Post by Terra on Aug 5, 2008 3:02:56 GMT -5
Shishi sits against the bars of his cage that are shared with Terra's cell, his blue eyes a bit glazed over, the moans of other prisoners and the constant mashing and clanking of the machinery in the next room are tuned out, Terra and his most recent excursion that has gotten them imprisoned in this horrid place has left him with a few more wounds to add onto the ones he brought down here... His back is covered in shallow stab wounds and his thigh houses a deep hole from a spear as well, and the vampire's entire body is still littered with burns from holy water... His pain is constant and he does his best to ignore it as he does the cacophony of this prison. His mind is miles away, perhaps contemplating a pair of birthdays that are fast approaching while a dead fish swirls around in the murky waters of his enchanted scarf...
Terra: Every breath was more ragged than the last. One might assume it was due to the pain, the slight scratches and scrapes on her back and exposed leg weren’t the cause, but instead the gaping hole in the middle of her foot. But that wasn’t why she had entered this state of panic. It wouldn’t explain those worried glances afforded to the vampire near her, yet so far. It didn’t even begin to cover the meaning behind that glazed over gaze every time she’d glance towards the wound in his thigh. There were options to end this suffering … Without his permission, and hopefully without notice, the vampiress angled herself to slip a slender arm through the bars. ‘Pon his back splayed fingers would rest, and immediately there’d be a chill. The magic’s she’d call upon were not holy, would not harm Shishi in any way, and would do the opposite. While the burns wouldn’t fade, the nerves would begin to re-knit, gaining feeling and losing the charred bits. Most importantly, before his own eyes, the skin on his thigh wound would stretch, covering the hole in flesh while the inner parts began to work with one another. Of course, such a thing would not come without a price… Though her belief in nature as a ranger would allow her the power to cure, it would drain her of all energy. Withdrawing arm, she’d crawl away from the bars they shared, moving into the corner. Her wounds had slowly begun to fix themselves, her last meal had been a druidic healer, but would now stop entirely in the process. Blood continued to spill, staining her hands.
Shishi had stopped breathing... or at least he was going so very lightly, not interested on putting on his human charade, but the reflexes of his race of origin are difficult to overcome and he gasps lightly as a chill runs down his spine. His head tilts, eyes sliding in their sockets to glance over his shoulder. It takes him a few moments to understand what the sensation he's feeling really is...: relief... His mouth opens to protest, "Terra you don-..." but the damage has been done... and undone on his side of the cage. Terra is already retreating to her corner, a short trail of blood in her wake on the straw covered floor... He can only change the tense of his protests, "Terra, you didn't have to... You shouldn't have... Is there anything I can do? Your foot... I mean, you're loosing blood..." His features are more twisted up into a frown now than they were before, it would seem that this pair feels more pain for each other than they do for themselves...
Terra drew her foot beneath her, sitting on it in order to apply pressure. The fabric of her suede boot would hopefully hold together, take in whatever bloods it could at this point. Sweat dampened her forehead, and despite it all, she’d smile. Likely it could be a delusion, and a much happier one than this. Who’d blame her for having it? “No, Shi. You’re here. It’s good enough.” The edges of her world blurred, dimmed, and that smile lingered on her lips as she’d stare towards Shishi. As not to alert the ever-watchful guards, she’d lower her voice to a whisper, leaning in towards the bars. “We need to go, Shi. Things get dark quickly here.” A spinning hand found forehead, wiped away what damp regrets lingered there. Smile, smile. “And I’m out of cheese.” A giggle, reeking of hysteria was emitted. They’d need to leave. And soon. “You and I… We think the impossible is possible. Make us possible?” Not a clue in the world what she’d mean by that, she’d plead with gaze alone.
Shishi smiles weakly at her attempt at humor in this dark place, his voice dropping to a whisper to match hers, "Aye... but how to do it?" His voice falls more silent as he cautiously finishes, "Get out of here, I mean." Her final statement has him blinking through a bit of confusion and he looks away awkwardly, pretending to give the guards and their surroundings a thorough examination.
Terra wouldn’t notice the look-away, the faux examination, but she’d notice the dimming areas of reality. With foot still beneath her, she’d shift, attempting to apply more pressure. The pain that pulsed in protest was enough to have her thinking straight. Surroundings were taken in, and since she had never done such a thing, it was near impossible to find a solution. “I … don’t know, Shi.” Feeling as those she had failed the both of them, head would hang in shame. With the blood rushing to her face to make a blush appear, everything would swim once more. Exhaustion crept. “Your wound. Pretend to die. They’ll come to poke. Not many. Eat them. Mind the fur in your teeth.”
