky-envy."
"Prove it how, exactly?" the feline continues to tease. He also playfully bites the doe's ear.
Honey points to Lain, the lone human. "She says it's not possible and claims it's just a trick, so.. go get her!" the doe insists. Lain just laughs a bit.
Pierce grins wide and toothy. He also saunters towards her, slowly, tail swishing. And of course he raises his left hand too and makes a come hither sort of gesture as well! And adding to that, a purr. Oh how like a predator.
The coffee-colored woman rolls her eyes a bit.. but still grins and comes forward. She's been with Pierce before, up at the salon. Maybe that's why she's skeptical about it all. "So, going to something you didn't do to me last time?" she asks.
Alptraum cups the woman's chest without any shame. He also waggles his brow since with his hands busy, he cannot actually sign right now. So, he starts with a rather intricate and thorough massage of what he holds, complete with mysterious claw pricks here and there. Maybe he's aiming to convince her it involves acupuncture of some sort?
It certainly seems to be enjoyable to Lain, who makes appropriate happy sounds. It also draws in a crowd, but the woman is probably used to having people stare at her bare chest. Fluffer in particular pays close attention, since it's almost certain he's going to be asked to repeat it all himself.
"And alas he won't be able to. Not unless Inala is nice and blesses him too," Pierce thinks just as he ducks his head down as if trying to hide his secrets. It also makes it very easy to lick with a rough tongue, then starting to nurse like a newborn kitten. Except this one nips and has sharp teeth.
Lain makes more alarmed sounds at the nipping. "I don't have any protective fur you know," she points out.
Fluffer is nearly nose-to-boob as he watches, then pulls back and declares, "I don't have a cat tongue, so.."
and Pierce just purrs at her. A couple more light nips and he just starts nursing in earnest to trigger the ever so embarrassing blessing.
"Well, this is nice and all," Lain says, "but it can't possibly.. uh.." Sure enough, she's leaking from the one unlatched-upon teat (and of course from the one in Pierce's mouth, but nobody can see that). Her co-dancers are quick to lick and declare, "Hey, that's milk!"
"I told you!" Honey declares in triumph!
Pierce slips off so he can bark a laugh! And he goes over to the other one to nurse for a few seconds as well. Then he slips off that one to and steps back. Ah, the smug look that only a feline can muster. He licks his forefinger and draws an imaginary tick mark in the air.
Lain really can't defend herself at this point, as the Gigis have pinned her down and jostle for licking rights. That's all just too ticklish for the human, who is stuck convulsing in laughter.
That's when Pierce feels a rather heavy tap on his shoulder from behind.
Pierce's ears wiggle, the feline is just terribly amused by this. The tap causes that to pause, though. He turns around to see just who tapped on his shoulder.
The cheetah is face-to-face with a breast the size of his head. Melony is looking down at him (which is pretty novel, given Pierce is usually taller than everyone but other Savanites). "Sam likes milk," the mare says. The shorter Vartan is behind her. "I bet Bud does too," she notes. It may be that Myrtle is the stallion's girlfriend (since nobody other than Nikky can accommodate him in the club - unless Bara's Fnerf-couch is involved with him).
Pierce smirks at this. "And you want me to get you to do that?" the savanite signs. "What is in it for me?"
Melony seems to slowly ponder this. "Ever had a Rhian lover?" she replies. While Pierce is bigger than an Eeee.. a Rhian is still in another weight class altogether. And having spent time as a unicorn mare, he's very aware of what that weight can do.
"That would probably be dangerous," Pierce signs after thinking about that. "I'll let you know of I think of anything," he adds in sign before his hands are too preoccupied with very large things! He has to keep up the look of what he did previously, after all! So, some rough licking comes along with it after many prickings ... then comes the nursing and nipping!
The size is a factor when it comes to suckling. It is also seems a bit ominous that Melony is sweating and occasionally stamping on the floor. At least Pierce isn't having to bend over or anything.. he can stand up straight!
It seems like female forms like the big guys, but the male forms are intimidated by the big girls! At least all he has to do is make sure she doesn't stamp on his feet while he works, trying to get the large mare to ... produce. Sore jaw is right, lots more to hold with a mare.
It looks like Melony is used to being suckled on though.. her teats are a bit tougher, and possibly less sensitive. But eventually the blessing works.. with a vengeance. The milk produced may be directly related to the size of the source!
Pierce has to be careful lest he cough! He covers this by switching to the other nipple on the mare to give himself a moment break between. Once that one is also working, well .. he steps back, licks his forefinger, and marks two tick marks this time in the air.
The mare doesn't seem finished with the cat yet, and puts a hand on his shoulder. "You have me in a lather now," she whickers, showing her big teeth. "Honey, do what you must."
Pierce blinkblinkblinks. "What does she mean?" he signs to the doe.
"Oh.. well.. Sam isn't here.. so.." the doe says apologetically, then kneels down and.. does her own magic to make Pierce 'ready' to finish what he started with the mare.
"But, she won't even feel me!" Pierce points out! He remembers what it was like with Nicora at her worst; regular guys could barely be felt. He would try to squirm away from the doe, but ... big hand on shoulder stops that.
