A firm hand

[Liam Seymour]

Shadows moved swiftly barely noticeable in the dim light of the evening, the last rays of the sun were dying on the horizon the perfect time of day to Liam's mind, or else when the sun rose, poor Vampires never being able to witness such a sight, he did feel sorry for them, he felt utterly alive when the warm rays of a morning sun fell upon him it was part of what kept him going through the monotony of this dismal war, that and the adrenaline when he was in an actual fight, there was nothing like it and unlike others who could cave under the pressure, he thrived on it. Only the sharpest of eyes would have seen the swift Lycan in his prefered human form slipping effortlessly from shadow to shadow. Already the half moon was beginning to rise but it offered little light so he knew he was well hidden...for now.

This place had once been a thriving skating park, but with mutilated bodies found there time and time again; after vicious brawls between Lycan and Vampire it had been closed and had steadily fallen into disrepair, the many obstacles forming the perfect staging ground for a decent fight; something Liam always loved. Yet tonight he wasn't looking for a fight, not for himself at least, but for the three Lycans he was helping to train up, he'd taken them under his wing, much like Hrothgar once had, and was now offering what few pearls of wisdom he could give, personally he believed much could be learnt true but they needed a natural gift for a fighting and they'd shown little promise to his eyes. Holding out a hand he signalled for the three younglings to move forwards, they'd been holding back but now rushed forward at his command as the broad shouldered Lycan stepped from the shadows, his eyes still roving about the landscape for the slightest stirring of a leaf, as the three lined up and did the preposterous thing of saluting he waved it away grumbling, "there's no need for that nonsense," true he was their elder, but that didn't necessaraily make him their better, he'd learnt that through the years.

"Ok what did you do wrong?" Liam asked a little forlornly, the exasperation plain in his voice as he moved with effortless grace towards them, stepping right up to them staring unblinking at them as they tried fruitlessly to engage him in a staring contest they couldn't hope to win.

With a shared look of confusion each looked to the others hoping they'd know the answer, "you didn't bleeding well look," he cried giving the bulkiest one nearest, who happened to be the eldest, Jason, a swift jab in the ribs. Showing them with a ridiculous gormless expression on his face and mocking even their movements out, he exaggerated completely making their walks look incredibly slow and ponderous as he scratched his head as if he were a dumb stone age man. Rolling his eyes he continued in his tone of exasperation, "you don't just believe my signals" he lectured, "I could have missed something, and then you'd have walked into a bloody trap. Don't trust anyone...not even me." He grumbled angrily tutting loudly his eyes fell harshly upon the youngest, "Fred," he barked, Fred visibly tried to stand up straighter and tense his muscles, no that just doesn't work kid." The Lycan, little more than a boy, visibly sagged ruffling his hair affectionately he said, "you're gonna stay on guard duty," turning to the other two, "while you pair start sparing, I want to see some decent punches, human form to start with."

Without a word they all nodded, wily Craig diving for the far larger Jason before he could even react and tackling him to the ground, raining in blow after blow before he was kicked off and their match began proper, under the beady eye of Liam who chuckled on seeing a decent left hook that nearly knocked the small Craig flat. As Fred started trotting off he found his movement arrested by Liam's hand darting out and latching upon his collar, hauling him back, "stay close Freddie." Hanging an arm about the youth's shoulder he pointed out where the sparring pair were going wrong, giving him helpful tips and advice as he instead continually looked about for the slightest disturbance around them.

Liam didn't want anything happening on his watch, these kids were his responsibility and he was potentially endangering them bringing them here, but he knew Demetrius was sending out a raiding party through the marshland that night so the Vampires should have their hands full, Liam knew he'd best stay alert though...very alert.

[Ranvier Flynn]

Ranvier watched the clock upon his wall as the second hand ticked away condescendingly, he had only wanted to get out of the Mansion all day, Silas had been driving him mad currently, still moaning about the whole Antonia nearly dying fiasco. As if it was his fault, if he recalled correctly it was him that had saved the youngling from falling from the tall building. And unfortunately there was only so much you could wind the old grump up by without losing a couple of limbs. Though only Ranvier was ever likely to test these limits and get away with it.
The second hand continued to painstakingly tick away, seconds dawdled past such as an ‘old’ aged human on a Zimmer frame, almost as if it were mocking him, and he had found himself ever so tempted to throw a Shuriken its way on more than one occasion.