Shishi opens his mouth to agree with Terra's plan, he could take a few tiny rat guards with his wounds feeling a bit better, he was sure of it... But their conversation and planning would be cut short as in through the door bursts a brown furred ratman wearing a white apron, or it looks like it used to be white and is now extraordinarily filthy, covered in every kind of stain imaginable, flecks of food and blood caked onto the apparent cook's uniform. It seems ironic that the Fermin cook would even wear an apron as the brown fur he protects from kitchen splatters and mishaps is constantly bathed in sewage and all other types of gruesome filth during everyday life down here in this wretched city. The cook is accompanied by a pair of guards in rusted armor, carrying familiar gnawed shafted spears. The cook scrutinizes the pair of new arrivals in the prison, his nose twitching at their scent, some how he can tell that they are vampiric as he squeakily states, "They said I had one corpse in here, but I can see I have three..." He points into Terra's cage, "Get me the one that's not moving!" meaning the body the vampiress had been imprisoned with. With a nod and a cautious step forward one of the guard fumbles with a set of unskillfully crafted keys while his counterpart stands ready to help with the removal of the corpse using one of his paws while the other hand holds his spear out threateningly at Terra while her cage is opened, presenting opportunity perhaps, but not to the vampire that the pair had planned...
Terra was sure this would only end in further turmoil. Relying on herself to spring into action wasn’t a wise decision, but what other choice would they have? Their lives, and whatever shred of sanity that was retained, depended on this moment. With one good foot, she’d angle herself into a slight crouch. Careful not to put too much weight on that foot, she’d silently begin to count. The fermin moved into position, one taking the shoulders and the other had a leg; a claw clung to the spear that was still aimed in Terra’s direction. Perfect chance – without a thought, for if she thought ‘pon this, she’d back out – the vampiress shoved from the straw matted ground, launched herself into the air. Despite her weakness, the blood that had puddle in her corner, adrenaline and sheer desperation would propel her. As planned, the first fermin with his claws in shoulders would be struck from behind. His furred body fell forward, onto the spear that was supposed to be discouraging. A squeak of terror, of pain, fell from that crooked-teeth filled mouth. The second solider was dispatched just as quickly. With a snarl, she’d toss roll from the spear that was now lunged at her. Balanced on hands, the bloody foot was swung around and knocked the rat-man from his feet, collapsing on top of his hairless tail. His weapon was stolen, spun, and slid into his face. Tail whipped about, nerves enjoying their last 30 seconds. The chef, that blasted chef, had turn to run. Not minding the blood that covered her now, she’d toss the bloodied spear with accurate aim; the joys of being an archer. Its target was met, stained point embedding itself in the soft mousy flesh. Limping now, sure her foot was not only spilling blood but now broken, the vampiress would retrieve the keys. Fumbling for the appropriate one, she’d eventually reveal it and slide it into the vampire’s locked keyhole. Collapsing seemed like a good idea, but the words offered to Shi gave her a small boost of momentum. “We need to hurry. They’ll send more. Maybe a disguise…” The dead bodies were glanced towards, the vampiress in thought. “A waste. A shame. It’s like a wig.”
Shishi pokes impatiently at his top right fang with his tongue while he watches Terra dispatch the rats foolish enough to open her cage. Once she's finished and has opened his cell he steps out with a rather warm smile for the current situation, "Thanks Terra." and kneels down with a much less pronounced wince than earlier, stretched skin at his thigh being put under more tension as he drops to one knee. The spear that wasn't stuck in the cook, the one that had been disregarded to allow the carrying of what was to be the Fermin City's next meal. Breaking the shaft near the spearhead to make a smaller one handed weapon the vampire is about to set to work on Terra's suggestion of skinning the guards. Educated in the art of stealth since birth the assassin's mind stops his hands and he shakes his head lightly, "I'm certain they won't mind if we're blondes or brunettes when they find the two of us to be over five feet tall... Perhaps haste is more valuable than a disguise in this situation?" A clatter is heard in the next room above the constant clanking and whirring of machinery, along with a squeaking voice, "What's taking him so long!?" The vampire looks up to Terra and puts on a fanged grin, "We should go. And maybe I should be carrying you this time?" He says, casting a worried glance at her severely damaged foot.
