Curiosity Caught the Cat (Renee, Isis)

[lucius]

The smallest grin appeared at the very edges of the elder vampire's lips as Renee baited him for information concerning the disappearances and, subsequently, the slave trade. For a moment he contemplated biting in order to lure her more into his fold, but then decided against it. It would be too much of a gamble to make at that particular point in time with not as much to gain as if he just kept quiet of it for now. So, he merely allowed his expression to show some curiosity and helplessness, his shoulders giving the lightest shrug in response to who might be behind everything going on; it was not enough to say that he absolutely did not know, but it was assuring that he was not going to reveal it right now even if he did know.

"Ah, yes, you'll have to excuse Isis. She's just a little shy around new people, and a generally quiet person altogether," said Lucius, trying to further ensure that the Neko would not be too distrustful of the necromancer. Not yet, anyways. Now on the block which ZaneCorp tower occupied, Lucius decided it was the opportune moment to see if he could settle this without having to resort to force.

His blue gaze remained focused on Renee as the trio approached the central entrance of the massive tower, that same charming smile hanging out on his face. "What if I were to tell you, Ren, that I would be willing to offer you someplace more comfortable than the streets to stay? Protection from those behind the disappearances? Comfort and security?" Now standing outside of the door to ZaneCorp, Lucius stopped in his steps, looking at her as one of his hands reached to open the door for them all. "Assurance that you'll never have to fear the auction block or the jeering crowds of beasts bidding for your being?"

And there it was, the moment that would define what type of relationship Lucius would have this be. His hand continued to hold open the door to the building for her, guard (most likely vampires given their rather stereotypical love of leather uniforms and flashy weaponry) could see be walking around in the lobby, but otherwise paid no attention to them. Lucius kept his eyes on Renee as he held the door open for her, hoping that Isis was ready to bring out her friends if the Neko decided to reject further investigation of the media magnate's proposal.

[emiko]

It seemed she was getting nothing from this man about the strange things going on in the streets. He simply gave her a shrug, but no words. No matter, she didn't really need to know anyway. She didn't really care. As long as she was safe and away from slavery. She could steal slaves if she needed them but she would not be caught back at that club where she was sold. Besides, those damn vampires were able to calm her down. Drain her energy. She remembered the feeling even now. Almost as if they pulled the fight right out of her. "Nice to meet you, Isis," she said, her eyes holding happiness. "It's fine. I don't like mean, people, though, so I'm glad you are nice," she said, as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders.

"I'm kinda quiet too. I'm not shy, though," she said, though she knew that was obvious to most people. Renee peered over at Isis, wondering where the woman had gotten her clothing. Renee wasn't sure why she was dressed like that, but it really wasn't her business. "I like your clothes," she said warmly. Renee wasn't going to trust Isis, but she wasn't as weary of her as she had been before. Both of these people seemed really nice, though that could be too good to be true, really. What two random people on the streets were going to be so kind? Then again, maybe she was too paranoid. After the things that had happened in the past few days, though, you couldn't be too paranoid could you?

They were coming upon a large tower and Renee was distracted. She looked up to the very top, nearly falling from the dizzy feeling she got. "Wow!" she exclaimed, never having been so close to the tower. It was even bigger when you were closer to it, it seemed. It didn't help that she was shorter than most and felt like an ant next to it. "Think I could see you down here if I was at the top?" she asked curiously. But Lucius started talking and brought her eyes back to him. She took a step away from him, eyes moving from Isis to Lucius. 'Damn. If I refuse...' she thought, but she had an idea. She couldn't take up his offer. She didn't belong here. She belonged at home. Well, what home she had. Which she didn't. But not here, not with him. "I'm sorry, I couldn't intrude that way," she said with an apology in her voice. "It's kind of you to offer, though," she added, taking another step back.

She didn't understand the reason he would want to take in a stray Neko off the street. People despised her kind. Inside the building was vampires, it seemed. 'Fuck. He brought me here so his minions could snap me up if I refused him,' she thought, wanting to dash off. She turned to leave, thanking Lucius again for the kind offer.