Moving swiftly over to his leather couch in the corner of his quarters he took hold of his short sword which rested precariously on its arm, twirling it round delicately in his fingers, he read the inscription upon its hilt, allowing a small smile to grace his lips, Ranvier then carefully placed it into the pocket in his leather jackets left upper arm. Glancing back at the clock, he noted how now he had not been watching and waiting for it time had returned to its normal pace once again. The sun would be disappearing at this precise moment, and he would be able to stretch his legs properly again.
Walking over to his dark shuttered windows, he threw them open, a few brief and final rays of light entered the room, though vanished almost as quickly as they had appeared. Coming to a halt, he shut his eyes. He could sense Silas not two rooms away, pacing from wall to wall wearing away the carpet. Alex was downstairs in the kitchen, probably shouting at the younglings for leaving blood out of the fridge once again. Laughing to himself he opened his eyes once again and shaking his head slightly he muttered “What a family eh.” And with that Ranvier jumped through his open window and landing silently on the ground below, sprinted swiftly and silently towards the buzzing city.

Jumping from rooftop to rooftop unhindered as usual, not even the weather was against him this evening, a cloudless star strewn night, with a bright glow coming from the now half moon. Ranvier was on the buildings bordering the outskirts of the city, it was alot quieter here, the dull thud of music and drunken shouts being emitted from Underworld could be heard still. And that was with his heightened hearing, so for people living in this part of the city it could not be too bad. Ranvier made his way to the edge of the buildings, looking toward the more rural area. Sitting on the edge of the roof, he dangled his legs swinging them to and fro, slowly breathing in the cool air. When he got a small whiff of ...Lycans. Looking in the direction of the smell, he could see glinting in the moonlight the skate park ramps. Well he at least presumed them to be called ramps, humans nowadays, were pretty much lost on Ranvier, with those stupid televisions and such. But he had something over Silas; at least Ranvier had learnt how to work a phone.

Shadows moved around at the base of the ramps, two of which were fighting, though it was nothing major, not a real fight. No proper hits were being made designed to hurt each other. Getting to his feet, Ranvier stayed low to the roofs jumping to buildings closer to the skate park to access the situation better.
Reaching the building closest to the skate park, Ranvier moved to the edge of the building once more, staying low and lying on his front crawling forward gradually.

Looking down to the scene below, Ranvier now saw four Lycans, two of which were fighting, another smaller Lycan was moving around busying himself by attempting to keep watch. Though not very successfully, though he was a mere boy, and of no pressing concern. Though Ranvier would not fight them anyway, he did not enter battles unless it was necessary. Then Ranvier looked to the fourth and eldest of the present Lycans, he recognised him from previous battles. Though they had only been brief clashes. This Lycan was keeping watch on both the training youngsters and his surroundings also. Though he spent long intervals watching the training, of the two eldest boys. And was much less alert to his surroundings than he should have been. Smiling slightly, Ranvier was not one to miss out on an opportunity, and unnoticed by all, he slipped from the top of the building, to the large ramp behind the gaze of the elder.

Dangling his legs off the edge once again, he looked down at them all. “Intriguing...” Ranvier started relatively quietly but it carried to each of those present. “Very intriguing indeed, try that last move again kid, that could work very well indeed..” He said smiling down at them all; Ranvier had reverted back to his human form before making his presence known. When introducing yourself to someone it would hardly do to kill them of shock straight off.
Keeping his attention to the still duelling younglings, he then continued, “But i suggest that next time he blocks in that manner, you make a jab at the gut, they don’t always expect it and tend to block elsewhere instead.” And with a small smile he then looked up to the elder Lycan, “Good evening, nice night for it isn’t it?” Looking into the all to familiar features, Ranvier had a great memory when it came to remembering faces, even when he had only glimpsed them briefly.
Ranvier then raised a hand and pointed to the boys, “Oh sorry, I hope you don’t mind me giving them a little constructive criticism?”