Terra would glance towards the foot in question and quickly deny the offer. “If you’re too busy worrying over me, what’ll happen?” On that wobbly, broken foot she’d inch towards Shishi. Pain was clear on her face, but the desperation won out the war. Would they make it through? Or would their exit out be in ground up parts, shipped to restaurants for future meals?
Shishi wrinkles his nose at her question, 'We'll get out of here just fine.' is what he would like to say, but instead he withholds his answer, rising back up to his full height, this being one of the few places in this rat-sized city that he could do so. Another clatter comes from the kitchen and Shishi nods towards an alternate exit, much less than a doorway, it's more of a clawed out hole in the wall, "We need to go..."
Terra found the crook of Shishi’s arm, and used it to steady herself as she’d head towards the hole indicated. The hole was cozy, clearly not built for people of their size, but they’d make due. Thankfully, she’d need not remain on her foot; instead it would be hauled behind her, leaving a sticky trail of the blood she had just stolen that morning. The end of the hold was a sudden drop, straight into the sewage they had escaped previously. Hopefully the splash wouldn’t alert the guards, and that Shishi would take notice and be more careful when he came out of that end.
Shishi is right behind Terra as they crawl through the garbage and filth ridden hole. The knees of his pants dragging over blood stained dirt. Behind them some squeaking shouts are heard as an impatient cook has stormed into the holding area only to find three of his fermin brethren slain and two prisoners missing. The drop into sewage is anticipated and his splash is lighter than Terra's before him. Moving through the sewage they will find themselves beside the road in one of the rat city's more crowded intersections. The vampiric pair is hardly spared a passing glance by the scurrying, busy brown fermin as many of their kind swim in the sewage by the side of the roads to avoid traffic. Shishi is out of the disgusting waters quickly and spins around on one knee to offer Terra a hand to help lift her out after him. Across the bustling street there is a side road that will be their destination... It is recommended that they stay low to the ground to avoid the eyes of any armor clad traffic controllers...
Terra resisted the urge to gasp aloud when she realized what they were looking towards now. Several more of the creatures that had just recently imprisoned her –and some she had slaughtered—were decorating the sewage-covered floors in a mismatched pattern of tiles. It caused her head to spin, chest to tighten, all due to fear. She’d not return to that cage, not for anything. And with Shishi’s direction and aide, she’d stay low; ignoring the smell for it paled in comparison to what awaited them should they be caught once more. Careful not to splash too much more, she’d stay close to Shishi, the slime and grime beneath them caught her blood and irritated the wound. Suddenly, those rats looked tempting… and so did Shishi’s neck, which was closer than was comforting in that moment.
Cuki appears to be biting at his fingernails as he casually strolls into the intersection. Perhaps not the wises choice considering the filth covering him from head to foot. With nothing but a pair of pants which original color seems long forgotten Cuki seems to be bothered not by the damp chill of the under city. So easily is he lost in the city of rats. His movements have been mostly uneventful with little strife...at least until the crossing of fate. By pure luck he spots his clan-mates across the crossroads as they try to hide. A barrier of vermin separates them. Seemingly dazed the Monk calls out across crowd to his allies without thought of the events this might bring about.
Shishi spares Terra a look of concern as he leads her across the street through the crowds of scurrying brown fermin, only to notice that she's staring at his neck rather hungrily. He takes some time to protectively shrug up his shoulders, bringing the murky waters of his aquatic scarf up to cover his jugular. His distracted glance, however has him knocking into fermin en route, knocking the smaller creatures down as the pair passes by. Leaving a few angered fermin in his wake, the vampire will keep his eyes in front of him until they've successfully crossed the street and set foot on the oddly shimmering side road. The trail of toppled over rats that Shishi and Terra left in their wake should be easy enough to follow for the pair of rusted armored Black furred guards that dropped out of the hole the two vampires had recently emerged from. If the trail of blood and flustered fermin they left wasn't enough to give away their 'stealthy' escape then Cuki's shouts across the road to the vampiric pair certainly would as Shish's curiosity has him standing to his full height to identify the source of the friendly calls. The spear wielding guards will be out of the deep sewage and shoving their way across the streets in moments...