"You may have to get your muzzle wet then, or your fist.." Honey says, once she's finished get Pierce 'ready' for action. "But you mustn't insult her. Isn't she pretty and desirable? A lot of the men come to her to be cradled and nurse like they were children."
Well .. Pierce ends up kneeling down before the mare. He can at least find out how .. large she is this way first. Maybe it will still work given his enhancements? But in the meantime, potted and pierced up muzzle moves into 'position' so to speak. It is a rather .... unique kiss to be sure. Rough and forked tongue to see how effective it is ... and if other parts have a prayer.
It does make the cheetah feel.. smaller. The mare seems to enjoy it though.. but also picks Pierce up and carries him over to a couch, wher she stretches out fetchingly. "You must try the proper way first," Melony says, squishing Pierce's face between her breasts.
"Oooookay," the feline thinks as he shifts about, feels, then finds other parts of himself inside the mare soon too. Definitely a different feel; now he can guess how Nicora felt to Mordecai!
At first.. well, it's just as Pierce expected. And then suddenly it isn't. As with Nikky, there's no sense of things growing or shrinking.. just fitting somehow.
Pierce has to wonder since when he had the abilities that Nikky had! But ... the cat cannot complain, it means he'll enjoy it too! And so the feline grumbles, growls, then bites around the mare's neck as much as he can as if pretending to be a hunter with his prey!
Since the mare's usual partner is Sam the tiger-Khatta.. she really seems to enjoy that sort of attention! The rest of the room has gone quiet as everyone watches. From the outside.. it must seem bizarre to see Melony actually being pleasured by the smaller male!
And it must be a feline thing, because biting and scratching is involved; particularly since the mare can take it would so much as a real scratch due to the thick skin! Of course this could also mean Melony will ask for him more ... but he doesn't worry about that right now.
There's a lot of purring as well.. and not necessarily from Pierce. The Gigis are possibly getting worked up as well. And Myrtle is cheering. "Yah, you get him Melony! He milked you, you gotta return the favor! Hah!"
That outcry makes Pierce's ears wiggle! Granted he also suddenly worries that if this works for him as wll, does that officially make Pierce one of Inala's ... whores? As in it isn't just a pretend thing anymore. That still doesn't stop him from what he is doing, though! That mare is going to destress before he does, or else!
Well, 'stress' is certainly in play, once those heavy thighs wrap around Pierce! Now it might get a little dangerous if he doesn't get her to relax soon. At least the implants are helping. It is a bizarre sensation, given the apparently lengths and depths involved. But really, isn't Pierce just the male version of Nikky?
Pierce tries speeding up the pace and intensity, including more biting! He's worried that if she squeezes any harder she might break something!
There's a sudden squeeze.. followed by a release as the mare finally 'pop' with a loud whinny. There's also a lot of milk smeared all over.
And that is Pierce's cue, he shifts just a little and uses the remaining tightness to find his own outlet. His comes with growling, purring, and little chirps!
"Me next!" Myrtle insists, but is met by lots of growls. "Pierce is a consultant for the club, and tends to employees only.. not the girlfriends of employees," Honey explains.
"And if I say it is okay that is not enough?" Pierce asks in sign as he escapes the mare's embrace before she decides to hug him a bit tooo hard.
"Well, if you want to," Honey relents. "She's all feathery though. I don't know what Bud sees in her."
"How about after the other employees?" Pierce offers as he stretches a bit. "And who is next, then?"
"I'm lots of fun!" Myrtle insists. "I work for the Coalition you know, showing guests a good time. I'm a wonderful person to be around, therefore. Ask the dancers!"
Several of the Gigi's raise their hands, but Honey chuffs again. "Full-timers before part-timers," she insists. "And only the milk treatment, no full rides unless Pierce really wants to. Therefore.. clearly.. I am an next!"
Pierce rolls his eyes at that! He is so completely not surprised. The feline gets up, then moves over to another unoccupied couch and pats it so the doe can join him there. He also pops his knuckles in preparation.
Of course Honey drapes herself in a sexy pose next to the cheetah.
"Just milk," Pierce signs to the doe, then smirks. He has a bit of a fake routine now ... so he starts as he did with the others, a lot of kneading and claw work ... then shifting to the nipping and nursing. He also highly suspects the doe rather fancies him more than just another employee.
During the process, Melony actually cleans up a bit and goes out to 'work', now that she's really prepared to cater to the particular fetish that is her specialty. Honey may or not even be on duty tonight.
And Pierce just works his magic on Honey. She's smaller, which naturally makes it easier ... but once she is flowing the feline is patting her butt. "There you go!" he signs.
The next shift if coming in for their break.. all Kavis. "What's going on in here?" one of the girls asks.
Pierce rubs his forehead. "Right, everyone who wants to make milk, line up! If we don't speed this along it will take all night," the feline signs.
At least with the Kavi.. well, two of them can fit right next to one another, and they're smaller than Honey. Only a few want the experience, while others are more interested in the story about Pierce and Melony. The dancers have to go on stage before any of the Gigis can get to him though. With Lain being leaky though, it's probably going to be an interesting performance for the front row.