[Liam Seymour]

Considering the watchful gaze of an elder, and an elder that they respected at that was upon them the young Lycans were faring well, Liam guessed they were bouyed by a competitive spirit; wanting to beat the other to a pulp just to show how tough they were. He'd seen Lycans fight for far less, he'd in fact fought over the simplest wrong look and for no reason at all than the love of it. The bulkier Jason had using his mainly muscular, weight to his advantage driving the younger Lycan back with hefty, deliberate blows that landed awkwardly upon the wiry Craig a few times; but they weren't quite enough to fell the plucky Lycan who skipped aside of a hasty lunge and darted in beneath Jason's defence with a swift kick to his side, meant to wind the elder Lycan, whose bulk and steardiness protected him, but Craig thought on his feet and quickly followed up with a nasty uppercut to the throat that took Jason completely by surprise. Unable to knock aside the blow it connected with shocking force to his gullet, making Jason stagger backwards clutching his throat and rasping for a breather, as Craig settled back into a fighting stance, still eager for more.

Laughing in appreciation of the moves, from both sides, Liam slowly began to clap and his attention was so transfixed by the match-up that he failed to hear the lighter than light footfalls of the approaching Vampire, before any of them knew it he was perched above them upon a lofty ramp. As the vampire's voice was carried easily down to them by the gentle breeze, Liam was the first to react, but surprisingly not violently, as his sharp gaze swept aloft while his pupils visibly jumped out of their fur, as it were, their edginess plain. Returning smile for smile Liam craned his neck upwards his grin widening as he slowly recognised a vampire he'd fought so often; once to a complete standstill. Liam didn't need to look to know all three of his pupils would have their semi-automatics locked onto the vampire, rolling his eyes he stated simply, "weapons down boys, your training ain't over yet. None of you are anywhere near tackling each other, let alone a vampire...and let alone an elder vampire." Not hearing them replace their weapons, as each looked to the other in confusion, wondering why they weren't at least trying to blast this vampire into oblivion, Liam's stern gaze suddenly fell upon them each in turn, knowing the vampire wouldn't attack; if he'd wanted to he already would have finished them off.

"Put the guns awaay." He drew out his vowels deliberately slowing his speech to patronise them, they should have known to listen to an elder immediately. "This is one time you can trust me...ok?" His gaze had drifted nonchalantly back to the vampire, "oh it's always welcome," he replied now hearing the disgruntled, and frankly scared Lycans slip their weapons back into holsters concealed about their person. "Conditions are perfect," he agreed, "so I'd appreciate you leaving us in peace so we could continue our training?" He asked grinning, "don't spose there's any chance of that?" He left the question hanging but soon added, "as you can see they need a hell of a lot of training," he gestured to the boys, Jason's lip curled in actual disdain, that luckily for him Liam didn't see, Craig shrugged and Fred's shoulder's sagged some more, "so why don't ya go pick on someone your own size?" Sure he knew he was living dangerously, but that's how he liked his life; what was the point otherwise?

Defiantly standing his ground Liam's arms stayed resolutely at his sides as he smiled up at the vampire nodding, believing they had an agreement, he turned his back shooing his pupils away, "come on lads, let's get back to it." During this time Fred had been stood at his shoulder, and now fell into place nervously beside him as they got to Jason and Craig in a couple of lengthy strides, Jason's eyes were rivetted in purest hatred and loathing towards the vampire, and Liam had to grab him by the shoulders and spin him around, giving him a big shove in the back to get him moving as he tried muttering to an equally bemused Craig who had the same question in his mind, "why are we running?"
"Cause I don't want your flaming mother giving me earache when you pick a fight you can't hope to win and get mauled by a vampire...now move." Commanded Liam his voice steely as he guided his protégés just a little way off where they could train, the vampire would still be able to see them, but his pupils would be less edgy and less likely to go running after the bugger guns blazing, they'd just get themselves killed. He just hoped the vampire wasn't looking for a fight...because if he was it wouldn't last very long.