Terra was trying her hardest to distract herself, but the scent of her own fallen blood wasn’t making anything easier. Not to mention the attraction between the pair was only amplified in that moment in her lust for blood. Self-control waged a battle with the urge to drag him amidst the vermin’s bodies and have a quick snack, and only look at his concerned face had her resisting the urge. Lucky. Still, they’d trudge onward, and yet again the edges of her vision would start to blur. Far off, as if he were miles away instead of feet, she’d hear the sound of Cuki’s call… And that was the last thing she’d register for a scurrying fermin had accidently dug its claw into the hole in her foot, ripping away what skin had protected it. If they weren’t having enough trouble remaining undercover, that scream of pain that echoed in the enclosed area wouldn’t do a damned bit of good. In pain, she’d cling to Shishi, desperate for some sort of direction and consolation. Shameful behavior, yes, but she’d do anything to survive in that moment. The need for blood, even his, was forgotten in that moment, too far blinded by the pain that began to spread up her leg. The guards, ever-watchful, had heard that cry and pinpointed their location exactly. They’d begin to move faster now, much to Terra’s dismay.
Cuki takes on a bit of smile. At last something familiar. Yet he only manages to take a single step forward before his own greeting is returned by a row of spears from some odd nine rats. The Human blinks in amazement, not having met such creatures yet. "Well hello. How many I help you today?" Despite his attempt to be polite a point of the tiny pike is shoved into this face in a feeble strike. In haste the Monk does his best to dodge the jab. The harden tip catches the edge of his ear. Although not very damaging, it manages to bleed an unproportionally large amount. Such rudeness is quickly repaid in fold. Before the Fermin can retract the weapon a steady hand catches it several inches below the tip. With very little might he tears the shaft from the creature's armored hands and proceeds to introduce its butt end to its original owner's eye. However Cuki overestimated the fortitude of his foe. Instead it cleaves past the eye and bone to the back of the rat's helm.
Wren splashed about the icky sewers; but of course, that wasn't how he saw them. They were clean and smelled like pine needles freshly broken-- you know the scent. And the fermin? Cute, furry little things like large eyes that spearheaded your heart, and they were just the type of animal he wanted to cuddle. In fact, in all his glory (ragged clothes; really), the male was attempting to catch himself one of these adorable mice. There didn't seem to be any around, though... The ones he did see held no interest in him-- sure, they would lick his arm, but they ran away. Not too into violence, the illusionist was content in just chasing them. Coming to a more narrow part in the path, he stopped to lay down some cheese. It was scrumptious stuff, with a very strong scent that wafted easily to his nose. He sighed heavily and smiled widely; a hand pushed back the straw-like hair that fell in front of his eyes. It was then he saw the group. "Oh. Hello. Any of you catch one, yet?" Of course they must be attempting the same thing. In actuality, his weary clothes reeked of the various sewer-bits that at some point had waded up to his waist (swimming in a crystal clear lake, anyone?), eyes were smudged beneath with exhaustion and his exertion, and the poor lad was absolutely covered in various scratches and wounds. It might seem the fermin had decided not to bother with him too much... Superstitious of catching whatever Wren had; clearly, he had to be feverish with -some- sickness or another. Else, what the hell was wrong with him?
Shishi blinks once as he's clung to. One look at Terra's gushing foot explains the scream and her actions. An almost reflexive "Shhh..." passes his lips, it is both comforting and cautious. He won't pass up this opportunity to lift Terra up into his arms, her knees hooked over his left arm while his right forearm cradles her back. He won' take any subtle 'no's for an answer this time. Wren is barely spared a glance in Shishi's haste, 'how could anyone want to play down here in this horrid place, especially when I'm being chased!?' is the thought that skips across his mind. Cuki is spared a similarly short look as the monk is confronted but seems capable of protecting himself... The vampire's priority is his and Terra's safety. The vampires’ words echo through his mind, 'If you’re too busy worrying over me, what’ll happen?' New meaning is given to the question and the vampire's eyes begin to flicker through a transformation, their oceanic blue shade being diluted by a bright crimson hue. He takes a few steps while shaking his head... and then he turns to flee again, down the side street to the north, the black furred soldiers hot on his heels...