Sore is right. His hands are getting tired as the cat works on one girl after another ... and his jaw is too. He's going to get Tulani back for this somehow. Inala too for that matter. "Everything that starts out amusing and fun always ends up hurting me," Pierce thinks while he works.
Once the Kavi's are taken care of, the cheetah can take a break at least. Honey even brings him some tea. Myrtle is still hovering about though, to make sure she isn't forgotten.
Pierce takes a few sips from his cup. "I am so tempted to try and make it work on your brother," the feline confides to Honey during his few minute break. He doesn't dare disappoint a large vartan, though, that could be dangerous.
Myrtle isn't being insistent.. after all, she didn't seem to protest being put in her place by a bunny girl. She does seem a bit anxious though, watching the lounge door often.
Pierce looks up to Myrtle. "Problem?" he signs to her. "You seem nervous."
"Oh.. just.. I don't know when Bud gets his break!" the neon-colored Vartan says. "I don't want him.. well, walking in on us. I mean, he's not the jealous sort! But it would spoil the surprise."
Pierce sighs and rubs his forehead again. "Fine, fine, your turn," the feline relents. He stands up because, well, she's bigger than he is, much like Melony was. He stretches out his tired fingers, then walks right up to her. "Ready?"
Now that it's time.. the Vartan seems shy. "Oh, of course.. uh.." she fumbles a bit, but gets her shirt opened. And yes, she's covered in feathers, but at least isn't as big as Melony. Thanks to the feathers, she's even fluffier than Honey.. but also more likely to cause nose-tickles.
Pierce is ... amused. So ... he's a bit slower and gentler so that she doesn't freak out on him. She does have nasty claws after all, and that beak... But, it is still the same procedure in case they ever try to compare notes on it! Massage, claw pricks in specific spots... The licking part ... that is hard to do with all the feathers.
It's also apparent that Vartans have very different breasts. They aren't soft.. beyond an inch or so. This makes the massage a bit of a challenge, since there's flight muscle to contend with (although Tulani didn't seem to inherit this particular Vartan trait). What soft tissue there is, however, is extra sensitive. Myrtle chirps, chirrs, and most ominously clacks her beak on occasion. She also wraps her arms around Pierce every so often, before realizing she's doing it and forcing them back down to her sides again.
And next ... it goes to nursing. Pierce actually isn't sure it will even work on her, but he's never been one to give up. Ah, if he could only ken her too, he hasn't been a vartan yet! To avoid any accidents, though, he makes sure he doesn't think about that for very long. He's mostly trying to, well, arouse the birdy!
Myrtle's nipples certainly react, once the milk starts to flow. They seem to inflate.. but then if you're nursing with a beak things have to extend a bit to be effective. The Vartan's feathers poof out a bit and she gives a chirp of surprise that it actually worked.
And Pierce finds this a bit fascinating! He actually nurses a bit longer on each before he finally steps back and grins like the cat that ... drank the canary.
The flavor is pretty unique too, but not that different from Tulani's really. The Vartan seems a bit dazed, and reaches up and squeezes herself once Pierce backs up. "How long does it last?" she asks.
"Couple days at the longest. Usually just a night," Pierce claims in sign, since, well, that has been his experience with it.
Myrtle gives Pierce a beaky kiss (which always involves tongue of course). "Thank you!" she squawks. "If you ever need anything, just ask for Myrtle Bluetit at the tower."
Pierce ruffles up Myrtle's feathers. "It was my pleasure and honor," he signs. "I will remember that. If something ever comes up I will be sure to ask."
With appropriate timing, the door opens and Bud clops in, covered in some sort of spilled.. soup? "I need to use the shower," he notes. "I'll join you!" Myrtle quickly chirps, grabs onto the Rhian's hand, and drags him off toward the cleanup area.
And with that Pierce sits down heavily on the bench and sighs. His hands are tired along with his jaw. One would think that is fun until it becomes a job. No wonder Mave acts the way she does.
Honey is there, massaging Pierce's right hand. Fluffer sits opposite and starts working on the left one. "I can see why you probably kept this technique secret now," Fluffer notes.
Pierce chuffles a bit and nods. Since his hands are occupied he cannot sign, but the looking tired part is evident enough. He smiles gratefully to eack lapi.
Of course, this leaves an opening for one of the Kavi girls to slink up and start fondling the cheetah.. or else she's just feeling out the implants. It's the same thing either way.
Pierce arches up a bit and his ears splay out. He also eyes the kavi and wonders what the heck she is up to!? "Eep?" the poor feline thinks.
Kavi are naturally curious, after all.. and Pierce recognizes this one as Ditzi, the one who gets swallowed by Malagast on stage. The extra thumb makes her grip.. distinct. And she has to lick, because she clearly has an oral fixation if she likes being swallowed whole.
This makes the feline chirp and squirm a bit! "These people are evil, evil!" the felien thinks. The does hold his hands so he can't sign, it also keeps him from going anywhere.
It isn't much longer before Pierce discovers that Inala's one-size-fits-all blessing doesn't apply to every situation. The Kavi is a tight fit, but she manages eventually. It also means she can't go nuts, and has to take it slow. Which she still seems to enjoy very much, with all the interesting surfaces involved. The Lapis don't really seem to notice, although Fluffer does lean across to have a lick of his sister's milk, causing Honey to giggle and try to squirt him.