[Ranvier Flynn]

The Lycan younglings, pretty much jumped out of their skins when Ranvier made himself known, though they instantly pulled out their weapons for security which was to be expected of course, they could hardly expect to get him at their level of experience, but it was in away inspiring to see that they would try anyway, well they would of, if not for their elder of course. Ranvier did not move from his position on top of the ramp and just continued to swing his legs, he looked over towards their elder and smiled. “Kids eh, but you can’t blame them for trying. But much appreciated for stopping.” Once again he smiled and gave a slight nod of the head.

Ranvier chuckled quietly, but once again it was carried around the park with ease. “Our battles have paid off, already I see you know me too well. Well I am inquisitive soul, and i only wish to observe which I am sure even you can see no harm in?” He said raising his eyebrows slightly, though a small smile still tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I am sure you have realised already, that if I had meant you harm, you’d be dead by now.”
Looking beyond the elder, he observed the reactions of the younglings as he declared that they needed more training and had to fight himself to remain civil after their response. “Lots of training? Well to our standards that applies to everyone. However for some so young, they are on there way to being fine fighters I am sure.” At this the youngest of the three puffed his chest out a little to try and look more impressive and suitable for the compliment. To which Ranvier shot him a little smile, it was refreshing to see fighters so young, though at the same time, sadness for the length of their lives. And it was all down to Demetrius.

The vampire would have been shocked at how he had been addressed, if not for the fact that he was a Lycan and they had been in more than a few scraps. Though Ranvier decided to humour him, and putting both hands in the air in surrendering manner he uttered. “Woah dude, less of the abuse please. Not infront of the kiddies.” Looking at the younglings again the eldest of the boys looked the most offended and Ranvier would not have been half surprised if he had tempted to reach for his gun again. “As I said previous I have no intention or wish to pick on anyone to night, neither do I ever, only in defence. And just for future reference I believe you and I are just about the same size...ok maybe not, but thats a minor detail.” Ranvier grinned and waved his hands as in casting the minor detail away.

The next part confused Ranvier a little, he seemed to make an agreement with himself, and then turned tail and shuffled the younglings off to a different part of the park. Indeed, it was perhaps an unnecessary agreement Ranvier had already informed him that he was not going to engage into battle with them, and he had clearly already assumed this aswell. All he desired to do was watch them, see different training techniques between the two communities as he himself taught younglings. Ranvier sniggered at the elders comment about not wanting earache if anything happened to them. It was true on all accounts, but luckily vampires did not tend to recruit so young, due to the slow aging it was more a hindrance than anything else. And all others most their parents were long gone. And the only earache that Ranvier had to cope with was that of the droning tones of Silas.
Still a little perplexed at their leaving, he decided not to leave it there. Propelling himself forwards slightly with his hands he slid down the ramp, exuding an eccentric “Weeee” as he went. He came to a halt on the flat at the bottom of a ramp, and heard a little laughter to his right, the youngest had found it a little amusing, and laughed, well that was until he received glares for his fellow younglings, and quickly cut the laugh short. Getting to his feet he grinned and bowed slightly, then followed them round the corner. It would be amusing how the Lycan would react to this, though he knew there was no threat, and had no need to react. The fact of whether he could trust the stockiest youngling was a different manner. He had to consider whether he was likely to inform others of this venture.
((hmmm i hope that was ok.... if not i will re write.. or maybe add more if you want more to go on haha!))

[Harold Veldon]

“…Repeat, can you get a clear shot?” The persistent clipped tones of the desk-sergeant back at High Command echoed in his head, broadcasting over the radio directly into his ear, he’d learnt to shut it out, as he patiently lined up his shot, refusing to reply until he knew he had the buggers bang to rights.