Terra wondered if anyone would notice if Cuki went missing. Blood had been spilled and the scent of it was overwhelming, her parched throat aching for it. Without thought, she’d move towards it, but Shishi had scooped her up and proceeded to carry her towards safety. While it was a far better plan than her own, she’d still sulk there, but no words of protest could be offered in that moment. Facial features went taut, pulled together in pain. If they didn’t leave here soon… she’d not be the only one with a hole. Someone would wear two puncture wounds, willing or not. Since he was her savior, Shishi would be spared, but that’s when she spotted Wren. He was dirty, dingy, and in that moment, there was nothing more perfect. As they passed him going in the other direction, she’d smile. “Mouse in my pocket, love. Come, follow me, and follow me. Er, follow him.” A nod indicated Shishi, whom had taken to carting her around, which she was all too thankful for. Until she’d note the color of his eyes. The only other time she had seem them that shade, she was certain he had spilled blood. Worry gnawed at the back of her mind, but its soft knocks wouldn’t open that door of thought.
Cuki gives off a small noise of disbelief. These little vermin think of him as less of a threat than Terra and Shishi who are hobbling away. Of the eight remaining two face the Human with their long, ugly mugs. With agile movement Cuki dodges the pointed tips they jab at him. Freedom from clothing has its benefits even if his torso is exposed. It isn't long before many small scratches run up and down the Monk from the swift rats. Patience runs short even before the two Cabalist exit the crossing. A single sloppy movement gives him the chance he was looking for in their attacks. Cuki slips under a high thrust intended for his head. As he flows under his enemy's defense he grabs the Fermin's wrist. As the Human stands he lifts the rat free from the ground, breaking its wrist in a tight squeeze forcing the spear to drop. Turning to the other Cuki slams down the defenseless guard onto its friend who tries desperately to defend himself. The tip of the spear, which was brought up to stop the assault, slices deep into living weapon doing little to stop the raw force behind it. A great snap is heard at the defender's neck as the flailing legs of his now dying friend crashes down. Yet Cuki does not stop there. Lifting the limp body back up he throws the creature at full force towards its other fellows who have turned the back.
Wren stopped and stared. If there was one thing even his over-active imagination could not change, it was what the vampires were actually doing-- and unmistakably, blood. It would have been almost enough to entirely shatter his self-illusion. The human would have been stuck seeing the world he was really in, and to feel the proper emotions. But quick! Luring words from an alluring woman pull him back to his fantasy... Of a sort. Mind ran rampant, scenery changed. Now he saw a knight of prestige carrying a wounded princess from the tower. Behind came the enraged dragons. And of course there was another knight, dressed like him, ready to protect the flank and get that woman to safety. Because, you know, that's what a knight does. The others hobbled off for a moment, so that the illusionist was left to watch the other knight defend the others from the horrible, angry dragons. Hands covered in mail clapped together a few times, and the man whistled from whet lips. Feeling rather useless, despite the sword hanging from his side, the male did remember that the woman had said she had one of those cute, furry things... Oh no, he hadn't forgotten about the mice, precisely. Jumbled, slightly confused at everything going on around him (he did find at times that life was easier not to question), Wren ran to catch up with the knight and princess. Whatever it was they were doing, wherever it was they were going: he was sure that it would be neat. In the meantime, he did have that nifty long sword should the need for it arise.