And poor Pierce is now quite distracted as the kavi has herself a bit of modified kitty. His eyes close and he leans back, enjoys, and rides out the tightness of it all. So, the feline, chirps, shivers ... and well, doesn't last that long given just how well the grip is! It even makes his own alterations feel rather good to him too. While he's finding his own moment of relaxation ... he doesn't even notice the antics of the Lapi.
As he melts into the afterglow and massaging, it seems very rude that someone is tapping him on the forehead before long.
Pierce opens one eyes and growls softly.
A black-furred face with a white mark across it is smiling down at Pierce. "I can't believe you're just laying here taking a nap," Tulani chides.
"I've been busy. I'm tired. What do you want, you insufferable cat?" Pierce signs as he tries to wake himself back up.
"There's going to be a special performance," Tulani says, and pokes Pierce in the cheek now instead of the forehead. "Bara herself is going to sing."
"This should be interesting," the spotted one signs as he gets up to his feet now and stretches a bit. "Why is there a special performance? What is the reason?"
"There are a lot of movers-and-shakers here tonight," Tulani says. "And some tension. People know something is going to happen, but not what or when, and they're trying to plan for it."
Pierce heads for the door back out to the main floor. Still naked, but he is a semi-employee after all. "Well, then we can't miss this," he signs, "Come on lazy butt." He grins.
The seating is a bit packed around the stage. Even the backstage looks crowded - this must be something really rare if the off-duty staff is jostling to watch. Tulani manages to wedge them in close enough to see well, and Pierce's height is a big advantage. Bara is already on stage, wearing a sheer, sparkly gown that hugs her intimately (and makes it a mystery how she might be able to walk in it). The small orchestra is silent, poised to start.
"With that dress, why wear anything at all?" Pierce has to wonder as he shifts about. The good thing about being naked in a crowd is at least you don't have to worry about being pickpocketed. Rather a gypsy thought there, but old habits are hard to break. He rubs his forehead again for a moment as he watches both the stage and the people gathered, just to see if he recognizes anyone.
There are a few faces from the fancy dinner party, and more that seem to be regulars, including the 'import-export' consultant, Billiow, that Nikky met the night Alptraum introduced himself to Bara. Some of the faces look familiar from around the Temple of Gorphat mission as well - possibly those pointed out as delivery people for the anonymous donors. There are plenty of Nagas and Vartans about as well, their stations hard to tell from their attire.
Pierce now rubs at his neck. "Interesting group. Nothing stands out too much, but that is not surprising," the feline thinks. He also ponders having Alptraum make another appearance. Wouldn't it be a shock to have him lounging on the upper dais sometime after the song? If there is enough distraction after the song ... it might be possible to slip off to do just that.
"I don't often do this," Bara announces from the stage. "It is very rare that I feel inspired. We all feel.. something in the air, lately. Things are moving. Things we have set in motion ourselves, mostly. After so much planning, action can come as a shock to many. It came as a shock to me."
"But recently I met someone who helped me feel that it has been worthwhile, despite the risk," the former Yodhinala says. "Most of you stand where I stood before that, so it only fair that I share some of that sense of hope.. that the future will be what we want it to be."
"I wonder who she met? Surely it couldn't have been me," Pierce thinks in the typical way of his. Ever the pessimist, especially about himself.
The orchestra begins to play, and Bara sings in a sultry voice, "They told us lies, they tried to tell us who we are in dreams. But we have grown! And we'll remember in the future not to cry. You could be an angel, look in your ancient eyes.."
"What do you see? Knowing what the power of your future could be; to fall and then to rise! It's knowing how it was and how that sets you free," Bara sings. "All the children will send out love to everyone, all the children will dance and sing for you."
Pierce just stands there, quite even for a Savanite. The people around him ... not important at the moment. He is focused on the song "She cannot mean me, can she? I have done nothing," the feline tries to tell himself in thought.
"So let them scheme," the words sing out, becoming a bit more forceful. "They won't be hiding any secrets from the eyes of the free. Things can never be but what they are to you. You could be an angel, make all our dreams come true." It could be directed to the Barsunala.. or to Babel itself, for that matter.
"Of course if any agents of the General are here, she'll not like this one bit," Pierce thinks a bit grimly. "Her worst fear, hope."
The tempo changes, becoming slightly more martial in tone. And Bara's voice changes to match it, becoming more commanding. "So stand up! Freedom is for everyone to know! Tell them what your truth is when you pray! Stand up! Freedom is the message in our song. In the light of what is swept away, there's someone there to catch you when you fall!" This seems a bit at odds with.. everything the old Babel stood for, frankly.. but is right in line with what these people want it to become.
The crowd begins to clap in time as Bara repeats her call to stand up (and everyone does stand up) and most start chanting the words like a hymn. "Through the rhythm of kindness, bring them up to the sun! And all the children will dance and sing for you.." Bara concludes after the chorus.
"In that she is right. The city will become what its people wish it to become," Pierce thinks to himself. "It is easy to blame the condition on others. but that is the lazy answer. Enough wish it to change and work for it to change, it will. She is just trying to push them." And at its conclusion of the song Pierce is now looking around for a nearby doorway out or down. He must find a quiet place to change ... then just make his way up the dais while everyone is distracted.