[Deleted]

She stayed silent, just smiling at Renee. It would be weasier for Isis if nothing was said right now, not when the proposition was being spoken. Thta itself would be interesting enough. The way Lucius put it, if Isis didn't know his true intent, the actual point of the walk they had taken, their excursion from the household, seemed kind, actually, which was just the way he wanted it to appear. But the Neko wanted to dash out, to flee to her streets and poverty, her life of stealing and seducing. A quick glance at Lucius, and the questioning of him with a small but confident, "Master?" told Isis that she should continue, her stand changing slightly, her weight equally proportioned, iris making up the content of her eyes, dark and unforgiving.

There were many variations of the dead that Isis could summon. One of her favorites were simply the spirits, the ones that did no harm an were either translucent or solid, and whole, nothing damaged, good ghosts, who talked and were civil, not mindless in the least. And then, there were the ones that ded in combat, with regrets that ate away at their souls, so that they stayed the same way even after death, having split-open heads, hearts torn out, half eaten faces . . the list goes on. Those would be the best in this situation, to get Renee to obey Master Lucius. And they appeared, the bodies materializing, stopping the Neko from going any further. There were a few of them; two were soldiers from a previous war, still in their uniorms, smelling of eath, reeking of it, the injuries they had sustained still there, in all their gruesome glory. As well, there was an assassin as well, half his ribcage gone, rotting flesh where living once was.

[lucius]

Lucius let out a sigh, his smile fading away and a tired look of disappointment finding its way onto his face. "I had really hoped that you would say yes, my dear," said Lucius disappointedly, removing his hand from the door and letting it shut. He would hold it open for the Neko no longer; now she would be forced into it. "I don't like rejection much," murmured the elder vampire, calmly folding his hands behind his back as Isis began to summon the spirits.

He remained calm and unmoving as the gruesomely deceased creatures materialized around the poor, perhaps-not-so-unsuspecting Neko girl. Where his face was once kind and friendly, he now wore a rather unenthusiastic, disinterested look about his handsome features. "I offered you protection from the dangers on the streets, and asked you to hear me out," said Lucius, his voice carrying through the screeches of the necromancer's ghouls. "I am not asking anymore. I offer clemency only once. Now, I am ordering compliance, my dear."

A vampire appeared in the entranceway to the tower, holding a collar in his thin hands. Lucius raised a hand, motioning the man to stop and wait until Isis and Lucius were done playing games with Renee to attach the collar to the cat-girl. Slavery was the best option to control her at this point.

Lucius stepped forward, walking among the dead without a worry or fear as the ghastly creatures terrorized her. "I can make it stop, Ren," he said, his voice gentle once more as he gazed at her, his hands still folded behind his back as he let the dead creatures fly about them. "All I demand is your obedience to my will."

[emiko]

The emotions here were changing, Renee noticed. 'Fuck me,' she thought angrily, peering over at Isis while moving away. There was something different about her now, her eyes were darker it seemed. She questioned her master and Renee didn't waste any time trying to get away. She heard Lucius talking and she rolled her eyes. 'Too good to be true,' she thought, shaking her head. But something was happening now and things were coming forth, blocking her exits. her eyes widened and her hair stood on end. She hissed, a low growling coming from the back of her throat. 'What the hell?' Her thoughts jumped from one race to another, trying to determine which one could do such things. Illusionists would be able to do this, but those were illusions. These looked real. Her cold, cruel eyes turned on Isis. "You are going to kill me?" she whined.

There was a strange look on her face as she turned to Lucius. Rage, hatred, pure venom was in the look she gave him. It was strange that such a cute little girl could seem to violent. His own features had changed, really, and he looked cold now. She hissed, revealing sharp teeth. "Suck it," she said, her voice dripping with malice. She was more quiet than usual when angry, though, as long as he didn't provoke her. She didn't speak, though there was hissing and growling coming from her mouth. Oh how she really hated people at this moment. They had seemed so kind, she should have known that it was all fake. Even though she looked slightly threatening she was still cute, though more scary than before. Only a few minutes ago there would have been nothing intimidating about Renee, but now she made up for that. She seemed so cruel and heartless.