Shishi’s mind is full... These underground tunnels are dark, full of nothing but shadows. Worries of Terra's health and the pair's safety are slowly being pushed to the side by a myriad of whispers, shouts, and commands that has intruded his thoughts as he opened the communion with the shadows: 'We were waiting for you!', 'You can smell her blood, can't you Blue?', 'Oh... when was the last time you fed?', 'She looks too heavy, lighten your load...', 'Kill these rats chasing you first, she's not going anywhere.' This last bit of advice is taken, despite what it implied he do afterward. Skidding to a stop he spins around, Terra still held securely in his arms, luckily enough for her his attention isn't directed her way. The rusty armored Fermin are treated to a glowing red glare from the assassin. Terra is set down gently onto her good foot and eased onto her wounded one so that she's facing the direction Wren followed them in from. The vampire's demeanor is calm as the soldiers have already started charging for him. The darkness at Shish's feet begins to bubble as if reaching a boiling point with the accursed assassin nearby. Without warning, -besides the bubbling-, a spire of darkness shoots out from his feet, extending outward to impale one of the rat guards through rusted armor, into his chest. He'll wriggle there, his hind paws elevated off the grimy ground, as he quickly slips away to eternal sleep. It is a strange sight to see, blood trickling down the spike composed completely of solidified darkness... The second black furred soldier barely flinches at the apparent death of his comrade, staying the course of his charge, spear held out in front of him. Shishi is nonchalant in his angling of his body to allow the spear to violently pierce his left shoulder; the black entities controlling him now don't seem to have much concern for his health. No wince crosses his features, perhaps a light smirk though. Shadows swarm to the new wound, holding the weapon in place, not allowing the fermin guard to draw the weapon back. The vampire calmly presses an extended hand against the rust covered armor of the soldier, new voices entering his mind, shadows beneath the armor, they are giddy with anticipation. They'll be molded into forms similar to scorpions and other clawed, vicious creatures and quickly begin to tear away at fur and flesh, sending the soldier into a frenzy of pain. The ratman drops to the ground, rolling on his back while he frantically tries to remove his armor... slowly more shadows will swarm to his panicking body, enveloping him in darkness, muffling his squeaking screams until they have stopped completely... These murders may have only bought them a little bit of time, depending upon how many of the fermin Cuki had managed to topple over with his rat toss. Perhaps it would be better if Terra and Wren conducted whatever business the vampiress had in mind inside the cover of a building; the shop they had stopped in front of seems like as good a choice as any... A glance and nod towards that establishment are sent towards Terra, who knows if she's focused on him enough to catch them though...
Terra didn’t hear those voices, which was probably for the better as she would take insult to the ‘heavy’ bit. Gingerly, she’d pose on that one foot, watching Shi has he conducted business with these fermin. While he’d show no signs of the battle damage, she would. Every blow connected, to him or otherwise, caused her to cringe. And when that spear impaled him! The bottom lip that was caught between her teeth was bit into, blood pooling in her mouth in consequence. Though she’d swallow what she could, it’d still linger on teeth and chin, staining them in sanguine. Unable to look away from the vampire, she’d catch that look but there’d be no forward steps until his arm was claimed and he was walking –or limping, in her case- into that building with her. Bravery, or insanity, was rewarded with a smile towards Wren, the vampiress still attempting to lure him as not to pass up on a good meal.
Wren followed like a little puppy. The battle was hardly taken note of-- while cool and neat to watch, he had good faith in this man's abilities. Something about the vampire male screamed capability, nobility, all those 'ileitis', and bravery. A real knight... Or was he? A second look at his features bespoke of a lifetime of cruelty. Of depths to those eyes brimming with horrors and the way he moved, reminded the illusionist of an evil lord taking down a nation. A monster from the eyes of the villagers. And the girl, pulling his arm-- 'come away, leave the poor folk alone. They'll tear you down, they'll tear us down.' Creator. Of course, with the frankenstein-esque setting, it cannot be helped that he took to the monster's side-- the one that people didn't really understand, so they persecuted instead. Whether or not the two noticed it or were susceptible to it, in Wren's mind at least, the world changed. A hill with wheat swaying in the wind. At the top of the outcrop, a shack with boarded windows. The sky, darkening with the promise of a storm. With enough senses to run from the angry mob-- jabs of a pitchfork here, returned with a slice of a knife there-- he followed the two without hesitation. Sprinting ahead of them, he grasped at the knob of the door to open it, to who-knows-what inside. Freedom? Doom?
Shishi 's burning red eyes are startled to find blood trickling down Terra's chin from her lips. In a sanguine trance he can't help but stare, screams from the darkness in his head are drowned out by an overflowing of instinctual hunger, bloodlust. Another strong shake of his head casts such thoughts aside as the vampiress lead him into the magic shop, but for not very long, he can be sure. The spear jutting out of his shoulder had since been spit out by the shadows congregating at the wound, a kind of slurping sound is emitted at the weapons violent removal, the sound, along with the pain would earn a heavy wince from the vampire. Inside this oddly illuminated shop many of the voices in Shishi's mind become silent, he is relieved to find light here. The female fermin tending the shop doesn't seem too pleased with the troupe's arrival, a combination of fermin isolationism and dislike for people who dripped blood on her floor, though the city her shop was in might be improved with a few drops of blood to mask the smell of sewage... The sign: "No Loitering" most likely goes unnoticed, but if it is glanced upon it is ignored... should the ratwomen cause any problems, it is certain the crimson eyed assassin will have no qualms putting her in her place...