People seem pretty distracted at the moment, certainly, as there is a spontaneous (or instigated) outbreak of hugging. Even Pierce gets hugged by a matronly Eeee woman before he can try to slink off.
The savanite ends up chirping while being hugged! Normally he would stay and hug about himself, but ... it seems an appropriate time to make some sort of appearance as his real self. Well, least crazy self anyway.
There are plenty of curtained alcoves beneath the upper balcony where the private rooms are. And with everyone clustered around the stage (including the staff) it's unlikely anyone is hiding in them.
And so the feline makes his way towards the upper balcony. "This will either go well, or cause a riot. Well, I've never exactly been subtle," Pierce tells himself as he works his way upward. At least that makes getting to the dais a little easier. Maybe. Not a lot of time to plan!
The upper deck has the private (and specialty) rooms. None should be occupied at the moment, should a certain cheetah claim one for a changing booth.
"Woosh, into a room to change! Why do I have this sudden feeling this is a cliche from many stories?" Pierce thinks as he checks past a door, then disappears inside! Once inside, he has to remove all the facial piercings since those will not look right on his normal form ... and might give away it is Pierce. Once those are out, he sits ... and out comes the shadow to shift his form. He has to act fast, so he works as quickly as he can without risking any huge mistakes or, well, serious damage.
Speed is not without risk. Everything comes out fine in the end, but it feels like he's been pinched and pulled by a giant child, especially in the wings. This particular room must be used for some sort of fantasy play, since there's a wardrobe full of costumes.
"Ow," Alptraum complains and rubs at all the sore spots. He also eyes the fantasy costumes ... and ponders using them. But, the shadow works better for being impressive! So, he uses that, flowling out a dark and oily set of flowing robes to embrace his body. He also uses it to stash his removed piercings for now so that he doesn't lose them in here. He has to shift back, after all. Once he looks like he's draped in living oil, well ... he sneaks to the door and peers out to see if he still has a chance to make it to the central dais.
The audience is starting to form into groups again, and Bara is only about halfway across to the base of her VIP raised dais, which is still empty. Maybe there's a rule about nobody being up there unless she is?
Alptraum crouches down and slips outside of the room. He keeps low and slinks around until he cannot see Bara again, whcih should mean she cannot see him. A short wing-hop should get him to the dais. He hopes anyway. It is now or never as he darts to the balcony edge, slinks up to it, and uses a couple wing beats while jumping to try and vault over to the dais. "Why must I always be so dramatic?" he wonders.
Nobody below notices, but there's some commotion near the stage - but that turns out to be Tulani deliberately causing a distraction with the aid of Melony's breasts.
"Never fails, milk and cats!" Alptraum thinks, amused. Right, so it is showtime. The bat stands up straight and tall. He walks forward, towards the stairs that lead back down. With each step he pushes at the shadow a bit more, maing his robes flow out and away from him, rippling it across the surface of the dais around him like an oil slick spreading out from a spill. The goal, draping it over the edges and undulating as if alive ... and rolling down the stairs like a waterfall of starless night. If that were not enough, he also feels for the aura that comes with the shadow, the opressive draconic feel, a presence. That too he nudges out, trying to flow it out into the room, to give the feeling as if being watched from somewhere. Not so much to push fear but enough to make it ... uneasy. He also breathes deep, preparing himself for the reactions soon to come. He isn't quite sure how they will react, but ... hey! It's just like performing on stage, right? Hopefully they won't have rott
rotten tomatoes.
The effect moves like a spreading fire. Conversations first stop near the dais. As it spreads, the closest ones begin to look up towards Alptraum. There's also feedback from the aura - a mix of sensations representing the other aura-senses Alptraum now has. To him, the people begin to glow slightly, showing their emotional and mental states, a bit like Scourge's sussing would reveal, and other things as well. The authoritative aura brings out feelings of guilt as well, though not as obvious as Rephath holding a scale over each head. The closer the people, the more pronounced the feedback.
"Woah, okay. This is interesting, I wasn't expecting to get feedback like this," Alptraum thinks as he is almost to the top of the stairs. He plans to stop there and wait for people to look towards and notice him. It is more ... well, it has more of an impact to notice someone important just watching you than said person going 'ahem!'. He also uses the moment to feel for anything out of place. The General could have an agent or agents here, after all.
A spark of dark purple, near the stage.. and close to Bara, who is not looking up as well. It won't be long before Alptraum has the attention of everyone in the club. Could the spark mean someone is carrying a shoggoth fragment, or been exposed to one?
"I mush keep an eye on that one, it could be someone planning to assasinate her," Alptraum thinks grimly. He was going to remain above, but now he starts to descend the stairs so that he can protect Bara if need be. He is not about to let her die.
A space opens up before him as he moves, the crowd keeping their distance. There's fear there, certainly - they don't know who he is after all. And also a sense of 'grown up in the room, be on best behavior', so that nobody is trying to draw his attention.
"Bara," Alptraum says, making sure to hold his voice a bit louder and coming more from his chest than from a casual conversation. "Please join me on the dais. I wish to speak with you as well as address your ... friends and customers."