A vampire came forward with a collar and Renee groaned. 'You have got to be kidding me. Not again,' she thought, glaring. She hissed visciously at the monsters before her. She was beginning to figure it out though, the seemed to be the pets, or something like that, of Isis. So if she controlled Isis, she controlled them. Her eyes turned on the human, still giving her the same look. "You don't want this for me. Slavery? Just like you have? You know you don't want me to live in the same situation," she said, trying to calm her voice and allow the influence to move over Isis. "You think living on the streets is bad? Slavery is worse," she said, sighing a bit but still looking violent. Her tail was still poofy and her ears were layed back against her skull.

Now Lucius seemed to be slightly gentle again but she wasn't fooled. "You are heartless, Luc," she growled. She tried to find a way out, tried to escape from them. She moved away from the creatures only to find herself getting closer to Lucius. She jumped away from him, her eyes seeming wild and feral. She didn't want this. She wanted away from him. She didn't care what his intentions were, she didn't want to see him. Her eyes danced over the group. She was badly outnumbered, though if she could get Isis she thought she might have the upper hand.

[Deleted]

It was easy to just let Lucius do the work. All Isis really had to do was stop Renee from escaping, and that was no problem to the necromancer. The deal was struck and Renee had refused, which was something Isis wouldn't have done in her position. It would probably be better than living on the streets, stealing like she did. It was easier to just have a home to come to, to help someone and make his life easier, for in turn, so was hers. As well, there was small satisfaction by doing so, though it was different than what Isis had felt before. Maybe it was the fact that she literally belonged to him. Either way, it didn't matter here.

Renee spoke and her words caused more pity to well up, but whether her influence or the fact that Isis was simply human caused it, she wasn't sure. But Isis couldn't let Master Lucius down, she never had done so, and din't plan on it now. Besides, the punishment wouldn't be something Isis would look forward to. Self-preservation was always a top for humans, and a necromancer at that. Seeing and controlling the dead quite often sobered you up, made you think a bit differently. Her eyes closed for a split second, shaking Renee out of her head. Priorities were reorganized, her human mind pushing aay emotion now, focusing on her task now. Isis shook her head, blonde hair falling over her still dark eyes, her concentration not breaking, for she refused to obey a Neko, who was the one who pulled herself into this situation.

"No, Renee. Get out of my head. You're not welcome there," she said, low and fierce, ignoring the rules she usually obeyed, though she could still feel the Neko, lurking within her mind. "I only do as I'm ordered." And her black eyes met Renee's her resolve stronger than anything right now. Her puppets moved, shifting postition.

[lucius]

Like any beast that was cornered, Lucius noticed Renee grow much more violent and unpredictable, bouncing around like a feral animal and hissing like a creature far beyond the intellectual standards she was capable of. Over the years, the elder vampire had realized that this often seemed to be the case when more beastly beings were trapped in impossible situations; lycans, werewolves, nekos, and the like. Of course, Lucius had known many vampires who resorted to such primeval reactions in such situations, and merely chose not to associate himself with them.

He watched with mild concern as Renee tried yet again to use who influential abilities on Isis, and was pleased to see the necromancer resist. Loyalty was so hard to find these days. The blue orbs of the ancient vampire returned to Renee, and he arched an eyebrow as she addressed him directly again. Heartless. He pondered the word for a moment, continuing to slowly advanced towards her as the necromancer's scary things flitted all around them, completely unperplexed by the expired denizens of the netherworld.

"Heartless, you say? I asked you politely first, Ren. Can you not see that I am trying to make your life better? I can use you, my dear, and you can use me," said Lucius, his voice remaining calm. He was not easy to anger. "Come now, submit and I will make the nightmare stop. Continue on this destructive path, and the consequences become more severe. I am only speaking the plain truth now. Save yourself the pain and misfortune and accept what is most certainly the future that fate has forced upon you."