“Do you have a clear target Private?” Repeated the Sergeant in gravely undertones, annoyance creeping into his voice now. He could vividly imagine the anxious man banging the console he ever sat before in frustration, particularly if anyone of higher rank was watching over his shoulder, but Ratcliff was in the field and his utmost concentration had to be focused upon his target, “do you…”
“Yes,” was the response interrupting the Sergeant in mid-rant as his voice had risen in anger.
“Oh…good,”
“Permission to fire sir?” After a momentary pause, when presumably the desk-sergeant looked to a superior the order was given.
“Permission granted soldier.” Ratcliff pulled the trigger, not looking to see if he hit his mark as he trained his sights upon the next victim and let off another bullet. As his sights focused upon his third victim, that was now diving for cover, he heard movement behind him, upon the roof that was the perfect vantage point overlooking the skate park, before he could react, a boot stamped down upon his lower back, causing him to cry out in pain as his sniper rifle was ripped savagely from his grasp and flung down to the streets below. As he rolled and went for his pistol, inside its holster on his belt, a fist connected with his face, blurring his vision, and punches and kicks rained down upon him, he tied blocking the brutal attacks but couldn’t as the blows deftly slipped past his defences pounding upon his chest, he rolled, but a firm grip latched onto his arm and he felt excruciating pain as they stamped a foot upon his shoulder blade and yanked his arm back savagely dislocating it and sending shockwaves of pain into his mind, a hand fell upon his neck and he sank into darkness...


Corporal Ratcliff’s fight had been over before it had begun, but the ten man team stationed on the ground was just beginning theirs; they were positioned ringing around the skate park towards the more rural part of the city to block off their quarries escape route, wanting to drive them back into the city, where other teams were lying in wait. They had taken up defensible and hidden positions in the scant few trees that had once made up a dense copse of trees in the centre of what had been a large park in its heyday. Only their best marksman, who had taken up a loftier position in the one large oak tree, could fully see the five figures, and Franklin assured the others that there were four Lycans and one Vampire, as he had the luckless task of relaying events as they took place to Captain Mundrak whose view was partially obscured by the various skating obstacles dotted seemingly haphazardly all about. The only reasons why they hadn’t been spotted already by the keen eyed Vampire and Lycans was that they couldn’t fully see them either, and that the soldiers had had days to prepare the trap and so had hidden themselves well; crouching within bushes their camouflaged khaki uniform and equipment made them near invisible to the human eye. Now was the time to spring their trap as the Lycans moved their way, strangely deciding not to engage the solitary Vampire that Franklin had sworn had been talking to them, and even joking with them, to which Mundrak had replied ruggedly, “you been drinking Franklin? They’re supposed to be sworn enemies.”
“Hey this war’s all kinds of shit, maybe they’re best mates really? It’s all some elaborate plan to bugger us lot up I say.”
“Are they close enough yet?” Franklin and his conspiracy theories, thought Mundrak exasperatedly, they’d all heard enough of them, rolling his eyes at the nearest trooper, Davidson, who smirked just as Franklin responded,
“just about Captain.” That was their queue,
“right lads, you know the plan, drive ‘em back.” He rose from his haunches feeling anxiety and excitement course through his veins in equal measure, they’d waited a long time for this moment, and now it was upon them the reality of the plan was hitting him, if their aim wasn’t perfect the Lycans would slice through them. Gesturing for the men to fall out he disengaged himself from the bush that had been his home for the last three days and then keeping low moved forward, eyes swivelling from side to side to keep an eye upon his men, who rose from their less than elaborate hiding places and kept equal spacing between them as they ran quickly for the low stone walls, and lower ramps to use as cover, reaching their defences just as the Lycans came into view, hunkering down behind a low wall, Mundrak settled his rifle upon the wall for balance and spoke one word into his mike, “fire.” The retort of his rifle was balanced out by the wall as he opened fire at the lead Lycan just as one crumpled before them, and another clutched his shoulder as their handy sniper had hit his mark, but as their bullets raced towards their foe the Lycans were already diving for cover, and he had no idea where the Vampire had gotten to, he only hoped that Ratcliff had already taken him down.