"Of course," Bara says, striding forward and.. offering her elbow to Alptraum. Yodh training, no doubt: always seem on top of things.
"She didn't even bat an eye at my presence. Heh," Alptraum thinks. He slips his arm around her once he reaches her. His 'living shadow' entourage also parts to spare her from having to walk in it. Aside from feeling off to her, it would feel off to him as well. As he now guides her back up the stairs he notes in a very low whisper, "You are in danger, I sense the precense of the General's agents here tonight. I needed to get you away from the crowd for a moment."
"Of course there are spies here," Bara notes. "I know at least one who spies for Lord Thath."
"The General's spies are also likely assassins, and are in possession of dangerous powers; festering chaos and insanity. As for That ... Thath is no risk; he is on our side," Alptraum notes quietly as they ascend.
"I know that, since I am his spy," Bara whispers, walking arm and arm. "The General's agents have a tell that gives them away?"
"I can feel everything about everyone here. Some feel guilty. Most are nervous and uneasy. The General's agent was close to you down there, which is I I asked you to join me up here. I could feel the touch of the Forbidden zone; the spy has been either touched by, or carries the fragment of a monster within. To me it looks like a festering purble ball," Alptraum remarks quietly as they are a few steps away from the top of the stairs.
"Interesting.. I wonder if a Mind Mage could sense that?" Bara ponders as they reach the top. "What do you need me to do now that you have me?"
"You're already doing it. You don't look terrified and you have shown you trust me enough to get this close. Just follow my lead, so to speak," Alptraum notes as he turns, Bara still on his arm, so that he can face the crowd. "Bara, Lady of this House, I wish to address those gathered," Alptraum now says formally, speaking louder and deeper from his chest. Around him the shadow ripples and flows in water-like waves. And to thank you for your song, I was listening to your calls to stand up. So, perhaps it is time I did so as well," he says.
Bara curtsies, and replies, "Of course, my lord Barsunala. My home is yours."
Actually identifying Alptraum finally causes the crowd to stir a bit, but not so much as to risk talking to one another.
Alptraum draws himself upright anf contracts the shadow just a bit as well. "Most of you here do not know me, though /all/ of you will come to know me when the twilight of life comes for each of you,/" the dark Eeee says to those gathered in the room. "I am the Barsunala, the escort of those whom pass until they find their rest in the Sea. No, I have not come for you this night. I have come because the song of change reached my ears. I have come to see those that wish to reshape Babel into something different than what it has become. Each of you have your reasons to want things to change. Some I am certain are selfish reasons. Some are true altruistic ones. The reasons for why do not matter so much as what you intend to do."
The promise of not being carried off by the grim reaper does seem to lighten the crowd's mood a bit, although the part about 'wanting to see' them still leaves a seed of discomfort.
"I can feel each and every one of you here. You are uncertain, nervous ... some even guilty. But, it is not my duty to judge, that I leave to my Aunt, Rephath," Alptraum continues while remaining standing as still as a statue. "I have been watching all of you for some time. The city as a whole, in fact. What I say now is likely not a surprise to any of you. Babel as it stands today is dying. This once great city and its people have been sliding slowly into the shadows. Even before the great Wound was ripped into her heart this city was dying. It, in fact, seemed inevitable that this City would pass from this World."
There's a resonance with that - a lot of the people here lost something in the wound. It helps pinpoint the orphaned nobles in the crowd, certainly. There's also a general sense of agreement from the rest of them, and also a bit of guilt. Without the Boomer and the eventual downfall of the High Princess, things would have just gone on the same without any hope for change.
"It seemed inevitable that the end would come. Death is inevitable, it is a truth of existance. But ... if this City dies now, it is before its time," Alptraum continues as he mainly focuses on the crowd as he speaks. "Today. Now. This is a point of choice and possibility. The descisions made today will decide the City's fate. You will decide the fate. Each of you, your actions, your beliefs, your hopes, and your dreams, have the potential to shape what Tomorrow may become. Perhaps you will decide I am no longer needed. Perhaps you will decide to let my Mother and her Aunts fade into history. Perhaps you will help them to become something better and more. Whatever it will be, it will be your choices that shape it. It will be your choices that shape us, those that represent all of you. I wish you to understand the power you wield, and the responsibility."
Now the fear is creeping back in most of them, while some them seem excited.. and the spy remains neutral. The Orphans in particular feel somber, as if Alptraum had just told them it was their duty - which it probably is, moreso than the newer merchant classes. Once upon a time, the Orphans were part of the problem.
"It is natural to be afraid. Change is not easy, it will not come without hardship and sacrifice," Alptraum says as his gaze moves across the room. "And this is why I am here. Bara calls to you to Stand Up and I stand with her in that call. If you choose to do this, you must understand that how you choose to do this will affect the city that you shape. If you give in to desires of retrebution against those you feel have wronged you, you also run the risk of becoming those you despise. To truly change this city, you must be the light you wish it to be. This may mean staying a hand, even in the fit of anger. It means showing compassion while also showing justice. You have to act better, be better, to make a better city. Do you understand?"