[emiko]

Renee wondered how this situation could go. First, she could have accepted his first offer, but probably eventually been sold as a slave. He was a liar, why wouldn't he lie about protecting her? Second, she could give in now and they would take away the creepy things that were keeping her from escaping. That might end up with her being his slave and perhaps getting at least a little good treatment from Lucius. Third, she could try to influence Isis again. Renee felt like she could get somewhere there, but of course Lucius could probably stop her before trying. Or, last but not least, she could put up a fight right now and try to get away. That could go one of two ways. She could be captured and most likely treated like crap by her new master, this Luc fellow. Or, she could actually get away with fighting and go back to her home. But that might mean having to hide from Luc. Unless he thought she wasn't worth his time.

She turned away from Isis quickly when the woman said she wasn't allowed in her mind. It didn't matter, Ren was already there. "Yes, do as your told you little pet," she muttered. She found Isis to be a little more pathetic now. Stupid bitch. She could be away from here, not a damn slave to this man. Renee hated having to revert back to this untame seeming animal she was being. It was so degrading. She stopped speaking, her mind racing. There were several things she could do, but she wasn't sure which one to try. She might have been able to make her escape if she fought him. But these odds were not good for her. It was obvious she was thinking over the situation. She now stood in a defensive position, looking around her. She was no longer on her own territory. He had the upper hand. Not only did he have this slave, but the vampires inside. Renee wasn't stupid. She couldn't win this fight.

Her eyes began to show that she realized how futile trying to escape was, but she didn't stop her hissing and growling. She would put up as much fight as she could. He was nearing her still and she tried to back away but those nasty ghost like things were behind her. She couldn't get away from either of them. Who was less likely to harm her? The monsters, surely. She stood between the two, though, staring Lucius straight in the eyes. Her messy hair was down near her eyes and she lifted a hand to push the strands away. He was speaking now but she dind't want to listen. Her ears were still flat against her skull but she was hearing what he said. Her eyes moved quickly over the people and she almost looked scared now. Perhaps once she became his slave she could escape or be released. Just like what happened when she had been Kayen's slave. He let her go. Perhaps Luc would as well.

She heard him talk about using her and letting her use him. He could make this nightmare stop. She seated herself on the ground, making herself even smaller. She stared up at Lucius with her crazed, angry eyes. Her long nails dug into her shorts and she hissed at him, almost daring him to lay a hand on her. She wasn't going to go willingly, but she wasn't stupid enough to try and fight her way out of this.

[lucius]

She was not making this easy at all, but Lucius was not entirely perturbed by the fact. About two thousand years into walking around the planet were his, and he had learned quite well the virtue of patience. Everything fell into place eventually, requiring only the will to persevere and be patient. Just like, with patience, this situation too would go his way, one way or another. She had an ability he found useful, and he was insisting upon having it in his employ. He had his goal. All he needed to do was wait until that goal was met, with no reason to hurry. Immortals who worried about time were such oxymoronic morons to him.

Now standing directly in front of her as the Neko's small form crouched down on the ground, a somewhat defeated and yet still dangerous stance about her, Lucius tilted his head somewhat, gazing at her curiously. She had such a will to fight to ensure that she was not enslaved, cherishing her freedom so much. Again, he found it to be so illogical, for even on the streets she had no real freedom to act and do as she chose; no securities around her; the necessity to steal in order to survive. How certain creatures clung to their illusions of liberty with such fervor baffled the elder vampire to a great degree.

The threat of some physical pain did not deter Lucius easily. Yes, he preferred not to endure it, but it was of no major consequence to him. He was more annoyed with the fact that any physical pain she caused him would probably end up ruining a perfectly good suit. Oh well, thought Lucius. She would be worth far more. "I am sorry it had to come to this, but you have no idea how useful you can be to me. And do trust my word when I say the less of a fight you put up, the more comfortable you'll live," said Lucius, adding that last word as a consolation in and of itself. She could have been a snack for a werewolf by now. He reached one of his strong, slander hands forward, swiftly grabbing her and throwing her over his shoulder, ready for whatever claws or teeth would probably come his way as he turned around and walked back to the building with her over his shoulder.