[Liam Seymour]

As the elder Lycan Liam had a certain responsibility over his protégé’s as he thought of them, he felt like their older brother really, and so saving their hides was his responsibility, he had to do his utmost to ensure their safety, and train them so they could eventually look after themselves so he wouldn’t have to mother them so. This was why he didn’t have kids, and had no intention of ever having them, the brat got sulky because he wouldn’t let him get himself killed in a what Liam wouldn’t even call a fight, it would have been a piece of cake for the swift Vampire to duck under his defences and slice his guts, with the blade of that proficient looking sword that stuck out over his shoulder. But now the lad was sour faced and sulky, and it was up to Liam to sort him out, taking a couple of strides forwards to catch up with the angry Jason he was in the process of trying to storm off again, he tried to console him saying, “you’ll kick his ass one day…just not yet, be bloody patient ok?” Jason was a few metres ahead, but now he turned angrily his rage plain as he spat, “you can’t fucking talk, everyone knows you’ve never had any patience and never will.”

“You little shit,” spat Liam losing his cool, as his anger mounted, but his senses were still alert, as they picked up the dull whirr of a bullet flying through the air, “down,” he shouted rushing forwards to shove Jason to the ground, but it was too late as the bullet passed through the side of his head and lodged in his skull, Jason was dead before he hit the ground, eyes widening in shock they widened still further as a follow up bullet slammed into his shoulder, knocking him sideways, losing balance he fell to the ground just as a salvo of rifle bullets flew overhead. Hearing a voice cry out he was already scrambling into a crouch and stumbling back to the surviving younglings who’d promptly dropped to the ground at his command, but not promptly enough as his eyes fell upon Fred writhing upon the ground in pain, as bullets had slammed into his torso, ignoring his own pain, pushing it to the dark recesses of his mind, Liam scrambled forward with surprising speed on his hands and knees grabbing Fred by the scruff of his neck, and dragging him for the cover of the nearest skateboarding ramp, as wily Craig, returned fire with his Uzi’s covering Liam’s retreat and keeping pace with them, all stayed low, as rapid rifle shots continually pounded towards them, Liam dimly felt a few cut like razors into his back, but his mind was purely focused upon dragging Fred to safety, hauling him by the lapels of his torn shirt he heaved him behind the ramp, collapsing in heap beside the semi-conscious Fred, who whimpered in shock as much as pain, Craig ducked down beside him, his quick reflexes and small frame having allowed him to dodge most of the incoming fire. Grunting in pain Liam set to checking Fred’s wounds, grimly seeking out the bullets, even thrusting his hands into the wounds to drag them out, as Fred cried out in agony he slapped him hard about the face, and the young Lycan slipped into unconsciousness a pained expression still clear on his fresh, innocent face. As he grimly worked away, with brutal efficiency and clearing the wounds he fired questions at Craig, “how many are there?”
Only hesitating for a moment Craig answered in a fairly strong voice, “err… about 10 I’d say.”
“Figures, ten man squad is their usual, where are they exactly?” It was risky for Craig to duck his head around the large ramp, but he did it nonetheless, whipping his neck back just as bullets tore into the ramp.
“They’re behind walls and ramps like ours, but a couple are coming towards us.”
“Aagh,” tearing a bullet that had lodged itself in his leg, Liam gritted his teeth replying, “ok, apply pressure here,” he gestured to the blood still spurting from Fred’s torso, “his body’ll do the work of healing soon enough, and you can keep firing round this corner to cover me.”
“Where are you going?”
“Those buggers aren’t going anywhere unless I bloody move ‘em myself. Now hold up here ok?” He clapped a bloody hand upon Craig’s shoulder, “you’re doin’ well.” He grinned wildly slipping a couple of Beretta’s from his inside pockets. “I’m gonna wheel around behind them, just keep ‘em back.” With that he kept low moving to the other side of the ramp, crawling in the middle where the ramp dipped down. Getting to the edge he peered about the corner, but quickly changed his mind when machine gun fire richoted off the ramp, blasting junks out of it, cutting into his arm. “Agh,” moving back into cover he slithered back decided that wasn’t a good idea afterall. Taking the bemused Craig’s place at that corner he fired off a couple of shots without looking around the ramp, just to keep the soldiers pinned down. “Looks like we’re stuck here, right hemmed in, but we’re gonna go out fighting.” He smirked deliriously the battle frenzy was beginning to take control but he was still wondering where that Vampire had scarpered to, it wasn’t like a vampire to flee a battle, oh wait it was.