Now the guilt amps up in several people. Being told they had the power to shape the gods themselves - and then being asked to avoid emulating the old Babelite 'virtues' they represent - leaves those with grand plans a bit chastened. Those who focus more on the 'justice' angle, however, have the opposite reaction: a sense of justification.
"If you do what has always been done, you will continue to get what you always have," Alptraum says simply, summerizing his entire point. "The future will be what you make of it and I will be there watching ... and helping. This was an amazing city once, it can be so again. I have seen so many dreams and hopes of those that once lived here that have never gotten a chance to be. I want those dreams to be real, the same as you. Even if that ultimately means I will be no more."
"If you help us, surely we would try to keep your kind around," Bara notes. So far, she's the only one willing to talk back to Alptraum.
Alptraum tilts his head towards Bara, then nods. "I have said my peace and I should depart soon so that our evening of happiness may continue," he says as his attention returns to the audience. "But, before I depart, is there anything you would ask of me? I cannot promise an answer, but I will always hear a request."
"Don't coddle us," Bara says. "Call on us. We have the right to fight for our future; we don't expect it to be handed to us."
"I have no intention of coddling anyone," Alptraum notes, "You will decide the future. What you create will be yours alone, and all its faults and shining moments alike are your responsibility."
"Thank you, Barsunala," Bara says, and bows again to Alptraum.
"Anyone else?" Alptraum asks the audience, putting them on the spot. "You may all speak your mind freely."
"The Sisters are still.. there?" one woman asks from near the dais, trembling a bit.
"Yes," Alptraum answers. "It is not by chance there has been activity at Gorphat's temple, after all. Or the hospices run at the foot of Mount Sunala. Both are by their respective Sister's decree."
"Even Barada?" another man asks. This causes a bit of mumbling too - nobody likes the idea of their secrets being for sale to their enemies.
"Of course," Alptraum says, "Withdrawn as they may be. They are all waiting to see what city you will shape and how in turn they will be shaped."
"What.. what do we do to influence them?" someone else asks. "What are they watching for?"
"Your actions and choices. How you treat others, friends and enemies alike. What you ask for and desire," Alptraum says simply. "But I caution you to heed what Bara asked of me. You must choose your future and fight for it."
"And what of those who choose the old ways," another voice asks, sounding a bit hollow. It's odd enough for people around the speaker to draw back, isolating him. It's definitely the 'marked' one Alptraum sensed earlier, the likely spy.
Alptraum glances towards Bara, then nods towards the speaking man. "What will happen to those? Generally, their fate would be the choice of the people," he answers simply. "Do not expect divine intervention, except in the case of the most of heinous crimes. Such as when the tower was recently smote for harboring those who consumed the flesh of children. Those who worship and revel in shadows ... well, they may likely meet me very soon."
The spy has a very neutral expression. He's obviously alive, but acting like a puppet. "Justice, vengeance.. or putting a sick animal out of its misery. What's that last one called? Ah, yes.. Mercy. And if they surrender themselves, admit to their crimes.. will they be saved? Welcomed into the new community?"
Alptraum now looks to Bara. "What would the people choose?" he asks of her. "Would the people help those who truly repent and try to change? Or would they ask of us to deal with it?"
"It depends on the person," Bara says. "Forgiveness does not automatically follow repentance. For most of those on the dark side of things.. the only repentance we might accept is suicide. Some things cannot be forgiven. Some crimes cannot be atoned for. And for those straddling the twilight.. there might be pardon, but not open arms. We wish for those people to vanish, to leave nothing to remind us of their existence in Babel, save as cautionary tales."
Alptraum dips his head lightly to Bara. "You have your answer," he then says to the asking 'puppet'.
"Not a surprising one," the man says. "You said Babel was dying. It will die. It must die, in order to be reborn."
"The old Babel, yes," is the general mutter of sentiment following that statement.
"The old Babel, yes. And Diphath will not have the new," Alptraum says with finality. "I will meet her and her puppets on the field of battle. I promise you that it will shake the Heavans. The people will choose their future, not the machinations of entities of shadow and corruption."
"The Barsunala takes the souls of the dead to the Sea," Bara says. "He will do so with the old soul of Babel as well, so that it does not linger to haunt us."
"Just so," Alptraum agrees.
During the back and forth, Tulani has slowly moved to position herself near the spy.
Alptraum also slips his arm from Bara's and starts slowly down the stairs, just in case Tulani may soon need help herself. "What would you see Babel become?" he asks of the potential spy.
"Powerful," the man replies. "A city talked about in awe everywhere across the globe."
"Feared? Or idolized?" Alptraum asks. "Awe has many facets and power is a double-edged weapon."
"You wield 'awe' yourself," the man replies. "In Babel, fear and idolization are only a step apart. They both represent power."
"I weild a great many things," Alptraum notes as he continues his descent, "But I have restraint. Is the Babel you hope for one of restraint and power, or one that revels in it?"
"One that does not squander it," the man claims. The sense of being a mouthpiece (literally) for someone else increases as Alptraum focuses more. There isn't a clear sense that there is a shoggoth 'seed' in there, and certainly not a Black Heart for an underling. Alptraum's eyes itch slightly - a bit of Blakat's senses waking up? The man could be under some sort of spell.