"Thank you, Isis. You can send your pets home now," said Lucius, glancing sideways at the necromancer as he approached the man with the collar to put on Renee.

[emiko]

Renee actually had very little patience, though she did have very good self-control. That might have not been obvious at the time, seeing as she was being so crazy. She had no intention of making this easy for him and she wondered if that was beginning to bother him. He seemed to be patient, though, which pestered her a bit. Renee wasn't really immortal which was one reason she didn't want to be a slave or even be here. She wanted to live her life the way she wanted to, not the way he wanted her to. The little Neko didn't want to die a slave. This was a new thing to her and this was the second time she was going to be put into slavery. Though, this time was a little less agressive for them and more aggressive for her. This time she wasn't pinned to the ground with knives at her throat. She didn't know which one she prefered, really. She would have almost rather been dead.

Yes, Ren clung to her ideas of freedom. She loved living on the streets. She was willing, she was brave. She got things done that needed to be done. Now he was about to pull her away from her stolen items, from the humans she was used to influencing. She had no protection out there, though, but she could use humans. It was better to have them killed than her. Humans were worthless to her. They had no reason to be alive. So fragile, so useless. It was sad, really. She felt bad that they had no reason to be alive. Their lives were short, too. Not like vampires and werewolves. Even Neko's seemed to live a bit longer than the pathetic humans. Why did they deserve to live here among the Neko's and vampires? Or even those nasty lycans. Oh how she hated lycans and werewolves. How disgusting. She would rather kill them than be in the same room as them. This thought made her remember the tiny knives she had in her clothing. Maybe she could cause a bit of pain here.

She listened to him apologize and she smirked. If he was truly sorry he would let her go. He thought she was useful? What could she do for him? Besides, he couldn't use her unless she agreed, right? So his ideas were faulty. She wouldn't do anything for him and why would she? he was taking her in and making her a slave. 'Such a jerk,' she thought. His next movements surprised her. He reached down, picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. She blinked a minute, a little thrown off. She was so tiny against him, though. She felt very high up. She dug her fingernails into his back, more for balance than to hurt him. She then hissed and began kicking as she regained her composure. She moved one hand down in her clothes and bit his back as hard as she could. She was flailing and trying to be released by him. She pulled a tiny knife from her clothing and shoved it in his flesh as hard as she could.

"Stupid bastard, how dare you touch me!" she growled, glareing at his slave for a moment while moving around. She would be harder to hold while she was flailing around like that. She tried to elbow his head, punch his back, harm any part of her body she could. Unfortunately she was too short to kick him in the place she really wanted to kick. She was hissing at the man with the collar as they neared him, hoping to frighten him a bit so he wouldn't want to come near her. "You don't want to do that," she said to the vampire, influence in her voice again. She was already going over his emotions, letting herself into his mind. On of her hands moved back to Lucius' head, digging in her nails. She wanted him to know she wasn't going to make this easy for him. She wnted him to rethink his plan.

[Deleted]

The struggle the Neko put up was interesting, yet pathetic and futile. It made Isis wonder how hard-headed a person could be, to want their freedom so much to fight against impossible odds. Renee's words unsettled her, and she glared right back at her, lips sset in a stubborn way. There was no way she would let another slave criticize her ways. It was reward over punishment here, and Isis didn't want the latter. Nobdy in their right mind did.

As Lucius commanded, her concentrartion broke, eyes reverting to their normal state. The bodies fell, before turning to dust, nothing now. Turning back to find Renee glaring at her, Isis returned the favor, though Renee wasn't as menacing when being held like a kitten by Lucius. That made her smirk, and so, curious when the other vampire attempted to put the collar on. Her influence was something, that was for sure. It wasn't like a tidal wave, crashing down on you, more like it just snuck in your mind, a sort of mist that went wehere she commanded. It was annoying once you realized that it was happening to you, if one didn't wished to be invaded in such a way.

The nercomancer was tempted to say something to Renee, but if she was going to be stuck living here with the Neko that was already pissed off at her, that probably wasn't the bect idea. So, Isis simply shrugged, leaned up against the wall of the tower, and watched the battle of wills between master and newfound slave.