"And how do you define squandering?" Alptraum inquires as he draws ever closer, trying to close in on what is controlling the man, and how to break it. His shadow-trail follows along with him, spreading out around him in its wake, slowly drawing a circle to encompass this 'mouthpiece'.
"Squandered on vanity," the man says. "On immortality. Hedonism, isolationism.. we need to expand. Become the power we once were, dominating the continent."
"What we once were caused that hole in our heart, that wound that still bleeds," Alptraum counters, "Dominating is not the solution. Breeding fear is not the solution. We cannot go back to what we were, we must find a new path."
Alptraum's eyes narrow as he tries to find his way to Blakat's offerings, to locate the threads of imposed 'madness' in this poor soul and pull at them. After all, Blakat wants to be the queen of madness, how dare someone try and impose their own!
It's there, that same bruise as with the people exposed to the shoggoth, but smaller, more subtle. There are tendrils reaching to the man's eyes and ears and mouth, and something red that seems to extend out like an invisible vein, fading into the distance.
"A new path, yes," the man says. "One that leads to glory."
Once Alptraum reaches the man he tries to reach out and take hold of the source of the tendrils, that red line, and yank. His movement is slow, deliberate, and firm. "Only if the people choose it," he reminds the man, and the room. "Not those that lurk in the shadows, twisted and corrupt."
"They'll follow the winner," the man replies, and smiles, just before the line snaps and he staggers like a drunkard.
Alptraum actually puts his hand on the man's shoulder. "Are you all right?" he inquires as he tries to steady him.
The man blinks, and seems to focus on Alptraum... and then his eyes go wide and he screams, trying to pull back.
Alptraum releases his hand. "Calm yourself," he says quiet and firm. "You are in no danger here."
"Where.. who?" the man asks in confusion, as if not knowing how he got there.
"Bara, can you have someone see to this man?" Alptraum calls back up to the dais, "He has been ... under influence. I have removed it, and I know its source. It is something I must tend to."
Sam is there soon enough, holding the man up and guiding him towards the back of the club.
Alptraum glances briefly to Tulani, then heads his way back up the stairs. "I have taken enough of your time. This was to be a night of happiness and I wish it to remain so. Therefore, I shall be departing," he says as he ascends.
"Thank you for visiting," Bara says.
As Alptraum reaches the top the shadow draws up rapidly in a violent wave. It literally explodes upward in a rippling torent of inkydarkness! Granted this is because Alptraum is in the center of it and it is behing used to hide the fact he's flying to the upper levels. The wave of shadow is chaotic in the extreme ... and worse, utterly silent. When it finally contracts away in the far above, Alptraum is gone, leaving the people to wonder if they just dreamed all that. Maybe the drink in this club really is that good.
There are a lot of gasps, and mutterings of 'did that just happen?' and 'are there mages here?' by those not fully convinced - or willing to believe - that a creature out of myth visited them, summoned by a song.
There are even a few scattered bits of confused applause.
Meanwhile poor Alptraus now way up in the balconies and having to slink of into an empty side room so he can shift back to spotty and bejeweled! "Maybe I overdid the exit a bit," he thinks.
Public appearances by demigods aren't common enough to have a real baseline.. but it probably isn't any more dramatic than a naked tattooed human riding on a silver dragon through the undercity.
Once Alptraum finds a place to hide ... the shift back will be done slower. He doesn't want to hurt again!
It takes a few minutes, and then comes reattaching the bling.. in the dark. There aren't any sounds of rioting outside at least.
The bling takes a bit, particularly that nose ring. It locks in very tightly so it will generally stay in, even if leashed. It only comes out when damage is imminent. Once Pierce gets it set back in and the other facial piercings restored (the lower chin one and the one across his brow), he slinks out of the room and tries to make his way back down without being seen.
The sound of rapidly moving feet rushes up the stairs, belonging to Honey. She nearly runs right into Pierce. "Oh, there you are! Did you hide?" she asks, panting. "I should have hidden! That was so scary!"
Pierce rubs his eyes as if he just woke up. "What was scary? he signs and then yawns toothily.
"Oooo, you slept through that?" Honey asks, her jaw dropping! "The scariest guy ever showed up! And.. gah.. you'd better be well rested! I'm all worked up now! Stupid sexy death gods.."
"Wait, what? What are you talking about? Scary who? Scary how? Sexy?" Pierce signs and looks pitifully confused.
"Tulani can fill you in," the Lapi doe says, still looking twitchy. "I need you to fill me in now though. A couple of times at least. To calm me back down!"
Pierce rubs his forehead. "I hear cold water helps for that too," he offers the lapi, then grins.
"Your tongue isn't cold enough," the doe pouts. "Besides, it's only a matter of time before people demand your attention."
"Why would the people here demand my attention?" Pierce signs.
"Well.. uh.. a lot of the men brought their wives tonight," Honey notes. "Eeee boobs aren't very interesting normally.. but you can make them more interesting.."
Pierce relents on teasing the poor doe. "I think we are near the dungeon. I imagine I can find plenty of things in there to calm you down in addition to myself," the feline claims, then takes the doe's hand in his left and leads her towards the 'dungeon' in question. "It is going to be a long, long, night," the poor cat thinks.