[lucius]

A hiss emanated from the lips of the elder vampire as she jammed the knife through his flesh, his sharp teeth suddenly becoming present and his eyes growing dangerously paler. "That was not nice," scowled Lucius, his blood now staining the black outfit her wore. So much for that. After some more of her obnoxious blows to his head and upper body, he had decided that he was have quite enough of that and reached up with one hand, grabbing her by the back of her neck. He held her out at full arm's length, as one would pick up a cat by the back of the neck, casting her a momentary glare before regaining his composure. His eyes returned to their normal state, and his teeth receded once more.

Those same blue eyes shifted over to other vampire, who had been holding out the collar but was now seeming to hesitate a bit. Lucius rolled his eyes. "Weak-minded idiot. She's playing with your head," said the elder vampire, reaching out with his other now-free hand and snatching the collar from the hands of the other. "Go away." The vampire happily retreated into the shadows of the lobby.

Lucius returned his gaze to the flailing Neko in his hand, his own clothes now stained with blood as the various scratches she gave him slowly began to heal. "In hopes that there is some trace of reason within you, I am going to ask one more time if you will at least listen to my proposition," said Lucius, walking into the lobby of the building and tilting his head to motion Isis to follow. Once they were inside, he had the doors locked. "You're not getting out of this now, but if you agree to listen it will make it much more bearable for you, I assure you."

He stared at the Neko, awaiting her response. She was hold at full arm's length in one hand, seeming so small and insignificant in his grasp, while her soon-to-be collar was held in his other hand, ready to be thrust upon her neck to force her into what would be a rather painful first few days of servitude if her attitude kept up. But, Lucius was always willing to talk. Apart from slaves that clean, exist to fuck, or actually do have some sense of loyalty, people who did actual work and assignments tended to work so much better if they enjoyed their work and got something out of it. A greater amount of freedom and reward for his slaves was just better for business.

[emiko]

A satisfied smile appeared on her face when she heard him hiss. She didn't stop with her kicking and hitting, though. She had been hoping he would have dropped her after she stabbed him. His words made her laugh a bit, almost sounding hysterical. "No, really?" she muttered with a bit of sarcasm. She pulled the knife out with the intention of stabbing him again but he grabbed her by the back of the neck. She squirmed a bit as he held her in front of him. His eyes were different and she could see his fangs. 'Ew,' she thought, glaring. She grew still, finding it a little painful to flail around like that. She hung limply now and stared at him with cold eyes. They changed a bit, holding a bit more sadness now. She stared him straight in the eyes and looked worried and slightly upset. His eyes changed back and his teeth seemed to go away. She pouted a bit at him.

She saw that her influence seemed to be working on the vampire. Lucius didn't seem too happy about that one. Perhaps if this vampire was so easily persuaded the others here would be as well. Maybe that would be her way to escape. These thoughts gave her a bit of hope. Surely he couldn't hold her here forever. Could he? She studied the guard vampire and gave him a look that asked for pity. Surely he would feel bad for her. Maybe not all vampires were cruel. If not, she could make him feel bad for her. She saw Luc take the collar from the other vampire and she squirmed a bit. "Help me," she said softly to the other vampire, but Lucius had dismissed him and he was leaving. She took in the smells around her. That smell from the dead was still lingering and she couldn't stand it. Lucius smelled like blood, which made her feel satisfied once more.

When they entered into the lobby Renee couldn't help but look around. Her eyes moved over her new surroundings, trying to find a way out or perhaps just memorize what it looked like. She was amazed, really, having never been in a place quite like it. Luc started talking and distracted her, causing her eyes to move to him now. There was a bit of curiousity in her big amber eyes now, like a cat who couldn't wait to explore. "Fine, I'm listening," she said, her ears perking forward as if to prove that she was. The doors were locked and Renee moved her hands up to his arm, moving her fingertips over his skin. She moved her long nails over his arm now, though not breaking the skin. She was wanting him to let her go. She couldn't stand to be held like this. She felt like digging her nails into his arms, but she knew that wouldn't get her anywhere at the point. She was locked into this dreadful, though actually quite interesting, place.

[Deleted]

The vampire that was under Renee's influence slightly was dismissed, and Isis shared a sympathetic look with him, shrugging her shoulders. She didn't need words to communicate when you lived like this. It was easier, almost, and there was the freedom to do as she pleased when her services weren't required. Her attention was brought back to the neko situation, and followed the two inside, his offer standing again, just for her to at least listen. Isis rolled her eyes, fingers brought up to claw at her tattoo. It seemed, no matter how many times she bled from there, it always came back with the regenerating skin, not leaving, ever. Her fingers scratched at it, now raw, and she wiped them on her baggy pants, brown eyes finding Lucius and Renee, still trying to negotiate, at least, in a way.

A hand ran through her hair, short and blond, thinking. Why was she still needed here? It wasn't like Lucius didn't have any other guards; in fact, the whole place was alive with other vampires and races of servants or workers of his, but still . . there was that small bit of satisfaction that she could help in some way. The walls and floors of this building were corporate and cold, but the pulsations Isis could feel were full of warmth, telling how many people were in the building and where exactly they were. It was another interesting ability of hers, to say the least. As well, she didn't know of any necromancers, so it was pretty interesting to find that you were the only one of that kind around, if not a tad bit lonely.

Her eyes followed Renee's hand, its owner's intent obvious. She shook her head, a sad smile n her face. Apparently, the neko had a lot to learn when dealing with Lucius. Interesting, yet frustrating as well. But it seemed like she was at least interested in what he had to say now, so perhaps Renee would hate her that much, at least, when she was sent on her way to the slaves' quarters, with her new collar.

[lucius]

Fear and love were the two greatest weapons and methods of control in the world, and Lucius had a substantial deal more of the former of the two; he was working on the latter, but it was just so much more difficult. So, as the trio settled into the lobby of the majestic tower, the receptionists, patrons, and employees all scattered away to give the elder vampire his space. He kept Isis close by primarily for that special strength of hers; fear. The dead scared many when, rather than lying in the ground, they waltzed about. He needed the necromancer in case the neko attempted any more futile and dangerous antics.

As Renee's fingers and nails glided up and down his arm, the ancient blood-sucker's blue eyes peered down at her hand curiously, almost if contemplating some inexplicable and foreign gesture. Then, obviously satisfied with her offer to listen, he leaned down and placed her back on the ground. "Just don't try running, okay, love? The entrance is sealed and you'd just cause a big and unnecessary mess in here," said Lucius as he crossed his arms over his chest, gazing at the young Neko before him.

"Now, let's have a much more civil conversation, shall we? Let me formally introduce myself. I am Lucius Erif, CEO of ZaneCorp," he began. His voice did not hold any particular haughtiness or arrogance to it as he introduced himself; he presented things as if they were mere immovable facts of life. "I'm in the information business. Media and technology. You see, I make it my business to know everyone's else business and keep that power of information in responsible hands." Of course, by responsible, he meant wealthiest-- whoever was willing to pay his prices for what he knew. "Lycans and werewolves are a bit too brutish and rash to trust with running anything safely. Angels are too high-minded. Humans are pathetic pests, but easily controlled-- I control their news, which means their pathetic excuse of government in this city. No, they cannot be trusted to run things by themselves. So, I step in to help them all."

He tilted his head at Renee now, a small grin dancing across his handsome features. "You have a special skill, Ren. Weak minded fools can be influenced to say or do certain things if you ask nicely. I could use that in my endeavors to ensure efficiency and stability in this city. You also have a knack for stealing things, and I for collecting them. In exchange for your services, you can live in comfort and security, safe from being captured by Lycans or Vampires again to go to the auction block," said Lucius, leaning down somewhat towards her, his voice a little more gentle and quiet. "We could be of great service to each other, Ren. I will essentially be offering you comfort and protection to just do what you already do. You won't find a better arrangement anywhere else, I assure you."